For me, the central seam works for some patterns and not for others (I wouldn’t avoid on principle).
I sold on this FW as it didn’t fit, but the arrangement works well on this one:
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All of my current jackets have central seams:
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You guys are ignoring the fact that a center seam can be there for pattern tailoring, not only as a visual cue/money saving measure...
On these car coats, you can see that the seam is used to increase the bell shape in the back.
On Aero's board racer it is there to add a curve to the back.
There are things you can achieve by adding a center seam (or a yoke seam) that you cannot achieve with a flat single panel.
My vote goes for: If the seam adds to the wearability/design of the jacket i don't mind it.
If its a clear cost cutting measure, i don't like it.