What is a placket?

A placket is an opening in a garment that allows for dressing and undressing, or for adjusting the fit. It's essentially a finished slit or opening that makes clothing easier to put on and take off. Plackets are commonly found in shirts, skirts, trousers, and dresses. They can be located at the front, back, side, or sleeve of a garment.

Several types of plackets exist, each with a different construction method and appearance. Some common examples include:

• Continuous Bound Placket: A simple and durable placket made by binding the raw edges of the opening with a strip of fabric.
• Faced Placket: This placket uses a facing to finish the raw edges of the opening, creating a clean and neat finish.
• Fly Front Placket: Commonly found in trousers and jeans, the fly front placket features overlapping layers of fabric and a zipper or button closure.
• Button Placket: A strip of fabric is added to one or both sides of the opening to accommodate buttons and buttonholes.
• Hidden Placket: Also known as a concealed placket, where the closure (buttons or zipper) is hidden behind a fold of fabric, creating a clean and minimalist look.

The construction of a placket can vary based on the fabric, garment design, and desired aesthetic. Understanding the different types of plackets and their construction methods is a valuable skill for sewing and garment making.