Seam Allowance Guide by Garment Type
Typical seam allowance widths for wovens, knits, denim, and outerwear, and where to deviate from the default.
Published January 8, 20265 min read
Typical defaults
| Garment / fabric type | Common seam allowance |
|---|---|
| Lightweight knit tee | 0.6–1.0 cm |
| Midweight woven shirt | 1.0 cm |
| Denim (flat-felled seams) | 1.5–2.0 cm to allow for the fold |
| Outerwear with taped/bound seams | 1.0–1.5 cm |
| Activewear (bonded/flatlock seams) | 0.5–0.7 cm |
Why allowance varies by construction, not just fabric
Allowance width is driven mainly by the seam construction, not the fabric alone. A flat-felled seam needs extra allowance because part of it folds back over itself; a bonded or ultrasonic-welded seam on activewear needs very little because there's no fold or bulk to manage.