---
title: "Gusset"
description: "A gusset is a small piece of fabric, usually square or diamond-shaped, inserted into a seam to add room or strength, typically under the arm or at the crotch."
type: Glossary
url: https://teazle.art/glossary/gusset
published: 2026-10-14
updated: 2026-10-14
author: "The Teazle editors"
---

# Gusset

*A gusset is a small piece of fabric, usually square or diamond-shaped, inserted into a seam to add room or strength, typically under the arm or at the crotch.*

Where a garment is under strain, as at the underarm of a close sleeve, a gusset adds a small panel so the wearer can move without tearing the seams. Historic shirts and smocks, cut from rectangles to avoid waste, relied on gussets for fit.


## Sources

1. [Gusset (AAT 300239408)](http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300239408). Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus
2. [Common sewing and pattern making terms defined](https://blog.fabrics-store.com/?p=32171). Fabrics-store.com
3. [Gusset (Q244554)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q244554). Wikidata

Canonical: https://teazle.art/glossary/gusset