What’s a godet?

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A godet is an extra panel of fabric inserted into a skirt or dress that causes it to flare out, allowing for greater freedom of movement. Multiple godets are usually inserted at set intervals, giving the skirt an undulating effect. Godets can be made from the same material as the skirt or in contrasting fabrics. They complement many types of figures and are often made from lightweight fabrics.

A godet is an additional panel of fabric inserted into a skirt or dress that causes it to flare out. Flexible, stretchy patterns often use godets, which also allow greater freedom of movement for the wearer. People looking for flared skirts may want to look into godet patterns, as do people who want a wider range of motion in a skirt. Any type of fabric can be used in a godet skirt, although some fabrics may work better than others.

A related concept is gore, a triangular piece of fabric that fluffs up a skirt and makes it more flowing. A flare starts near the top of a skirt, and is often worn in patterns like A-line skirts. Unlike a gore, a godet is inserted into the bottom of a skirt, starting at least halfway down the skirt, and sometimes longer. This means that the top of the skirt hugs the hips, and the godets cause the skirt to flare out as it hits the knees or calves.

Multiple godets are usually inserted into a skirt at set intervals. The distribution of the godets throughout the skirt gives the skirt an undulating effect. In other cases, a single large godet may be worn at the back of the skirt to make walking more comfortable. Godets can be made from the same material as the skirt, or they can be sewn on in contrasting fabrics or colors for a distinctive look.

Obviously, a skirt with a godet will use more material than it would otherwise. For this reason, lightweight fabrics are often used to make godets so that the skirt will not weigh down. Cotton, silk, and linen are popular choices, as these fabrics are also appropriate for billowing summer skirts. Heavier fabrics like tweed and wool can use godets, of course, but the skirt won’t flow as much.

A skirt with godets complements many types of figures. Plus size clothing manufacturers often use godets to streamline the figure and add a flirty touch to their clothing. On slimmer women, the figure-hugging skirt top can flatter the body, while a godet adds a fun feel. On very tight skirts, a godet at the back ensures that the wearer will still be able to walk, and is more modest than a slit.




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