Cocoon shape
Also known as: Cocoon silhouette, Egg silhouette
Silhouette with soft, oval volume at shoulder and body that tapers narrow at the hem — the classic cocoon shape.
Description
The cocoon silhouette is a soft, egg-shaped outline: shoulders and body carry substantial volume that tapers narrow at the hem. Sleeves are usually low-set or cut as batwings; the hem often sits at hip or knee length.
Originally coined by Cristóbal Balenciaga in the 1950s and revived by Céline and The Row in the 2010s. Common garments: winter coats, ponchos, knit cardigans and cocktail dresses. Ideal materials are medium-weight wool blends, bouclé, cashmere blends and heavy-drape knits that hold the volume. Advantage: comfortable and weatherproof, hides the waistline — largely body-type independent.
- Oval outline: wide at top, narrow at hem
- Often with batwing or drop-shoulder sleeves
- Standard for modern cocoon coats and ponchos
- Requires shape-stable medium-weight fabrics
Properties
| Shape principle | Oval outline, wide top, narrow hem |
|---|---|
| Sleeve | Batwing or drop-shoulder |
| Suitable fabrics | Wool blends, bouclé, heavy knits |
| Classic garments | Cocoon coats, ponchos, cardigans |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Cristóbal Balenciaga Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crist%C3%B3bal_Balenciaga
- Wikipedia: A-line (EN) Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-line_(clothing)
