Sash vs. Girdle — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 14, 2024
A sash is a long strip of cloth worn around the waist or over the shoulder, often for ceremonial purposes; a girdle is a belt-like garment worn around the waist to shape the body or hold clothing in place.
Difference Between Sash and Girdle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A sash is typically used as a decorative accessory in uniforms, traditional costumes, or during formal occasions, symbolizing rank or achievement. In contrast, a girdle has more practical uses, either as an undergarment to control and shape the figure or as a simple belt to secure clothing.
Sashes are often made from luxurious fabrics like silk or satin and can be adorned with embellishments or embroidery. Girdles, on the other hand, are usually made from more elastic materials, including lycra or leather, designed to tighten or enhance the body silhouette.
In many cultures, a sash is an important part of national or regional dress, draped over the shoulder and across the chest, signifying cultural identity or ceremonial significance. Conversely, girdles have been historically used both for aesthetic and health-related reasons, such as improving posture or supporting the back.
During awards ceremonies or pageants, sashes are commonly used to denote titles or roles, such as "Miss America." Girdles do not typically have a role in such events but are more focused on being worn under garments to achieve a desired body shape.
While sashes can be a unisex item, seen in both men’s and women’s ceremonial outfits, girdles are more often associated with women’s fashion, particularly in the context of lingerie and shaping garments.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A long strip of cloth worn for ceremonial needs
A belt-like garment for shaping or support
Material
Silk, satin, cotton
Lycra, leather, elastic
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes rank, achievement, or identity
Historically used for posture or aesthetic reasons
Usage in Events
Worn in pageants, ceremonies
Worn under clothes, not typically visible
Gender Association
Commonly unisex
Primarily associated with women’s fashion
Compare with Definitions
Sash
A ceremonial band of cloth worn over the shoulder.
He wore a red sash at the graduation ceremony.
Girdle
A component of lingerie that includes holders for stockings.
Her vintage girdle had delicate lace detailing and garter clips.
Sash
A decorative accessory in traditional attire.
Her kimono was complemented by a brightly colored sash.
Girdle
A form-fitting undergarment to shape the waist.
She wore a girdle under her dress to enhance her silhouette.
Sash
A ribbon worn in beauty pageants.
The winner was awarded a sash that read Miss Congeniality.
Girdle
A supportive belt worn for back support.
After his injury, he wore a girdle to help support his lower back.
Sash
Part of folk costumes across various cultures.
Each dancer wore a sash that represented their cultural heritage.
Girdle
Used historically to signify chastity.
Medieval chastity belts were often referred to as girdles.
Sash
A symbol of office or rank in military uniforms.
The general's uniform was distinguished by a blue sash.
Girdle
An accessory in medieval armor.
The knight secured his sword to a leather girdle.
Sash
A sash is a large and usually colorful ribbon or band of material worn around the body, draping from one shoulder to the opposing hip, or else running around the waist. The sash around the waist may be worn in daily attire, but the sash from shoulder to hip is worn on ceremonial occasions only.
Girdle
A belt, especially if a cord or rope, is called a girdle if it is worn as part of Christian liturgical vestments, or in certain historical, literary or sports contexts. Girdles are used to close a cassock in Christian denominations, including the Anglican Communion, Catholic Church, Methodist Church and Lutheran Church.
Sash
A band or ribbon worn about the waist as part of one's clothing or over the shoulder as a symbol of rank or status, or as part of academic dress.
Girdle
A belt or cord worn round the waist
Her waist was defined by a gold chain girdle
Sash
A frame in which the panes of a window or door are set.
Girdle
A woman's elasticated corset extending from waist to thigh
She wears corsets and girdles, tight and uncomfortable
Sash
To put a band or ribbon about (the waist).
Girdle
The part of a cut gem dividing the crown from the base and embraced by the setting.
Sash
To furnish with a sash.
Girdle
A ring made around a tree by removing bark.
Sash
A piece of cloth designed to be worn around the waist.
Girdle
A heavy, flat iron plate that is heated and used for cooking food; a griddle.
Sash
A decorative length of cloth worn over the shoulder to the opposite hip, often for ceremonial or other formal occasions.
Girdle
Encircle (the body) with a girdle
The Friar loosened the rope that girdled his waist
Sash
(obsolete) shash
Girdle
Cut through the bark all the way round (a tree or branch), typically in order to kill it or to kill a branch to make the tree more fruitful
Sometimes the trees were completely girdled and died
Sash
The opening part (casement) of a window usually containing the glass panes, hinged to the jamb, or sliding up and down as in a sash window.
