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What is a Placket?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 50,640
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In the garment industry, a placket refers both to a slit in clothing and to layers of fabric that may be used to conceal such a slit. While they can appear anywhere in clothing, the term is often used specifically to refer to the button down front of a jacket or blouse. Often, a garment's placket is described in promotional material such as a catalog, to give consumers an idea of what the garment looks like.

When a placket takes the form of a slit or opening, it may be designed to give the wearer access to a pocket, or it might be intended to facilitate putting on and removing clothing. In the latter case, the placket is often associated with fasteners which are intended to keep it closed while the garment is being worn. Snaps, buttons, zippers, and frogs can all be attached to plackets. Because there is often a great deal of stress at a garment opening, the area is typically reinforced.

Garment reinforcement is very important because it ensures that the clothing stays securely attached to the wearer and that it will not rip or tear. The closure of a garment is a particularly high stress area, since it is often pulled and twisted against the grain of the fabric. Typically, stiff interfacing is sewn inside a placket in this case to ensure that it will hold up to hard use while retaining its shape.

When a placket is used as a concealing flap, it may or may not be reinforced. In this instance, it is usually designed to cover fasteners and attachments underneath, creating a smooth and uninterrupted look in the garment. Often, this is called a “flat front placket,” because it evens out the visual appearance of the front of a garment. This type is usually sewn from the same material as the garment, so that it will blend in.

For people who are curious about word origins, “placket” comes from the Old French plaquer, which means “to lay on,” and it is not related to “plaque,” although the two words do sound similar. A placket is always installed at the time of sewing, as it is an integral part of a garment. While it is possible to add a concealing flap to a garment later, it is difficult to make it blend seamlessly with the garment, which defeats the point from the point of view of many designers.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By SarahGrove — On Jun 19, 2011

@ajvician – I don’t blame you for feeling frustrated. When you are sewing garments a well-formed placket can make all the difference in how professional looking your garment is.

I have found several tutorials and videos on the Internet that have helped me to be a better seamstress. They usually point out several professional tips and tools that can be very helpful, too.

I am a visual learner and the videos I have found have helped me the most, but I do like some of the tips extra tips I have read in the written tutorials, so don’t pass those up.

By ajvician — On Jun 16, 2011

I really hate sewing plackets for zippers. I find it so frustrating. My zipper plackets always have that loving-hands-at-home look rather than the professional look I would like them to have.

Does anyone have any tips for putting in zipper plackets? I really need help.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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