This article is also available in:

Should I add darts to my shirt ?

Do you need darts on your shirt ?

Shirt without darts

Shirt with darts

Back darts are seams in the back that absorb excess fabric to better fit the shape of your back. Our darts have a depth of approximately 1.5 cm.

Darts and waist taper are independent. They only help position the side seams; the finished width stays the same. Example : for a 50 cm waist with darts we cut 53 cm, add the darts, and finish at 50 cm.

LE CHEMISEUR® tips

🏋 V-shaped or athletic builds

Darts should be added to visually avoid the "hourglass" effect, which can appear feminine, by shifting the side seams toward the back. Darts are generally added when the difference between the "chest - waist" measurement is greater than 6 or 7 cm.

🛝 Hollow back / rounded stomach

Darts help the fabric hug the small of your back. From collar size 48 upwards you automatically switch to our Big & Tall pattern. In that case darts are not needed because the entire shape of the shirt is better suited for you body shape, with side seams moved backwards.

👔 Plus size men

From a neck size of 48, you automatically benefit from our optimized cut. Designed with ease pleats in the upper back, it eliminates the need for traditional darts thanks to side seams shifted toward the back.

💖 Personal preference

Choose according to taste. Some clients avoid darts on thick fabrics (e.g. velvet) or on casual fabrics such as linen shirts.

Updated on: 12/12/2025