Back Details for a Slimming Illusion
When choosing a pattern, on’t forget to consider how your back looks. The last time I tried on a knit top in a store, all I could see were two rows of “fluff” above and below my bra. It was disgusting. So I went on a mission to try on clothing with back detail. There weren’t many. The detail was in the front. The back was almost always plain, and revealing, especially in lightweight knits.
For my recent McCall’s designs, I have been on a “back focus” mission. For example, in my new dress, McCall’s 5752, the inset at the waistline is in the back as well as the front. The gathers hide the fluff at my waistline. Because this is a dress for knits, the back detail is even more important. Lightweight knits can be pretty revealing.
Jackets tend to cover the bra line fluff because they are looser, often lined, and worn over a blouse. The addition of back details, however, can create more slimming illusions as well.
This jacket, McCall’s 5638, has an inverted back pleat and a little flare, both of which are excellent for camouflage.
The jacket at right, McCall’s 5335, has a tie detail at the back waist which is the one place on our body that usually indents. I don’t indent in the front waist, but I do in the back. This detail gives me “essence” of waistline.
This jacket, McCall’s 5481, one of my all-time favorites, has three center back seams, creating a slimming vertical illusion. It is also very easy to sew!
I made this in a silk brocade for a simple evening look. Since I stick with the colors in my “Ethel Harms” color palette, I had a matching pant already in my closet. This jacket picks up my hair colors.
I added fun jewelry I found at the Opera Museum in Paris many, many years ago. NEVER toss old accessories. I take my entire collection of necklaces, earrings, belts and scarves from the ‘70s to use in the fashion show I commentate at the Puyallup, WA Sewing Expo and the models love it all!!
Remember that all of our patterns have alteration lines printed on the tissue to make altering easy for you. M5481 has great pieces!!
These two designs have yokes as well as vertical back seaming, adding back interest.The one on the left is McCall’s Pattern 5396.
The jeans jacket below, McCall’s 5191, is a classic casual style. This one doesn’t have the traditional band at the bottom, making it more flattering at the hips and waist.
Another way to create back detail is with fabric. This vest, McCall’s 5558, gives you the opportunity to use the seams for a slimming vertical illusion. Here the center back is a different fabric than the side backs.