In bookbinding and publishing, french flaps refer to an extended flap on a softcover book. This design feature involves the front and back covers being made longer than the book’s size. These extended parts are then folded inward, resembling the flaps of a dust jacket that you would typically find on hardcover books.
French flaps add a touch of elegance and durability to a paperback book. They can be used for aesthetic purposes, to add a sense of higher quality. They can also be used for practical reasons, such as providing extra space for additional information about the book or author, similar to what you can find on the inside flaps of a dust jacket.
This style is mostly used with paperback binding, particularly in literary fiction, poetry, and other genres where a more sophisticated presentation is desired. If you are a publisher, French flaps are a great way to differentiate a book in a crowded market and to appeal to readers who appreciate a more tactile, visually appealing book design. It can also be used for special edition books, as well as art and photography books.
As a trade printing expert, we take each binding process very seriously, so that your clients’ demands go beyond their expectations. Here’s an general overview of the french flaps process: