Princess Seams: What They Are, and Why You’ll Love Them

Some like their slips and camisoles to be loose and flowy over the tummy area, like our Velrose® Full Slip with Wide Lace. Others like them to gently nip in at the waist, showing off your natural curves. If you’re in the latter group, you’ll want to keep an eye out for princess seams.

What is a princess seam?

A princess seam is one that runs from the arm or shoulder and curves gently down over your bust. Its purpose is to make the garment follow the 3D shape of your body, for a tailored fit without the need to add a waistband, and it does this by removing fabric in areas where your body naturally curves inwards, such as under the bust.

The shape achieved by princess seams. Right: Velrose® Wide Strap 24” Full Slip

Why is it called a princess seam?

The name can be attributed to Alexandra, Princess of Wales, who was born in the 19^th century. After hundreds of years of dresses typically being created with an upper (bodice) and lower (skirt) part – sometimes sewn together at the waist and sometimes kept separate – this future queen blazed a new fashion trail in the 1880s by adopting a style that had no waist seam, instead using vertical fabric panels that ran the full length of the front. To maintain a form-fitting look that would still emphasize the narrowness of the waist, vertical seams were required. This period in time also coincided with corsets becoming curvier, instead of flat at the front, and these seams also helped the dress to mold to the bust and show off this fashionable new silhouette. The style was a hit and this seam type eventually became known the princess seam.

Velrose® Adjustable Strap Lace Camisole

Why you’ll love princess seams

Fashions may have changed since the 1880s, but the desire for slimming, figure-flattering garments certainly hasn’t! And princess seams do a particularly good job of enhancing your curves while also feeling completely comfortable, since you aren’t being physically cinched in by, say, an elasticated waistband. Here’s a closer look at their key benefits: The curve-flaunting fit – instead of just hanging down over your bust, with a princess seam the garment closely follows the flow of your curves which serves to highlight the shape of your figure. The smooth look under clothing – when it comes to under-layers such as slips, by removing unnecessary fabric the princess seams reduce bulk, for a sleeker overall look (particularly if you’re wearing a thinner fabric such as satin over the top). The slimming effect – a princess-seamed slip has only long vertical lines, which visually elongate and slim your figure.

Shadowline® Adjustable Strap Full Slip

Our princess-seamed slips and camisoles

For princess-seamed daywear, look no further than our Velrose®  Princess collection which offers both a wide-strapped camisole and a wide-strapped slip that’s available in a choice of two lengths. If you prefer narrow or adjustable shoulder straps however, or if you fancy a wider lace trim, you’ll also find princess seams on our Velrose® Adjustable Strap Lace Camisole, Shadowline® Adjustable Strap Camisole and Shadowline® Adjustable Strap Full Slip. All of these designs are available in a choice of practical everyday colors, and are crafted in 100% nylon fabric for a smooth, slinky fit and breathable all-weather comfort.