All About Seams: What Holds Your Garment Together (and Why It Matters)

All About Seams: What Holds Your Garment Together (and Why It Matters)

1. What Is a Seam?

A seam is where two pieces of fabric are joined together by stitching. Seams are responsible for:

  • Holding the garment together

  • Affecting comfort and stretch

  • Contributing to the shape and structure

  • Influencing the inside/outside finish of the garment

At HEM APPAREL, we choose seam types based on the garment’s function, fabric, and final aesthetic.


2. Common Seam Types and Their Uses

Seam Type Description Best For
Plain Seam Basic edge-to-edge stitch, pressed open Most T-shirts, shirts
French Seam Encloses raw edge inside seam Delicate fabrics, dresses
Flat-Felled Seam Fully enclosed, double-stitched seam Jeans, workwear, rugged outerwear
Bound Seam Edged with tape or bias binding Jackets, sportswear
Lapped Seam One piece overlaps another Denim, structured pieces
Flatlock Seam No seam allowance, lays flat on both sides Performancewear, activewear

3. Seam Type by Product Category

Product Common Seam Types
T-shirts Plain seam + overlocked edges
Jeans Flat-felled + topstitch
Leggings Flatlock seam for zero bulk
Outerwear Jacket Bound seam for cleaner finish
Dresses (sheer) French seam for elegance

A wrong seam choice can lead to discomfort, unraveling, or a bulky finish — especially with stretchy or delicate fabrics.


4. Seams and Customer Experience

The seam affects how a garment feels when worn:

  • Flat seams = less irritation (great for activewear)

  • Reinforced seams = better durability (good for uniforms)

  • Topstitched seams = add design value (great for streetwear)

Seam details are often unnoticed by customers — until they become a problem.


5. Tips for Communicating Seam Preferences

When briefing your manufacturer:

✅ Use photos of seams you like
✅ Specify exposed or hidden seams
✅ Mention if it needs reinforcement (e.g., shoulder tape, double stitch)
✅ Ask for inside-out photos of samples if you're unsure

At HEM APPAREL, we advise brands on seam options that match both cost and design intent.


🔚 Conclusion

Seams are more than just structure — they’re silent contributors to quality, comfort, and perception. Choose them intentionally, and your garment will speak volumes without saying a word.

HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam

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