Shoulder Pads, Chest Pads and Blouse Pads for Structured Wear

Structure is what makes a blazer look sharp and a designer blouse sit properly across the shoulders. Most of that structure is hidden, built from pads of different shapes stitched inside the garment. Tailors use three main kinds: shoulder pads, chest pads and blouse pads, plus a roll of double tape that holds it all in place. Knowing which is which saves a lot of unpicking later.

Shoulder pads for blazers and coats

Shoulder pads lift and square the shoulder line. A set-in shoulder pad is the curved type used in tailored blazers, coats and structured kurtas where the sleeve is sewn into a round armhole. A raglan pad is shaped differently for raglan sleeves. The thickness you choose decides how aggressive the shoulder looks: thin for a soft natural line, thick for a sharp formal cut.

We stock a range of shoulder pad shapes and densities. You can see them on our pads page or send a photo of your pattern on WhatsApp at +91 98402 69851 and we will tell you which suits it.

Chest pads and canvas for fullness

A chest pad, sometimes called a chest piece, adds gentle fullness across the front of a coat or blazer so the chest does not look hollow. It works together with hair canvas to build the front shape of a proper jacket. For lighter garments and uniforms, a layer of fusible canvas ironed in often gives enough body without a separate pad.

Blouse pads and double tape

Blouse pads, sometimes called cup pads or moulded pads, are the soft foam cups stitched into a designer blouse or gown to give shape and support without a separate inner. They come in moulded and detachable types. Detachable pads sit in a pocket so the customer can remove them for washing.

Double tape, the two-sided fabric tape, is what tailors use to hold pads, hems and necklines in place before stitching, and to fix a slipping pallu or neckline on the day. Keep a roll on the table: it saves pins and gives a cleaner press. Pair the pads with a soft lining so the foam does not show through a fitted blouse.

Choosing for the garment

Set-in shoulder pads for blazers and structured kurtas, chest pads with canvas for full coats, moulded cup pads for blouses and gowns, and a roll of double tape to assemble it all neatly. Each is inexpensive next to the cost of the outer fabric, so it is worth keeping a small stock of each shape. Visit us in Rattan Bazaar, Sowcarpet and feel the densities before you decide.