Girdle
A belt or sash worn around the waist.
Sash
A draggable vertical or horizontal bar used to adjust the relative sizes of two adjacent windows.
Girdle
Something that encircles like a belt.
Sash
(sawmilling) The rectangular frame in which the saw is strained and by which it is carried up and down with a reciprocating motion; the gate.
Girdle
An elasticized, flexible undergarment worn over the waist and hips to give the body a more slender appearance.
Sash
(chemistry) A window-like part of a fume hood which can be moved up and down in order to create a barrier between chemicals and people.
Girdle
A band made around the trunk of a tree by the removal of a strip of bark.
Sash
(transitive) To adorn with a sash.
Girdle
The edge of a cut gem held by the setting.
Sash
(transitive) To furnish with a sash.
Girdle
(Anatomy)The pelvic or pectoral girdle.
Sash
A scarf or band worn about the waist, over the shoulder, or otherwise; a belt; a girdle, - worn by women and children as an ornament; also worn as a badge of distinction by military officers, members of societies, etc.
Girdle
To encircle with a belt.
Sash
The framing in which the panes of glass are set in a glazed window or door, including the narrow bars between the panes.
Girdle
To form a circle around:a ring of hills that girdled the city.
Sash
In a sawmill, the rectangular frame in which the saw is strained and by which it is carried up and down with a reciprocating motion; - also called gate.
Girdle
To remove a band of bark and cambium from the circumference of (a tree), usually in order to kill it.
Sash
To adorn with a sash or scarf.
Girdle
That which girds, encircles, or encloses; a circumference
Sash
To furnish with a sash or sashes; as, to sash a door or a window.
Girdle
A belt or sash at the waist, often used to support stockings or hosiery.
Sash
A framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
Girdle
A garment used to hold the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and/or thighs in a particular shape.
Sash
A band of material around the waist that strengthens a skirt or trousers
Girdle
The zodiac; also, the equator.
Girdle
The line of greatest circumference of a brilliant-cut diamond, at which it is grasped by the setting.
Girdle
(mining) A thin bed or stratum of stone.
Girdle
The clitellum of an earthworm.
Girdle
The removal or inversion of a ring of bark in order to kill or stunt a tree.
Girdle
(transitive) To gird, encircle, or constrain by such means.
Girdle
(transitive) To kill or stunt a tree by removing or inverting a ring of bark.
Girdle
A griddle.
Girdle
That which girds, encircles, or incloses; a circumference; a belt; esp., a belt, sash, or article of dress encircling the body usually at the waist; a cestus.
Within the girdle of these walls.
Their breasts girded with golden girdles.
Girdle
The zodiac; also, the equator.
From the world's girdle to the frozen pole.
That gems the starry girdle of the year.
Girdle
The line ofgreatest circumference of a brilliant-cut diamond, at which it is grasped by the setting. See Illust. of Brilliant.
Girdle
A thin bed or stratum of stone.
Girdle
The clitellus of an earthworm.
Girdle
To bind with a belt or sash; to gird.
Girdle
To inclose; to environ; to shut in.
Those sleeping stones,That as a waist doth girdle you about.
Girdle
To make a cut or gnaw a groove around (a tree, etc.) through the bark and alburnum, thus killing it.
Girdle
An encircling or ringlike structure
Girdle
A band of material around the waist that strengthens a skirt or trousers
Girdle
A woman's close-fitting foundation garment
Girdle
Cut a girdle around so as to kill by interrupting the circulation of water and nutrients;
Girdle the plant
Girdle
Put a girdle on or around;
Gird your loins
Common Curiosities
Can a sash hold clothing in place?
No, a sash is not designed to secure clothing but is worn more for decoration or symbolism.
What is the primary purpose of a sash?
A sash is mainly used as a decorative or ceremonial accessory.
Are sashes gender-specific?
No, sashes are worn by both men and women, depending on the cultural or ceremonial context.
Is a girdle comfortable to wear?
Comfort can vary depending on the design and material of the girdle.
What is the primary purpose of a girdle?
A girdle is used to shape the body or support clothing.
Are girdles visible when worn?
Girdles are usually worn under clothing and are not meant to be visible.
Can girdles have health benefits?
Yes, certain types of girdles can offer back support and improve posture.
How do you wear a sash?
A sash is typically draped over one shoulder and tied or secured at the waist.
Do men wear girdles?
While less common, men can wear girdles, especially for back support or body shaping.
Are sashes used in everyday fashion?
Generally, sashes are not used in everyday fashion but are reserved for special occasions or uniforms.
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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.
