Tail hems dresses longer at the back

The tail hem: what is it?

A shirttail hem is traditionally cut shorter on the sides, with a longer 'tail' at the back. In 2011 the trend is more than just a shirttail hem, however: it's any manner of dresses, skirts or tops that have a hem that's shorter in front, longer in back.

Why a tail hem?

The appeal of a dipping hem is that it's playful. One side coveys the elegance of length, while the other hints at something more revealing. It can also have the appeal of looking completely effortless; especially if cut to resemble an untucked shirt, or an oversized tee.

Types of hem

There are numerous ways of creating a unique hemline with a 'tail' effect. Here are a few examples:

• A simple hem cut at an angle.
• A more traditional petal hem (where the fabric overlaps in front like petals of a flower)
• A hem that's cut from very short to very long - i.e mini to maxi.
• A hem that falls into large drapes or pleats at the back.