What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smocking
Example
The dress had beautiful smocking around the neckline. [smocking: noun]
Example
She spent hours smocking the baby's dress for the special occasion. [smocking: verb]
shirring
Example
The blouse had delicate shirring along the sleeves. [shirring: noun]
Example
She shirred the waistband of the skirt to create a more fitted look. [shirred: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shirring is more commonly used than smocking in modern fashion and design. While smocking has a more limited usage in traditional or vintage styles, shirring is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of designs and styles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smocking and shirring?
Both smocking and shirring are informal terms used in the context of sewing and fashion design. Neither term is particularly formal or informal.
