Gores are the vertical fabric sections that make up a hot-air balloon envelope.
A modern hot-air balloon envelope is assembled from many long, tapered panels. Each panel is called a gore, and the gores are joined together to create the balloon’s rounded shape. The seams and reinforcing tapes help distribute the stresses produced during inflation and flight.
Gores are not the same as load tapes. Load tapes are reinforcing strips that run along seams and connect the envelope’s loads to the basket or burner frame. The fabric itself is commonly a lightweight, heat-resistant synthetic material such as ripstop nylon, while the lower portion near the burner receives additional protection.
The number, shape, and arrangement of gores vary with balloon design. Decorative patterns are often built into the gore layout, which is why many balloons have recognizable panels, stripes, or figures without using a separate outer shell.