Types of Seam Used in Garments Manufacturing in 2025
In Garment Manufacturing, seams are the essential components that join different pieces of fabric together to create a finished garment. The type of seam used depends on the fabric, the design, and the intended use of the garment.
In 2025, garment manufacturing continues to evolve with advancements in technology, new fabric innovations, and changing consumer demands. The types of seams used in garment construction are critical for ensuring that garments are durable, comfortable, and visually appealing. In addition to traditional seam types, there are new methods and technologies in garment assembly, as manufacturers look to improve efficiency, sustainability, and garment longevity.
What is a Seam in the Garment Industry?
A seam is a line where two or more layers of fabric are joined together in the construction of a garment. It is created by stitching, binding, or fusing fabric pieces to ensure that the garment holds its shape, fits the body, and maintains its structural integrity. Seams are a fundamental part of garment manufacturing and are essential for assembling all parts of a garment, from sleeves and cuffs to hems and waistlines.
Types of Seams
There are many different types of seams used in garment manufacturing, each serving a specific purpose based on the fabric, design, and functionality of the garment. Some common types of seams include plain seams, overlocked seams, French seams, lapped seams, and flat-felled seams.
Key Functions of a Seam
-
Joining Fabric Layers: The primary purpose of a seam is to join two or more layers of fabric together in a specific way that creates the desired shape of the garment.
-
Strength and Durability: Seams must be strong enough to withstand the stresses placed on the garment during wear, washing, and other factors.
-
Aesthetic and Design: Seams can also play a decorative role, with styles like topstitching or piped seams adding an element of design to the garment.
-
Finish and Cleanliness: Some seams are finished to prevent fabric edges from fraying, which can be particularly important in lightweight or delicate fabrics.
Seam Classification in the Garment Industry
Seams are classified based on their construction, functionality, and appearance in garment manufacturing. The classification helps manufacturers choose the most suitable seam type for specific fabrics, designs, and garment functions. Understanding these classifications is essential for ensuring the durability, comfort, and aesthetic of the final product.
Here are the most commonly used seam types in garment manufacturing in 2025:
1. Plain Seam (butted seam)
-
Description: The plain seam is the most common type of seam, used to join two pieces of fabric together along a straight line.
-
Application: It’s used for basic garments and is often used in the construction of shirts, dresses, and pants.
-
Advantages: Simple, easy to sew, and cost-effective.
2. French Seam
-
Description: A French seam is a double-seam technique where the raw edges of the fabric are encased within the seam itself.
-
Application: Commonly used for lightweight, sheer, or delicate fabrics such as chiffon or silk.
-
Advantages: Clean finish inside the garment with no raw edges exposed, making it ideal for garments that require an elegant appearance.
3. Overlocked Seam (Serger Seam)
-
Description: This seam is created by using an overlocked (Serger) machine, which trims the fabric edges while stitching them together, often with an additional thread for a stronger finish.
-
Application: Used for stretch fabrics or to prevent fabric edges from fraying, common in sportswear and activewear.
-
Advantages: Strong, durable, and helps in preventing fabric fraying. It is also faster than traditional seams.
4. Double-Needle Seam
-
Description: The double-needle seam uses two parallel rows of stitching, creating a strong and durable finish. This is often combined with an overlock finish to prevent fraying.
-
Application: Frequently used in hems, cuffs, and sleeve seams for shirts, trousers, and sportswear.
-
Advantages: Provides extra strength and elasticity, especially useful in garments that undergo heavy use or stretching.
5. Flat-Felled Seam
-
Description: The flat-felled seam is a durable and neat seam where the raw edges are folded over and stitched down, enclosing the edges within the seam.
-
Application: This seam is used in denim jeans, sportswear, and heavy-duty clothing like jackets and workwear.
-
Advantages: Extremely strong, prevents fraying, and creates a clean finish, making it ideal for heavy fabrics.
6. Bound Seam
-
Description: A bound seam involves wrapping the fabric edges in a binding (usually a strip of fabric or bias tape) to enclose the raw edges.
-
Application: This type of seam is used in formal garments, such as suits or tailored clothing, and often in the inside finish of dresses and blouses.
-
Advantages: Adds a decorative touch while preventing fraying. It also creates a clean, professional look.
7. Lapped Seam
-
Description: The lapped seam is where one piece of fabric is placed over the other, and the edges are stitched together.
-
Application: Typically used in the construction of outerwear like jackets, as well as in some types of trousers and skirts.
-
Advantages: Provides a neat, strong finish with visible stitching on the outside, ideal for decorative and functional purposes.
