Tailoring & Construction

Dart

A dart is a tapered, stitched fold of fabric sewn into a garment to shape flat cloth around the body's curves. Darts pinch out excess material at the bust, waist, or back so a piece follows your shape instead of hanging straight — the basic tool that turns a boxy cut into a fitted one.

You'll see bust darts on fitted blouses and dresses, waist darts on tailored shirts and jackets, and back darts on structured trousers and coats. More darts generally mean a closer, more sculpted fit.

Darts are how garments build in shaping rather than ease — a dartless top relies on its cut and the fabric's stretch, while a darted one is engineered to hug specific curves.