When you hear the word "gusset," what comes to mind? Do you think it has something to do with fishing? Maybe you're picturing a weird weapon. It turns out, a gusset has many uses, not limited to bridge building, food packaging, and pants wearing.
What is a gusset? How's it used? Let's dive into everything you need to know about this handy item!
The word "gusset" was first used in 13th century France to describe the armpit of a suit of armor. Medieval knights could have been stabbed in this area during jousting matches, but the gusset kept them out of harm's way.
Fast forward to today and gussets are used to add durability and mobility to a variety of products, from construction equipment to blue jeans. They are designed to provide additional support and eliminate stress.
https://www.homedepot.comIn construction, gusset plates are connected via welding, bolts, or rivets. This is done using heavy duty equipment for large projects, like a skyscraper or new city bridge. For smaller projects, like home improvement, you can find gussets in a variety of shapes and sizes from hardware stores like Home Depot or Menards.
https://www.homedepot.comGussets are used by a variety of industries, from construction to fashion, to add strength and flexibility to their products. This piece is made from either fabric, plastic, metal, or wood and can be found in:
Diamond or triangular gussets are sewn onto undergarments, blue jeans, flannels, or collared shirts. Without this piece, you might have embarrassing ripping when you reach to a high shelf or bend over to pick something up.
Cotton, canvas, or leather tote bags may contain a gusset at the bottom. This addition helps the bags hold heavier objects, like books or groceries, without tearing.
Fishplates, or as they're also known gusset plates, are used to connect different beams and columns in buildings or bridges. They're made from wood or heavy metals like steel or aluminum.
If you're building a new deck or porch, you'll need to attach the beams together using a wood gusset. This item comes in handy for a variety of home repairs.
Go to the grocery store and you'll see gussets in everything from bags of pasta to boxes of strawberries. They are designed to help the package expand and hold a larger quantity.
Metal gussets are commonly found in robots to add joint mobility!
Food packaging is an industry that relies heavily on gussets, which provide extra durability and support to bags and containers. The different styles include:
https://www.clearbags.com/This type of gusset is found at the bottom of pouches and bags that hold dried foods like nuts and candies.
http://www.elif.com/The "K" style gusset is added to the bottom of the bag and helps it stand upright. It's most handy for packaging moderate to heavy products like fruits and veggies.
https://www.samsclub.com/This gusset is added to the bottom of bags to help them stay upright even when the weight is reduced. You'll see plow bottom gussets in bags of sugar or flour.
https://www.sav-onbags.com/Bags with this type of gusset are entirely flat on the bottom. The gusset is located on the side to help the container maintain its boxed shape.
The gusset is one of those little, forgotten about items that makes a huge difference. Everything from the blue jeans you wear on the weekends to the bridge you use for your morning commute is more durable thanks to this tiny item.
Who would have thought such a small item could be so significant? From your afternoon snack to the Golden Gate Bridge, there's a whole world out there that relies on gussets!
Quality Logo Products are experts on all things printed and promotional. Let our team of awesome, incredibly good looking, and fun promo nerds help you select awesome promotional swag today!
Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band ACDC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.
Online Etymology Dictionary. (2018). Gusset. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=gusset
ABC Packaging Direct. (2018). Different Styles of Gussets for Pouch Bags. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from https://www.standuppouches.net/blog/different-styles-of-gussets-for-pouch-bags
The Renaissance Tailor. (2018). History, Definitions, and Uses - Gussets. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from http://www.renaissancetailor.com/demos_goresgussets.htm
Do it Yourself. (2018). Gusset. Retrieved from, https://www.doityourself.com/stry/manufactured-house-vs-regular-home
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