8. Piped Seam
-
Description: A piped seam incorporates a piping (cord or fabric strip) into the seam for decorative purposes, creating a raised, decorative line.
-
Application: Often used in upholstery, home textiles, and garments like dresses and jackets.
-
Advantages: Adds a decorative detail to garments, creating a tailored and stylish appearance.
9. Zigzag Seam
-
Description: This seam is created using a zigzag stitch, which both secures the fabric and prevents edges from fraying.
-
Application: Frequently used for stretch fabrics, knitted garments, and casual wear.
-
Advantages: Allows the fabric to stretch while maintaining seam integrity, making it suitable for elastic or knit fabrics.
10. Topstitching Seam
-
Description: Topstitching involves sewing a decorative line of stitching on the outer surface of the fabric, usually parallel to the edge of the seam or along the collar or neckline.
-
Application: Used in casual wear, denim garments, and to add a finishing touch to the outer appearance of garments.
-
Advantages: Adds decorative appeal and reinforces seams, enhancing both function and aesthetics.
11. Cross-Stitched Seam
-
Description: A cross-stitch seam is created by stitching a cross-pattern at specific points on the fabric, often to reinforce joints or add decorative touches.
-
Application: Used in decorative garments, uniforms, and some sportswear.
-
Advantages: Strengthens specific points in the garment, adding a unique decorative element.
Based on the Number of Layers of Fabric (Seam Categories)

- Single-Layer Seams
-
Description: A seam made with a single layer of fabric, typically used in lightweight garments where strength is less critical.
-
Application: Used in thin fabrics like silk or lace where a lightweight structure is needed.
-
- Double-Layer Seams
-
Description: Consists of two layers of fabric joined together with a seam, providing more strength and durability than single-layer seams.
-
Application: Common in most garments, including shirts, dresses, and trousers.
-
- Multi-Layer Seams
-
Description: Seams that involve joining more than two layers of fabric together, often used in complex garment designs or multi-functional clothing.
-
Application: Used in outerwear, heavy-duty garments, and some fashion-forward designs.
-
3. Based on the Type of Stitch (Seam Categories)
- Lockstitch Seams
-
Description: Created using a lockstitch machine, these seams consist of an upper and lower thread interlocked to form a strong seam.
-
Application: Common in most ready-to-wear garments for their durability and neat appearance.
-
- Chainstitch Seams
-
Description: Uses a chain stitch where the upper thread forms a loop that interlocks with the lower thread, allowing for a more flexible seam.
-
Application: Used in jeans, denim, and garments that require more stretch and flexibility.
-
- Coverstitch Seams
-
Description: A type of stitch commonly used to finish hems, with two or more needles forming parallel rows of stitching on the top while the bottom remains a chain stitch.
-
Application: Found in knitwear, sportswear, and activewear, where stretchability and durability are essential.
-
4. Based on the Finishing Method (Seam Types)
- Open Seams
-
Description: The raw fabric edges are left exposed, with the seam joining the pieces of fabric but not being finished with additional treatment.
-
Application: Used in low-cost garments or where fabric type (such as heavy canvas) prevents fraying.
-
- Enclosed Seams
-
Description: The raw edges of the fabric are enclosed within the seam, ensuring a neat, clean finish inside the garment.
-
Application: Often used in higher-quality garments such as blouses, formalwear, and dresses.
-
-
Bound Seams
-
Description: A type of seam where the raw edges are finished by binding them with bias tape or other fabric, creating a clean, durable edge.
-
Application: Used in garments that require additional finishing, such as sleepwear or sports uniforms.
-
5. Based on Application (Garment-Specific Seams)
- Invisible Seams
-
Description: Seams that are made with a special stitch that hides inside the fabric, providing a smooth exterior appearance.
-
Application: Common in formalwear, evening gowns, and garments where a clean, polished finish is desired.
-
- Elastic Seams
-
Description: Seams with elastic sewn into the fabric to allow stretch and ensure a snug fit, often used in waistbands or cuffs.
-
Application: Found in activewear, swimwear, and maternity clothing.
-
Seams are a crucial part of the garment manufacturing process, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Their classification allows manufacturers to select the best type based on fabric, garment design, and desired durability. With technological advancements in the garment industry, seam types are continually evolving to meet modern needs, such as increased sustainability, better performance, and more efficient production. By understanding seam classifications, manufacturers can produce garments that are both functional and fashionable.
Each type of seam serves a unique function and is chosen based on factors such as fabric type, garment design, strength requirements, and aesthetic preferences. By understanding the different types of seams and their applications, garment manufacturers can select the right seam for each specific product, ensuring durability, comfort, and style.
Leave a Reply