puckers

Puckers, the plural form of pucker, is a term used across several disciplines to describe a small, rounded indentation, wrinkle, or fold that results from a contraction or gathering of material. The idea behind puckering is a local reduction in surface area or a tightening of tissue, fabric, or skin, often producing a characteristic crinkled appearance.

In human expression and anatomy, puckering most commonly refers to pursing the lips into a rounded shape. This action involves the orbicularis oris muscle and is a common component of facial communication, including kissing, signaling disapproval, or reacting to taste or fragrance that elicits a sour or strong sensation.

In textiles and sewing, puckers describe unwanted wrinkles or folds in fabric, typically along seams, hems, or edges. They arise from imbalanced tension between fabric and thread, incorrect needle or stitch settings, moisture changes, or improper finishing. Puckers can affect the appearance and fit of garments and may be addressed by adjusting machine tension, using stabilizers, choosing appropriate needles, or altering fabric handling.

In botany and horticulture, puckering can refer to wrinkled or crinkled leaves, petals, or fruits caused by uneven water status, turgor pressures, or mineral deficiencies. Puckering in plant tissues may indicate stress, disease, or environmental imbalance and can influence plant health and aesthetic qualities.

Beyond these domains, puckering can describe localized folding or surface texture changes in materials under mechanical stress, including metals, plastics, or leather, and is sometimes used metaphorically to describe surface irregularities in various products. The precise meaning of puckers depends on the context and the material involved.