Does your little one find certain items of clothing itchy, irritating, or just plain uncomfortable? When it comes to kids’ underwear, one of the biggest sources of discomfort—besides fit and fabric—is a detail that’s easy to overlook: seams.
Take a look through your closet, and you’ll find so many different types of seams keeping your clothes together. Sometimes, seams are sewn with rough scratchy thread, or are so thick that they chafe with every movement (the horror!)
If your child has sensory sensitivities, choosing the right kind of seam can make a world of difference.
Below, we’ve put together a guide to the different seam types in Lucky & Me underwear.
The Types of Seams in Lucky & Me Underwear: A Closer Look
At Lucky & Me, we pride ourselves on our sensory-friendly kids clothing designs, and we pay close attention to how seams can make underwear unbelievably comfy and extra durable at the same time.
While soft seams for children are an absolute must, there are still several types of seam constructions we use in our designs—each with its own strengths and benefits. Read on to learn all about the different seams and their qualities.
Plain Seams with Serger
The most basic of seams, a plain seam with serger combines a traditional stitched seam with an overlock stitch that wraps around the fabric edges to prevent fraying.
Why Use a Plain Seam with Serger?
- Durable: The overlock stitch smooths and reinforces the fabric edges, making it less likely to unravel over time.
- Flexible: Popular for knit and stretchy fabrics, this type of seam moves easily with the fabric without breaking the stitches, providing greater comfort for active kids.
Where You’ll Find Plain Seams with Serger in Lucky & Me Underwear
- Gracie Girls Organic Cotton Briefs: Our bestselling underwear style for girls. Here, plain seams with serger are used on the sides to prevent fraying and strengthen durability. These super comfy girls briefs are also crafted in pure organic cotton that’s soothing for sensitive skin.
- Noah Boys Knit Boxers: Applied to the front and back rise as well as the inseams, the use of plain seams with serger allows these seams to stretch with the fabric while maintaining strength. These breathable boys boxer shorts have a relaxed fit that’s perfect for lounging.
Flatlock Seams
Laying completely flat against the skin, flatlock seams are constructed by joining just the edges of fabric together. Since the fabric doesn’t overlap, the result is super smooth and prevents chafing. Also known as flat seams, they are great for underwear, sportswear, and any snug-fitting clothing.
Why Use Flatlock Seams?
- No Bulkiness or Bumpiness: Since the edges are joined flat, there’s no added thickness, making it perfect for clothing worn close to the skin.
- Prevents Chafing: The flat finish reduces friction, which is ideal for active kids and those with sensitive skin.
- Flexible: Flatlock seams allow for stretch, ensuring the garment moves with the body comfortably.
- Durable: This seam is strong and holds up well through frequent wear and washing. A practical choice for comfortable children’s clothing.
Where You’ll Find Flatlock Seams in Lucky & Me Underwear
- Jamie Girls Performance Boyshorts: These moisture-wicking and antimicrobial girls undies feature flatlock seams in the front for a smooth fit that won’t chafe or irritate athletic little ones.
- Nolan Organic Cotton Boys Boxer Briefs: Found in the inseam and pouch seam, flatlock seams make these pure organic cotton boys undies comfy, flexible, and durable. Our bestselling boys style.
ComfySeam™, also known as Bonded Seams
One of the most comfortable seam types for clothing, a bonded seam is created when two pieces of fabric are fused or glued together, instead of being stitched together with thread. Ultra-flat and smooth, bonded seams are often used in high-performance athletic designs.
At Lucky & Me, we introduced this cutting edge technology to kids underwear as ComfySeam™.
Why Use ComfySeam™ / Bonded Seams?
- Almost Seamless Comfort: Bonded seams lay flat against the skin without stitching, reducing irritation and making them ideal for sensitive kids.
- Minimal Bulk: Unlike traditional stitched seams, bonded seams feel smoother and more lightweight.
- Durable: The bonding process makes the seams strong and long-lasting.
- Flexible: Bonded seams stretch naturally with the fabric, making them perfect for snug-fitting garments that need to move with the body.
