@c_merriweather @Remittancegirl oh, if you expect to have to do alterations then 100% no french seams, they are a PITA to unpick (and it's harder to store enough fabric in them).
And if you're working under theatrical (or equivalent) deadlines I can definitely see how french seams may not be the best choice.
But what's the problem with the washings? I tend to put french (and flat felled) seams in my pajamas and underwear *precisely* because they are a strong finish that will survive being washed weekly or so in a regular, non delicates, load (and afaik were also used historically for the same reason in stuff that was washed with traditional methods involving boiling and beating and generally harsh treatments)