Couture Methods

Sharing the inner construction of this Givenchy haute couture by Alexander McQueen from Kerry Taylor's archive: 'Eclect-Dissect', A/W 1997-98.

An underbust stay is a feature found in some dresses that serves several purposes. Firstly, it acts as a support for zipping up the dress, making it easier to put on. Additionally, it helps to keep the dress in place during wear, preventing it from shifting or sliding around, and is especially useful for low cut gowns. The underbust stay also helps to prevent excess stretching and strain on the fabric, especially if pieces are cut on the bias, which can help prolong the life and wear of the dress. Furthermore, it can be used to cinch in the bodice lines, creating a more defined shape and enhances the curves of the bust-line. This feature is particularly useful for heavier or sleeveless gowns, as well as skin-tight designs that have little wiggle room. Overall, the use of an underbust stay can add both functionality and enhance style lines to a dress. If you enjoy analyzing designs, please consider signing up to be a blog reader or a founding member, where we dive deeper into couture dress construction! Happy sewing!