This is one of the biggest reasons why I decided to start making my own clothing and start this site. I’ve gotten pretty tired of not being able to find clothes that fit anywhere, even just a little bit. And I’m sure most people can agree.

The main problem is that clothing is made using the same standardized proportions across all sizes, but people are made of all different proportions.

I, for example, have a waist measurement that goes between a size 4-6, but my hips measure closer to a size 10. This makes it nearly impossible to find clothes that actually fit.

I generally pick somewhere in the middle as long as the garment has stretch, choosing sizes 6 or 8. But then I wind up having sagging waistbands and pulling my pants up all day long or fidgeting with my skirts trying to keep them from riding up. Also, I’m sick of wearing only stretchy clothing. The quality is generally poor and it usually just means that everything is made to be super tight, which doesn’t seem appropriate for all occasions. Not to mention, there’s all kinds of cute woven styles that are trending now that I feel like I’m missing out on due to my curvier shape (if you’re not sure what a woven is see my basic fabrics post coming soon!).

Curly-locks and the Three Skirts – Part 1

Just a little small at the hip, but too big at the waist

Here is an example from when I was trying to buy a skirt for work at Express last year. The first set of pictures is a size 8, so that it would fit my hips okay. I could tell by the fit that I couldn’t really go any smaller, the 8 was already a little snug feeling around the hips and not very comfortable. But look at the size of the gaps around the waist. If I wore this skirt it would be riding up all day. The hip portions would be moving up trying to work it’s way to were it fits best and the waist is not fitted enough to keep it in place.

In order to be able to wear this comfortably I would need to let the hips out a bit and then take it in at the waist. However industry standard seam allowances don’t allow for enough room to let anything out. I could go for the size 10 but then I’d need to take it in even more at the waist and the contouring would be off. The fabric would bunch around the belly in the middle because it’s actually the shape of the pattern that needs to be adjusted. So in the end it will still be uncomfortable and not worth all the work.

Curly-locks and the Three Skirts – Part 2

Okay at the waist, but way too tight at the hip

Here’s an example of a smaller skirt, I think a size 6, which is okay in the waist if I pull it down a little lower than my natural waist position. But I guarantee that if I sat down in this skirt the seams would bust open. It’s extremely uncomfortable and not very flattering.

You can tell by the creases in the front that the fabric is stretched too tight around my hips.

Curly-locks and the Three Skirts – Part 3

Just Right! 🙂

In contrast, this is a skirt I made for myself to fit my measurements (it’s actually a first mock up of a skirt I’m working on and the gathers at the front are intentional).

I don’t have to fidget or adjust this skirt once throughout the day! Because it was made to fit my shape not the standard proportions.

For professional attire I advise on investing in some custom made/custom fitted clothing. Maybe start by taking some of the items you already own and like to a tailor to see if you can get alterations, and a better idea of how to shop to get a better fit. Just a few staple investment pieces that fit well will make timeless additions to your wardrobe and overall give you a more professional look.

At the end of the day, you could be wearing basic black pants and white shirt, but if it fits properly you could very well come across as the best dressed person in the room.

The fit is the most important part.

I’d love to hear more about other fit issues anyone else has when shopping. Please leave a comment!