Comments on: How Clothes Should Fit

By: soruları

soruları — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:12:12 +0000

Wow, this list was perfect timing. But reading through, I’ve noticed that I’ve done many of these things already. Still, there were a few new things for me to add to my regime.

By: Kathy Friend

Kathy Friend — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:45:56 +0000

Hi Fiona,

The "smile" and the waist are 2 different fit points. The smile refers to the fit in the hip – not the waist. If pants are too tight in the hip, you will see a stretch in the hip area (crotch area), or a wrinkling…this shows that they are too small.

Many times (I would say 80% of the time) I've seen pants that fit perfectly everywhere but in the waist – there is a gap at the back. This is a simple alteration – or you can get a product called IsABelt that will help cinch that in.

Hope this helps!

-Kathy

By: Fiona

Fiona — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:26:53 +0000

You say that if pants are smiling, they are too small, but then you advise taking in the waist to make them fit properly. Am I missing something?

By: Pinky

Pinky — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:28:48 +0000

I have found that one of the most flattering skirt lengths is 3 fingers below the knee. You will find it gives your legs a lovely line.

You are so right about ill-fitting clothes. I always try to tell people, that just because you can zipper/button it, doesn't mean it fits. I think one of the worst things is the current trend of low-cut jeans. It's fine for those extremely thin girls (of which I was until I hit 30), but anyone with a little extra in the belly will make a "muffin" top when wearing those jeans.

I've been sewing for 48 years and have a degree in Fashion Design.

Pinky from The Sewing Room at Moose Hollow Farm.

By: Kathy Friend

Kathy Friend — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:08:56 +0000

Hi Ellen – I posted some photos over on my blog that hopefully will illustrate the 'smile' 'frown' thing. http://fashionanswers.blogspot.com/2008/10/smile-and-frown-of-pants.html

-Kathy

By: Ellen Hart

Ellen Hart — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:50:02 +0000

Good tips. But, I'm not sure what you mean by "smiling" and "frowning" pants? A pic would be helpful.

By: Finn

Finn — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:04:05 +0000

Hmmm… I prefer a skirt just (and I mean just) above the knee and never would wear one at mid-calf because I don't feel tall enough to pull it off. I'm over 35, btw.

It might be time to try something new.