Set In Pad

Definition and Overview

A set in pad is a shoulder pad for set-in sleeves that are sewn into the armhole of the body. It has a shape that gradually extends from the shoulder point toward the armhole side, adding fullness and roundness near the shoulder line and creating a three-dimensional shoulder area.

It may simply be called a shoulder pad, but the distinguishing feature of a set in pad is that its shape matches the sleeve attachment line of a set-in sleeve. It is used to follow the position where the sleeve is attached and the shoulder slope, helping to refine the appearance of the outer fabric.

Placement and Role

It is mainly used at the shoulder points of jackets, coats, and dresses, and is placed between the outer fabric and lining, or between the outer fabric and facing. It also helps refine the shoulder outline and make dips at the sleeve attachment and the effect of seam allowance less noticeable.

Depending on thickness and firmness, it can adjust the impression from a structured, tailored shoulder to a natural, soft shoulder. It is used not only to emphasize shoulder width, but also to maintain the shape of the shoulder area in thin or soft outer fabrics.

Materials and Types

The core material may be nonwoven fabric, fibrous batting, or foam, and many products have a nonwoven or knitted surface wrap. Lightness, resilience, ease of sewing, and suitability for washing or dry cleaning vary depending on the material composition.

Shapes vary in shoulder-point thickness, projection toward the armhole side, and front-to-back thickness distribution. Choose according to the design and fabric thickness, from thin and natural types to thicker types and types that more easily emphasize the shoulder point.

• If the outer fabric is thin, consider a thin, smooth type that makes the outline or the show-through and impression of the core less noticeable.
• For heavy garments, check the resilience and shape stability needed to maintain the shoulder shape against the weight of the outer fabric.
• Because they are used as a pair, make sure not to mix up thickness, shape, or front and back orientation.

Main Applications

In tailored jackets and suits, they are used to refine the shoulder line and make the sleeve attachment look neat. They are also used in coats, uniforms, and formal wear, adjusting the presence and tailored look of the shoulder as needed.

In dresses and fashion-forward dresses, they may be used as an auxiliary material to create the shoulder-point form. On the other hand, garments that emphasize drape and softness may omit the pad or use an extremely thin one.

Selection and Sewing Notes

When selecting one, check the shoulder width, shoulder slope, armhole shape, outer fabric thickness and stretch, and whether there is a lining. If the pad is too large, it can easily protrude toward the armhole side; if too small, support at the shoulder point will be insufficient and the intended silhouette will be hard to achieve.

During sewing, align the center position and front-back orientation of the pad, and lightly secure it to the shoulder line and seam allowance of the armhole. If the outer fabric is pulled while sewing it on, puckering or steps may appear on the surface, so finish while checking the hanging balance.

A raglan shoulder pad is a shoulder pad that corresponds to the style line of a raglan sleeve, and the suitable sleeve structure differs from that of a set in pad. A covered shoulder pad refers to a decorative pad with its surface wrapped in the same fabric or similar material, and its intended use and visual effect differ.

Frequently Asked Questions