Straight Bands

Many garments require a band as a finishing detail. Bands are often associated with closures or garment openings. The waistband of a skirt or pair of pants is an example.

The band is patterned based on the measurement of the garment edge. Additional length can be added to create an overlap or underlap depending on the desired effect or type of closure.

Waistbands with an invisible zipper often have a tab that overlaps the top of the zipper on the outside. Waistbands with a lapped zipper or zipper fly would have an underlap that extends beyond the seam line on the inside of the garment.

https://www.dresspatternmaking.com/garment-elements/skirts/skirt-details/straight-waistband

Contour Bands

A contour band has shape that helps the band to conform to the shape of the body underneath. For skirts or pants with a dropped waistline that does not sit at or near the natural waist of the body, a contour waistband is called for so that the waist band does not stick away from the body at the top edge.

The contour waistband is created in a similar way to a yoke. Where the waistband crosses the darts, the darts are closed to create a curve or contour to the band. Contour waistbands can be used with any position of the closure, and with any type of zipper or extension that is desired.

A contour band might also be created on a sleeve where desired finish is for the wrist edge to be narrower than where the band attaches to the sleeve.

https://www.dresspatternmaking.com/garment-elements/skirts/skirt-details/contoured-waistband

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