What is a Placket?: Have you ever seen a shirt with an opening at the front, covered by a flap of fabric? That is called a placket, and it is a feature that has been found in many types of clothing for centuries. In this article, we’ll take a look at what exactly a placket is, its history, and how it is used today.
What is a Placket?
A placket is a type of opening found at the front of a garment, usually in the form of a pocket, covered by a flap of fabric or a buttoned or zippered closure. It has been used in many types of clothing, including shirts, trousers, and dresses, for centuries. A placket is typically used to provide access to a pocket, or to provide a neat and tidy opening for buttons and fastenings.
History of Plackets
Plackets have been used in clothing since the medieval period, when they were used to secure garments such as gowns or cloaks. By the late 16th century, plackets were being used in shirts and blouses, often with a single button at the top, and a lace or ribbon tie at the bottom.
The use of plackets in clothing continued to expand in the 17th and 18th centuries, and by the 19th century, many shirts featured a full-length placket with multiple buttons. As fashion trends changed, the placket took on different forms and was used in different types of clothing, such as trousers and dresses.
Types of Plackets
Today, there are many different types of plackets used in clothing, including full-length plackets, short plackets, and concealed plackets. Full-length plackets are the most common type of placket, and are typically used in shirts and blouses. They usually feature a series of buttons, zippers, or snaps along the full length of the placket. Short plackets are shorter than full-length plackets, and are usually used in garments such as dresses and skirts. They often have only a few buttons or a single zipper closure. Concealed plackets are hidden beneath an additional layer of fabric, and are usually used in more formal garments, such as dress shirts and jackets.
How to Sew a Placket
Sewing a placket is a relatively straightforward process, and can be accomplished with a few basic sewing supplies. First, the fabric should be cut to the desired size, taking into account the size of the placket and the type of closure being used. The fabric is then sewn together to form the placket, with the closure being added last. Special placket feet can be used to make the process easier, but are not necessary.
Current Use of Plackets
Today, plackets are used in many types of clothing, including shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, and trousers. They are often used in more formal garments to provide a neat and tidy opening for buttons and fastenings. Plackets can also be used to provide access to a pocket, or to add a decorative touch to a garment.
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