Where You’ll Find ComfySeam™ in Lucky & Me Underwear
- Bella Girls Briefs: For little ones who are sensory sensitive, Bella Briefs are designed using ComfySeam™ bonding technology on the side and gusset seams to prevent irritation and chafing. The waistband is also bonded for a super smooth fit. Feels like wearing a cloud!
Flat Felled Seams
By folding one fabric edge over another and stitching it down, a flat felled seam encases the raw fabric edges for smoothness and durability. Also known as felled seams, this seam type is often found in clothing that requires extra strength and a smooth finish.
Why Use Flat Felled Seams?
- Super Durable: The double stitching and encased raw edges make flat felled seams incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear.
- Clean Finish: Both the inside and outside of the garment are neat and smooth, with no exposed edges.
- Eliminates Fraying: By completely enclosing the raw edges, this seam prevents fabric from unraveling, even after repeated washing.
- Comfort: The smooth, flat construction minimizes bulk and irritation.
Where You’ll Find Flat Felled Seams in Lucky & Me Underwear
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Ryan Boys Woven Boxers: Designed with flat felled seams on the sides and on the back rise for durability and a smooth finish, these relaxed fit boys boxer shorts are comfy and long-lasting.
Taped Seams
For taped seams, a strip of fabric is stitched along the raw edges of a seam to reinforce and protect it. The result is a clean flat finish on the inside that prevents bulkiness and chafing, while on the outside the tape makes the seam extra durable.
Why Use Taped Seams?
- Reinforced Durability: The fabric tape strengthens the seam and helps protect the stitches from unraveling, so that it’ll withstand washing and wear.
- Smooth Finish: Taped seams cover raw edges, providing a soft, irritation-free surface against the skin.
- Reduces Bulkiness: The tape creates a smooth flat finish on the inside of the garment.
- Prevents Chafing: By eliminating rough edges, taped seams help prevent discomfort, especially in areas that chafe easily.
Where You’ll Find Taped Seams in Lucky & Me Underwear
- Jameson Boys Performance Boxer Briefs: Used on the pouch seams of these athletic quick-dry boys undies, taped seams create a clean, flat finish on the inside to prevent irritation and bulkiness. The tape on the outside reinforces the seam so that these boxer briefs are durable enough for rough-and-tumble wear.
PillowSeams
Essentially a specialized flat seam, PillowSeams take comfy to the next level by using super soft woolly thread in the stitching. Ideal for stretchy knit fabrics, PillowSeams stretch with the fabric to prevent bunching and bulkiness.
Why Use PillowSeams?
- Unbelievably Soft Feel: The woolly thread stitching provides a fuzzy, cushion-like texture that is comforting for sensitive skin.
- Stretchy and Supple: The seam stretches naturally with the fabric, ensuring a snug yet flexible fit.
- No Bunching: PillowSeams lie flat and smooth, so they won’t cause any chafing the way bunched or gathered seams often will.
- Sensory-Friendly: Perfect for children with sensory sensitivities, these seams are designed to minimize irritation.
- Durable Yet Gentle: Despite their softness, PillowSeams are sturdy enough to withstand wear and washing.
Where You’ll Find PillowSeams in Lucky & Me Underwear
- Hazel Girls Micromodal Bikinis: PillowSeams are so smooth and soft that even the most sensitive little ones will find these undies soothing. Crafted in ultrafine micromodal, these just might be the world’s softest underwear for girls.
I’m Overwhelmed! Which Seam is Best for My Child?
Don’t worry, we realize this is a whole lot of technical detail! If you’re not sure how to choose the right seam type for your little one, contact us here anytime.
Every child is different, and we would be delighted to help you find the perfect item based on your child’s preferences.
Comfort Is in the Details
And there you have it—there’s so much more to seams than meets the eye! Besides simply holding pieces of fabric together, seams contribute to the overall comfort, durability, and style of a garment.
For kids with sensitive skin or sensory sensitivities, thoughtful seam design can make or break a piece of clothing.
While one child might prefer the barely-there smoothness of a bonded ComfySeam™, another could find cushion-like PillowSeams more soothing. That’s why, at Lucky & Me, we use a variety of seams to design comfortable underwear for kids, so that everyone can find their Comfy Ever After.