Padding is thin cushioned material sometimes added to clothes. It is often done in an attempt to soften impacts on certain zones of the body or enhance appearance by ‘improving’ a physical feature, often a sexually significant one. In fashion, there is padding for: Breasts – sometimes called falsies The male crotch – usually called a codpiece. Height – usually in shoes and often called elevator shoes. Width of shoulders, called shoulder pads – in coats and other garments for men, and sometimes for women.