Bias Cut

A bias cut garment is cut “on the bias,” which essentially means diagonally. Clothing that is made out of striped material so that the stripes come together in a “V” (whether right side up or upside down) are cut on the bias. Even when the same basic pattern or shape is used, due to the fact that they are cut diagonally bias cut garments have a very different look from ordinary garments. Bias cut garments tend to cling to a woman’s curves more than clothing that is cut normally, which gives bias cut dresses an added sense of femininity to traditionally cut garments. Dresses cut on the bias were very popular in the nineteen thirties for evening and formal occasions as they accentuated a woman's curves, which was the desirable body image at the time.

John Galliano Spring/Summer 2010;

John Galliano for Dior, Spring/Summer 2010;

John Galliano Spring/Summer 1997;

Bias cut: Roberto Cavailli S/S 2009

Bias cut: Ralph Lauren S/S 2009

Bias cut: Jersey dress by Roland Mouret A/W 2011/12

Bias cut; 1940's fashion photographed by P.Horst (The Vogue was Chinese so I couldn't read the designers)

Bias cut: Altuzarra Autumn/Winter 2011;

Bias cut: Elie Saab;

SS2010

Elie Saab SS10 Campaign