flounce

Flounce is a decorative element used in clothing. As a noun, a flounce refers to a strip or panel of fabric that is attached to a garment along a seam or edge and is gathered, pleated, or cut in circular shapes to create fullness. Flounces are commonly used at hems, sleeves, or necklines, and can be part of a single feature or multiple tiers. They have appeared in various forms throughout fashion history, notably in skirts and dresses to add movement and volume.

As a verb, flounce means to move or proceed with exaggerated, awkward, or showy motions, or to leave a place abruptly in a dramatic fashion. The action is often described as "flouncing out" or "flouncing off," and can be used humorously or critically to imply affectation or petulance. The verb usage is distinct from the garment term, though the two senses share a common imagery of motion and display.

Variations include flounced sleeves, flounced hems, and two-tier flounces. In sewing patterns, flounces are typically designed as separate pieces attached to the garment along a top edge, sometimes with a separate lining, and can be circular, semi-circular, or shaped to align with the garment's silhouette. The term is most common in historical or vintage fashion, though modern designs occasionally incorporate flounces for retro or romantic effect.