Bias cut

Bias

The "bias cut" is a technique used by designers for cutting clothing to utilize the greater stretch in the bias or diagonal direction of the fabric, thereby causing it to accentuate body lines and curves and drape softly. A full-skirted dress cut on the bias will hang more gracefully; a narrow dress will cling to the figure. Before the 20th century, bias cut was rare in women's clothing and in men's garments was highly unconventional. In the Middle Ages, before the development of knitting, hose were cut on the bias in order to make them fit better. In the early 19th century, the specially designed clothing of the dandy and celebrity chefAlexis Soyer were remarked upon by George Augustus Sala, who described how "every article of his attire... was cut on what dressmakers call a 'bias', or as he himself used to designate as à la zoug-zoug."