A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "The seams are coming apart" in French
Use this phrase when the stitching on clothing or fabric items is coming undone.
Les coutures s'effilochent.
lay koo-TOOR seh-feh-LOKHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
You're inspecting a garment in a shop and notice the threads are fraying. This applies to anything sewn, from a dress to a bag.
Alternatives
- Ça se découd.More general, means 'it's coming unsewn'.
- Le fil se détache.Focuses specifically on a loose thread.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'coutures' like 'coo-tures'
The 't' is silent, so it's 'koo-toor'.
Confusing 'effilocher' with 'effilocher'
The verb is 's'effilocher', meaning to fray or unravel.
A small cultural note
French clothing quality is often judged by the neatness and durability of its stitching, so pointing this out is a valid concern.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What does 's'effilochent' mean?
It means that the threads along the seams are starting to come apart and fray. It indicates a flaw in the construction of the item.
Can I use this for shoes?
While technically possible, it's more commonly used for fabric items like clothing, bags, or upholstery. For shoes, you might say 'La semelle se décolle' (the sole is coming off).
Is this a polite way to complain?
Yes, it's a factual observation about the item's condition. It's a neutral way to point out a defect without being aggressive.
