That favorite old pair of jeans that fits just right in all the tricky spots or the little black dress that fits like a glove. We all know the feeling of favorite clothes that make us feel comfortable and confident while looking great. But unfortunately, that perfect fit is a rare find.
Most of the time, the fitting room is a dreaded place where hauling multiple styles in a range of styles doesn’t always turn up a successful find. Instead, it can become frustrating, and women often settle for an okay fit that does not feel great but will work.
The good news is that it is not as hard to find the right clothes as it sometimes seems. With a basic knowledge of how sizing works at what the best style options are, shopping can be fun as you create a wardrobe that makes you feel fabulous.
Why the Fit Matters
Many don’t realize that how clothes fit is the most important factor in determining how they look on. For example, if the shoulders don’t fit well, then the entire dress or top will hang a little funny.
Part of the problem with manufactured clothing comes from incongruities in sizing. From adding spandex to vanity sizing (where a true size 8 is marked as a 4), different stores and lines can have drastically different sizes marked as the same. Add to this the fact that most clothing is not based on real women’s bodies. The basic model for most of our clothing is a small hourglass shape. But in reality, writes Web MD, the average modern woman’s figure is headed more towards a pear shape “with hips wider than shoulders.” So if you are having trouble fitting a pear, square, round or other shaped figure into mainly hourglass—shaped garments, you are not alone.
Get Me Some Pants, Please!
Every body is unique, so there will be different garments that are harder to fit for different women. But for the most part, pants are a common problem area. For some, jeans don’t curve enough, and for others, they are too roomy. A good rule of thumb, explains boutique manager Christine O’Donnell, “is that you should be able to put two fingers inside the waistband to have a little wiggle room.” This provides room for days when feeling bloated.
Also, not that puckers or wrinkles in the front panel indicate that the pants are too tight. And the opposite is true and the pants are too large when the fabric billows and does not lie flat. With jeans in particular, a snugger fit is usually a good idea when purchasing because the material has a tendency to stretch out and lost some of its elasticity.
What’s Underneath Matters, Too
Another garment where it is essential to find a great fit is underwear. Though it may not be seen, an ill-fitted bra can have major consequences for the rest of your outfit. Statistics suggest that somewhere upwards of 80 percent of women may be wearing the wrong sized bra. And many people may not realize that it is possible to shop bras in half sizes to find the closest fit possible.
When trying on undergarments, make sure that there is no “spillover.” The bra should fully encompass with cups that fit well. When raising arms, the bra should “stay anchored below your bust and the back should lie flat without pulling away from your body.” The center of the garment should lie flush against the breastbone. Also, take the time to adjust the straps.
With a good idea of how to shop and find a good fit, you can hit department stores with more confidence and a discriminating taste. Other good tips include researching online to find styles and cuts that flatter your shape. And you may also look into custom fitted garments and make to order clothing. Many big companies like Target and LandsEnd offer custom fits at competitive prices. And don’t be afraid to talk to a local tailor about getting your clothes to fit as if they were custom made.
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