A smock is a loose overgarment worn to protect ones clothing while working. It is traditionally worn by rural workers, such as shepherds and waggoners, in parts of England and Wales throughout the 18th century. Today, the word smock can refer to a variety of loose garments worn for protection, such as a painter's smock.
Some key features of a traditional smock-frock include fullness across the back, breast, and sleeves folded into "tubes" held in place and decorated by smocking, a type of surface embroidery in a honeycomb pattern across the pleats that controls the fullness while allowing a degree of stretch. The traditional smock-frock is made of heavy linen or wool and varies from thigh-length to mid-calf length.
In modern times, smocks can refer to a variety of loose garments worn for protection while working, such as a smock jacket. They can also refer to a woman's undergarment, such as a chemise.
