smock

A smock is a loose-fitting outer garment worn to protect clothes during work or craft. It is designed to be worn over regular clothing and can open at the front or be pulled over the head. Smocks range in length from hip to knee, and may be made of sturdy fabrics such as cotton, denim, wool, or oilcloth. In its historical form, the smock-frock appeared in rural Britain as a practical garment for farmworkers; it was typically knee-length and meant to withstand dirt, weather, and wear.

Beyond rural wear, the term also covers protective garments used in various trades. A painter's smock, for example, is a loose, often long-sleeved garment with pockets to hold brushes and tools, worn to shield clothes from paint. In science and industry, a smock refers to a disposable or reusable gown or lab coat-like garment used in laboratories, workshops, and medical settings.

Smocking is a distinct textile technique historically associated with smocks. It involves stitching that gathers fabric to create decorative or functional elasticity, often used on the bodice or sleeves of smocks and other garments. The technique yields a characteristic lattice or honeycomb pattern when the fabric is stretched.

See also: smock-frock; smocking.