What does gusseted mean?
Gusseted is an adjective describing a garment or garment component that includes a gusset. A gusset is an inserted piece of fabric, commonly shaped like a triangle and placed beneath the arm or at the shoulder where sections of a garment meet. Such inserts can make a garment easier to move in, improve its fit, and strengthen an area subjected to strain. The term is especially associated with tailoring, workwear, sports clothing, and other garments designed for substantial movement. In construction, the gusseted underarm of a shirt or jacket may be mentioned because it allows the fabric to fall away from the body without pulling across the chest. The word is technical enough to be recognized by clothing designers and sewists but remains understandable in general descriptions of practical garments. It should not be used merely to mean reinforced: the defining feature is the presence of a distinct inserted panel or piece.
adjectiveHaving or incorporating a gusset, especially a triangular or shaped piece of fabric inserted to provide ease of movement or additional strength at an underarm, shoulder, or other junction.
- Describing a garment or garment component that incorporates a gusset, usually to improve ease of movement, fit, or strength at a junction.
"The tailor adjusted the gusseted underarm of the jacket to give the wearer more room to move."
"The tailor adjusted the gusseted underarm of the jacket to give the wearer more room to move."
"The shirt's gusseted underarm reduced bunching when the wearer reached overhead."
The hidden triangle in a gusseted sleeve is a small piece of fabric that can transform how comfortably a garment moves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gusseted come from?
The adjective comes from the English noun gusset, which derives through Anglo-French from the French gousset, denoting a joining piece. The word was historically associated with pieces joining sections of armor and later with inserted fabric in garments. The ultimate origin of the French word is uncertain, so the development into a modern sewing term is better understood through the established French and English forms rather than a more specific ancient source.
Related word forms
How gusseted is actually used
This is chiefly a term of garment construction and patternmaking. It is more specific than simply “reinforced” or “roomier,” because it identifies the use of an inserted gusset rather than describing the resulting benefit by itself.
Easily confused with gusseted
A gusset is the inserted piece of fabric itself, whereas gusseted describes a garment or other object that contains one.