Darts

The body has different measurements and shapes all over. e.g. A woman's body is small at the waist then large at the hips. For garments to fit the shape of the body perfectly darts are often required. Darts are folds sewn into fabric to give space in areas where space is needed. Here are two diagrams of where and how darts are used.

Darts are catagorised as to where they are placed on the body.

Standard 4 Darts: These are darts placed on the back of garmend. This is to tighten the garmend around the curve on a bodys back.

Arms Eye Darts: These are darts placed around the arms (shoulders, elbows, etc.). These are important as arms need movement so darts are often essential.

Gucci

Centre Front Darts: These darts do exactly what their called. They run along the centre of th body on the front of the garment.

Marchesa

Karl Lagerfield for Chanel 2012

H Darts: These are darts that on top of and underneath the waist. Their called 'H darts' as the resemble the letter H in a garment.

French darts:  This dart goes underneath the bust line, just above the waist. This is to give the chest more space.

Chanel 2011

Irregular Darts: These are darts that are placed in random, irregular parts of the body. They give various different shapes to garment. There darts for those who are a little bit more experimental!

Raf Simmons, Fall/winter 2012

Princess Seam: Ok, I'm not entirely sure what a princess seam is but I'll give it a go! I think a princess seam is a straight seam/dart that runs from under the shoulder to the waist. I think it's just for regular fitted tops, dresses, and jackets.

Roberto Cavailli, Spring/Summer 2012

Roberto Cavalli, Fall/ Winter 2012