Princess seams are the long, vertical seams that often run along the full length of the garment and on both the front and the back of the gown or dress. These seams start high, usually at the bust and arm holes and actually curve around the curves of the body.
A true "no waist princess seam" gown is cut in long, curved panels that run from shoulder or bust to hem and there is no defined waist-line where a separate skirt is pieced to a bodice.
A princess seamed gown will always be "no waist" but not all "no waist" gowns are made using princess seams hence in my blog glossary they are listed separately.
Gowns with defined, attached waists can have princess seamed bodice pieces, but are not "no waist princess seam" gowns.
Gowns with a defined waistline and separately cut bodice usually needs darts (which are tucked in seams at the bust or waist) to give shape to the body. However princess seams are actually already cut along the shape of the body and don't need darts, although a princess seamed garment may still use darts.
I hesitate to define princess seams as a silhouette since princess seams can be accommodated to most any gown shape and can be found in gowns from A-lines to mermaids to modified mermaids and even sheaths. I'll refer to gowns with full length princess seams instead as a waist style since all princess seam gowns are virtually "no waist" styles.
Princess seams are incredibly forgiving for every single body type since they are made to gracefully flow over yet accommodate the feminine, curvy figure. The key to wearing princess seams then is to get the gown fitted to your figure so that your personal and unique silhouette is the star.
For more examples of princess seam gowns, click here!
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| A princess seam gown with seams starting at the arm holes and no defined, separate waist. Credits: Ann Taylor "Olivia" gown in black. |
A princess seamed gown will always be "no waist" but not all "no waist" gowns are made using princess seams hence in my blog glossary they are listed separately.
Gowns with defined, attached waists can have princess seamed bodice pieces, but are not "no waist princess seam" gowns.
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| Great example of the vertical panels that make up the no-waist princess seam gown. Credits: Birnbaum & Bullock "Marguerite" |
Gowns with a defined waistline and separately cut bodice usually needs darts (which are tucked in seams at the bust or waist) to give shape to the body. However princess seams are actually already cut along the shape of the body and don't need darts, although a princess seamed garment may still use darts.
I hesitate to define princess seams as a silhouette since princess seams can be accommodated to most any gown shape and can be found in gowns from A-lines to mermaids to modified mermaids and even sheaths. I'll refer to gowns with full length princess seams instead as a waist style since all princess seam gowns are virtually "no waist" styles.
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| A true no-waist style; there is no seam at the waist and no separate skirt attached to a bodice. Credits: Sottero & Midgley "Shanna" |
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| Princess seams from the back, in a modified mermaid silhouette. Credits: NSN Bridal gown style no. LA4027 (shown with sash). |
For more Bridal Glossary, click here!
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1 comments:
I appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge base.Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer.Thanks.
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