Cutaway back

A garment part as angled back opening cut away at sides—the cutaway back zone on dress assembly, distinct from [[low-back|Low back]] as related cousin and from [[v-back|V-back]] without cutaway back naming.

How to recognize it

Cutaway back shows cutaway back panel with angled side openings flanking center rear bodice strip.

Low back is the related cousin part. V-back names a different garment zone.

Origin and history

Dress articles name cutaway back on garment assembly.[1] Dress documents cutaway back on cotton.[2] Garment-parts references contrast cutaway back and related zones.[3] Construction photography documents cutaway back reference.[4]

Cutaway back reads on tailored and ready-to-wear dress.[2] Cutaway back differs from related part cousins.[1] Contrast with batch-37 garment parts built-in bra back strap keyhole back open back on bust support strap and back-opening assembly.[3]

Today cutaway back appears on cutaway back cocktail dress, evening gown side cut, formal angled back, and side-cut assembly in silk and wool.[1][2] Clean joinery needs even seam line.[4] When angled back opening cut away at sides leaving center panel—cutaway back applies.[2]

Where it is used

Cutaway back cocktail dress, evening gown side cut, formal angled back, and side-cut assembly.[2]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Cutaway back pairs with matched seam allowance on structured bodice.[2]

How it differs

Low back is related cousin. V-back names different zone. Compare gold anchors bodice and skirt.[1]

Expression and impression

Cutaway back reads structural, zone-specific, and assembly-defining.

Common questions

Cutaway back vs low-back? Low back is related cousin; cutaway back names specific part.[1]

Cutaway back vs v-back? V-back lacks cutaway back naming.[2]

Cutaway back modern? Yes on cutaway back cocktail dress.[2]

Often confused with

Sources

  1. Dress . Wikipedia One-piece garment silhouettes from shift to ballgown and maxi forms.
  2. Neckline . Wikipedia Jewel, keyhole, illusion, and other neckline shape vocabulary.
  3. Seam . Wikipedia Joinery methods that connect fabric panels in garment assembly.
  4. File:Evening dress MET 53.262.2 back CP1.jpeg . Wikimedia Commons Evening dress with cutaway back panel from Metropolitan Museum; CC0.

Written by MsDressly Editorial

September 28, 2026