A fichu ( /ˈfiːʃuː/, from the French "thrown over") is a large, square kerchief worn by women to fill in the low neckline of a bodice.
It originated in the United Kingdom in the 18th century and remained popular there and in France through the 19th with many variations, [1] as well as in the United States. [2] The fichu was generally of linen fabric and was folded diagonally into a triangle and tied, pinned, or tucked into the bodice in front.
A fichu is sometimes used with a brooch to conceal the closure of a décolleté neckline. The fichu can thus be fastened in the front, or crossed over the chest. The cross-over fichu sometimes extended all the way to the back. Some models include a large over-the-shoulders back piece. [3]
The fichu found in several traditional cultures resembles a poncho that covers only the shoulders and chest.
A fichu ( /ˈfiːʃuː/, from the French "thrown over") is a large, square kerchief worn by women to fill in the low neckline of a bodice.
It originated in the United Kingdom in the 18th century and remained popular there and in France through the 19th with many variations, [1] as well as in the United States. [2] The fichu was generally of linen fabric and was folded diagonally into a triangle and tied, pinned, or tucked into the bodice in front.
A fichu is sometimes used with a brooch to conceal the closure of a décolleté neckline. The fichu can thus be fastened in the front, or crossed over the chest. The cross-over fichu sometimes extended all the way to the back. Some models include a large over-the-shoulders back piece. [3]
The fichu found in several traditional cultures resembles a poncho that covers only the shoulders and chest.