What is it? Where does it come from? More importantly does it actually make you appear thinner? The market is flooded with rushing on just about everything. Rushing is essentially an old technique of gathering or pleating fabric in order to give a solid fabric a designed effect. There are women who swear by it, they love it and when I say love I mean LOVE it.

“It makes me look thinner.” “Hides my mid section.” “The imperfections disappear.” With all this buzz everyone should be wearing ruched designs.

From a technical perspective the gathering of fabric actually makes the garment thicker. If you gather 1 yard of fabric you well end up with a piece three quarters to half a yard long. Ruching is a design effect that creates horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines used in a wide range of applications. True this effect can distort the over all image as to give more length, less width and break up top from bottom. Ruching also provides designs with a more feminine or softer look.

There are other techniques in order to achieve design distortion and similar effects. Fabric with vertical texture such as iridescent chiffon or an ombre effect will provide long smooth lines. Princess seams will give shape and length. Asymmetrical patterns add a playful personality to the design. A gown with a beautiful neckline featuring a dress that follows the curve of the body down to the hem line will create length and a soft look. Carefully placed delicate ruching can create an elegant modern feel.

Do not hide your body, use it to wear different styles. When looking for special occasion gowns or wedding dresses think outside of the box and above the hype.