Ruffles vs. Frills — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 27, 2023
"Ruffles" are gathered fabric creating waves; "Frills" are decorative edges or trimmings. Both enhance aesthetics but vary in design and placement.
Difference Between Ruffles and Frills
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Ruffles" refer to a strip of fabric that's been gathered or pleated, resulting in a wavy pattern, often adding volume or a decorative touch to clothing. In contrast, "Frills" are decorative edges, typically added to garments or items like curtains. They can be fluttery, lacy, or plain.
The distinction between "Ruffles" and "Frills" may sometimes blur, as both embellishments serve to adorn and enhance aesthetics. However, "Ruffles" tend to be more voluminous, often making a more pronounced statement, whereas "Frills" might present as subtle, delicate additions.
"Ruffles" are often seen on skirts, blouses, or dresses, adding a dramatic touch or feminine flair to the garment. They can be large and pronounced or small and delicate. Conversely, "Frills" might be found on the edges of sleeves, collars, or hems, contributing a soft, decorative finish.
Both "Ruffles" and "Frills" have been used historically in fashion, symbolizing different things across eras. While "Ruffles" might be associated with flamboyance and opulence, "Frills" might convey daintiness or innocence. However, both are versatile and are employed based on design preference.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Gathered fabric creating waves
Decorative edges or trimmings
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Appearance
Voluminous and wavy
Subtle and delicate
Placement
Any part of a garment
Typically edges of garments or items
Typical Use
Skirts, blouses, dresses
Edges of sleeves, collars, hems
Historical Association
Flamboyance and opulence
Daintiness or innocence
Compare with Definitions
Ruffles
Gathered fabric adding volume.
The dress had beautiful ruffles down the front.
Frills
Decorative trimmings on items or garments.
Her dress had frills at the hem.
Ruffles
Fashion element providing a dramatic touch.
The ruffles elevated the simple dress.
Frills
Fluttery, lacy, or plain adornments.
The bedspread had frills all around its border.
Ruffles
A strip of frilled or closely pleated fabric used for trimming or decoration.
Frills
Additions providing a soft, decorative finish.
The frills on the sleeves added a touch of femininity.
Ruffles
A ruff on a bird.
Frills
A ruffled, gathered, or pleated border or projection, such as a fabric edge used to trim clothing.
Ruffles
An irregularity or a slight disturbance of a surface
The ruffle on the lake.
Frills
A projection as of hair, feathers, bone, or cartilage, about the neck of an animal.
Ruffles
A beating or rustling sound
The ruffle of drums in the distance.
The ruffle of a skirt on the floor.
Frills
A wrinkling of the edge of a photographic film.
Ruffles
A low continuous beating of a drum that is not as loud as a roll. Also called ruff4.
Frills
(Informal)Something that is desirable but not a necessity; a luxury.
Ruffles
To disturb the smoothness or regularity of; ripple
The wind ruffled the water.
Frills
To make into a ruffle or frill.
Ruffles
To pleat or gather (fabric) into a ruffle.
Frills
To add a ruffle or frill to.
Ruffles
To put a ruffle on (a garment, for example).
Frills
To become wrinkled along the edge.
Ruffles
To erect (the feathers). Used of birds.
Frills
Plural of frill
Ruffles
To discompose or annoy; fluster
A book that is bound to ruffle some people.
Frills
Ornamental objects of no great value.
Ruffles
To flip through (the pages of a book).
Frills
Ornamental objects of no great value
Ruffles
To shuffle (cards).
Frills
Decorative edges on garments.
The shirt had frills on its collar.
Ruffles
To become irregular or rough
His hair ruffled in the wind.
Frills
Subtle embellishments enhancing aesthetics.
The pillowcases had delicate frills.
Ruffles
To become annoyed or flustered
What teacher doesn't ruffle when students act up in class?.
Ruffles
To flip through the pages of a book
Ruffled through the book until I found the picture.
Ruffles
To search for something in a container
Ruffled in her bag looking for the keys.
Ruffles
To make a beating or rustling sound.
Ruffles
To beat a ruffle on (a drum).
Ruffles
(Obsolete) To behave arrogantly or roughly; swagger.
Ruffles
Plural of ruffle
Ruffles
Infl of ruffle
Ruffles
Wavy, decorative design on garments.
Her blouse featured ruffles on the sleeves.
Ruffles
Pleated fabric for aesthetics.
The ruffles on the skirt gave it a unique look.
Ruffles
Fabric manipulation creating a wavy pattern.
Ruffles on the curtain added an elegant touch.
Common Curiosities
How are Frills defined?
Frills are decorative edges or trimmings on garments or items.
Do Ruffles and Frills serve the same purpose?
Both enhance aesthetics, but ruffles add volume, while frills adorn edges.
Where might one find Frills?
Typically on the edges of sleeves, collars, or hems.
Can Ruffles be subtle?
Yes, ruffles can be both large and pronounced or small and delicate.
What are Ruffles?
Ruffles are gathered fabric creating a wavy pattern on garments.
Do Frills signify daintiness?
Frills often convey a sense of daintiness or innocence.
Are Ruffles voluminous?
Yes, ruffles often add volume and a wavy design to garments.
Where are Ruffles typically placed?
On any part of garments like skirts, blouses, or dresses.
What's the key distinction between Ruffles and Frills?
Ruffles are gathered, wavy fabric, while frills are decorative edges or trimmings.
Can both Ruffles and Frills be found on the same garment?
Absolutely, a garment can feature both based on design preference.
Do Frills always come in lace?
No, frills can be lacy, fluttery, or plain.
Which is more pronounced, Ruffles or Frills?
Ruffles tend to be more voluminous and pronounced.
Are Ruffles common in modern fashion?
Yes, ruffles are versatile and remain popular in various fashion trends.
Are Frills associated with a particular era?
Both ruffles and frills have been used historically, symbolizing different things across eras.
Can men's clothing have Frills?
Yes, historically men's clothing, especially formal wear, featured frills.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
