A structural design element created by gathering or pleating a large amount of fabric into a smaller seam, causing the material to balloon outward. Poufs are commonly used in sleeves, skirts, and historical dressmaking to add dramatic volume. They often require internal support, such as netting, tulle, or stiff interfacing, to maintain their inflated shape.
Heard on the job
We need to add a layer of stiff crinoline inside the sleeve head so the pouf doesn't collapse under its own weight.