| 1. |
Take several sizes with you into the dressing room. If you’re usually a size 8, take a 6 and/or a 10 into the dressing room too. Also, if you’re interested in another color in the same style, bring that in as well. That way, if one size (or color) isn’t just right, you’ll have the bigger or smaller size to try right there. You’re less likely to settle for the wrong size this way.
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| 2. |
If a garment is tight in one area, try going up a size to the point where it is not too tight there. It is easier to take in than to let out. Buy it to fit your largest area, and take in to fit the smaller areas. Caveat . . . read point 3 below.
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| 3. |
Some things cannot be easily altered, especially length of jackets and width of shoulders. If something doesn’t fit and cannot be altered – don’t buy it! It will never look right. Many stores have a tailor on hand who can tell you whether alterations can be made.
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| 4. |
Find a good dressmaker or tailor in your area. When you buy new things, don’t take the tags off right away. Give them a careful look once you get them home and take anything that could fit better to the tailor quickly. If the tailor agrees it can be altered, then you can take the tags off. You should have the garments back and ready to wear in a week. Don’t let clothes languish unfixed in your closet.
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| 5. |
Here are a few problem areas to look for and always fix:
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Length of sleeves: They should come about to where your wrist breaks when you bend your hand. |
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Length of trousers: They should hit halfway down your heel if you wear heels, or just to the top of the heel if you wear flats. If you wear really flat flats, 1/2” or slightly more from the floor is about right. |
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Waist: Don’t let the waistband of your skirts or trousers gap at the waist. Have them tailored to fit you smoothly. Your sweaters and tops will fall much better if the waistband fits well. |
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