Jabots

A jabot is a decorative neck frill that extends from the collar of a shirt, blouse, or frock. It is typically made of lace, fine linen, tulle, or other sheer fabrics and may be attached directly to the garment or worn as a detachable insert pinned or buttoned into place. Jabots are often pleated or ruffled and are used to frame the face with a soft, lightweight texture.

Historically, jabots emerged in European fashion during the early modern period and became a prominent feature of formal dress. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they appeared in men’s court attire as ornate lace or embroidered frills, sometimes paired with stiffening to hold their shape. By the 18th century, jabots had spread throughout aristocratic dress in various European regions. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, jabots also appeared in women’s fashion, frequently as a prominent collar or bib on blouses and dresses, where they could be detachable for laundering or to alter the appearance of an outfit.

Materials and construction vary widely. Jabots may be delicate lace, beaded or embroidered lace, or solid fabric cut into ruffles and pleats. They can be narrow or wide in extent and are often secured with pins, ribbons, or small buttons. Their detachable form was popular because it allowed a single blouse or shirt to be dressed up with different jabots for different occasions.

In modern dress, jabots are most commonly encountered in historical costumes, period fashion revivals, and certain ceremonial or theatrical garments. They are less common in everyday contemporary fashion, though they may appear as statement or vintage-inspired accessories.