Backseams

Backseams are vertical seams located on the back of a garment, typically running from the neckline or upper back to the hem. They provide shaping and structure, helping the fabric follow the contours of the wearer’s back and torso. In many fitted designs, a center back seam is used to accommodate darts or other shaping details and to house a closure such as a zipper.

Applications vary by garment type. In dresses, jackets, and coats, the center back seam often serves as the main structural line and may conceal a zipper or button closure. In trousers and skirts, back seams can run along the back of each leg or along the center back of the garment, contributing to a tailored, clean finish and aiding fit.

Variations and construction considerations include seam allowances, finishes, and the use of additional shaping methods. Some modern designs minimize or omit back seams in favor of side seams or integrated stretch panels, especially in knit fabrics. Decorative backseams may also be used, with topstitching or contrast piping to emphasize the line.

In hosiery, the term back seam refers to stockings with a seam running up the back of the leg. This style, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, remains a distinctive vintage or retro option in fashion.

Overall, backseams are a traditional and versatile feature in garment construction, combining practical fit with potential stylistic emphasis.