pompon

Pompon, also spelled pom-pom in English, refers to a small, fluffy ball or tuft used as a decorative element on clothing, accessories, and objects. It is commonly spherical and made from yarn, felted fabric, or synthetic fibers, though variations with feathers or beads exist. Pompons may be hand-tied or produced by machines, and can range in diameter from a few centimeters to several inches.

In fashion and crafts, pompons appear on knitted hats, scarves, mittens, bags, and trim for garments. They are also used in theater and stage design, and as children's craft embellishments. In sports and cheerleading, large, bright pom-poms are waved for visual effect and team spirit.

The spelling pompon is of French origin; pom-pom is the more common form in American English, while some languages use pompon without the hyphen. The concept exists in many cultures, with regional variations in material and construction.

Care and maintenance typically involve gentle handling; many modern pompons shed loose fibers and may be cleaned by spot cleaning or gentle hand wash if the material permits, then reshaped and dried flat. Some fur or feather pompons require specialized care or should be avoided near heat.