Blousing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The practice of adjusting the hem of a garment to form folds or a billowing effect involves styling techniques for visual enhancement and fabric manipulation
2. This technique consists of tucking or rolling clothing edges to create ornamental effects while emphasizing the wearer's shape
3. A method of altering the fit of a garment involves tucking or draping fabric to achieve a voluminous and stylish appearance while enhancing the figure

Etymology: "Blousing" is the present participle of "blouse," the verb meaning to puff out loose fabric so that it hangs in soft folds over a belt or waistband. The verb comes from the noun "blouse," which English borrowed from French in 1828. In French, "blouse" named a workman's or peasant's smock, a loose overgarment worn to protect clothes beneath. The verb, then, describes the look of that garment: fabric gathered at the waist and allowed to hang loosely above it. The shape of the smock gave the action its name, so "blousing" describes a garment's silhouette rather than any movement of the wearer.

Synonyms: tucking, gathering