What does sashing mean?
Sashing is a decorative band of fabric, ribbon, or similar material. It may be wrapped around the waist, worn diagonally over one shoulder, or used as ornamental trim on clothing, costumes, furnishings, and ceremonial displays. Unlike a functional belt, sashing is usually chosen primarily for its colour, pattern, texture, or decorative effect. The word appears especially often in descriptions of formal dress, stage costumes, historical uniforms, holiday decorations, and other contexts where an ornamental band adds visual emphasis. In the broader sense, sashing can refer to the material itself rather than to one particular strip: a tailor might speak of “red sashing” for a fabric intended to trim a garment. The related word “sash” is more usual for an individual band worn around the waist or shoulder, while “sashing” often suggests the fabric or ornamental trim more generally. The term should not be confused with “sassing,” which commonly describes impudent speech.
nounA decorative band or strip of fabric worn around the waist or across the body as an ornament. The term can also refer more generally to ornamental ribbon or cloth used to trim garments and furnishings.
- A decorative band or strip of fabric, especially one worn around the waist or over the shoulder.
- Ornamental cloth or ribbon used to trim a garment, furnishing, or similar object.
"She finished her costume with a broad red sash and matching gold sashing."
"Bright blue sashing framed the opening ceremony."
"The tailor added narrow sashing along the cuffs and collar."
Usually plural when referring to several separate decorative bands, although the singular or mass use is common when discussing the material generally.
"The dancers entered wearing bright sashings and matching headdresses."
The word for a ribbon at the waist can also describe the ribbon on a drum, linking elegance on the stage to percussion in the pit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sashing come from?
The word derives from “sash,” which entered English in the Middle English period from an Old French word meaning a band of silk. That French word was borrowed from Russian “sash,” itself associated with Turkic vocabulary for a belt or striking blow. Over time, English “sash” developed meanings including a decorative band worn on the body and a sliding framework in a window, from which “sashing” arose.
Related word forms
How sashing is actually used
The term is most common in decorative, ceremonial, costume, and furnishing contexts. When describing a band worn over one shoulder, many speakers simply use the shorter and more frequent word “sash.”
Easily confused with sashing
“Sashing” is a decorative band or strip of fabric, whereas “sassing” usually means speaking to someone in a rude or impudent manner.