Whether you're shopping for new clothes or looking at your current wardrobe, it's important to know when to alter your clothes or buy a different size. Wearing clothes that don't fit properly can be uncomfortable, unflattering, and even damaging to your self-confidence.
While it would be great if every item we bought fit us perfectly when it arrived, it is unrealistic to expect clothing manufacturers to produce garments to fit every body shape. After all, we are all unique in our shape and that’s a good thing!
It doesn’t matter how much you spend on your clothes, alterations are necessary to ensure each piece fits and flatters your figure perfectly. This is what will make the difference between looking good and looking phenomenal. Here are some tips to help you understand when you should alter or buy a different size/piece of clothing.
When to alter:
The Hem
The most common alteration is to the hem of your pants. Whether they are too long or too short, a tailor/seamstress can easily fix this for you.
Less popular but just as effective is to have your hem let down. For our tall babes, finding pants that have just the right inseam can be challenging, but keep in mind that you can let the hem out to gain an extra inch or two to the length.
Another popular hem is on our sleeves. The best practice is for your sleeve to hit the top of your wrist.
Don’t shy away from a piece of clothing you love because of the length. It is common and inexpensive to adjust the hem of a pair of pants, skirts and dresses to get the perfect length.
Waistband
Another common alteration is to our waistbands. If your hips are bigger than your waist, then it is almost certainly going to create some challenges in finding a perfect fit. Focus on the fit of your hips and you can easily adjust the waistband.
If you have been on a weight loss journey and find that your clothes no longer fit, you may not need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Alterations may be the most convenient and cost-effective solution.
Shoulders
If you have narrow shoulders, take in the shoulders of your jackets, blazers and dresses. This will make a big difference in how your look comes together. When the shoulder of your blazer hangs over your natural shoulder, your jacket will look oversized. Although, spring 2023 trends are showcasing oversized blazers so this may not be necessary this year!
Back and Side Darts
Jackets, blazers, and dresses often have one long or two parallel seams running down the back and/or two seams or darts on the front of the garment at the natural waist. These are there to create the shape. If you find that a blazer fits in your shoulders and bust but feels full in your waist, have the darts taken in. This simple alteration completely changes the look and fit of your clothes.
When it’s time to Buy New:
When the clothes are too small
If you're struggling to get into a piece of clothing, it's probably too small. Don't try to squeeze into clothes that don't fit properly. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also damage the clothes.
When the clothes are too big
Clothes that are too big can be unflattering and make you look bigger than you actually are. If the clothes are too big in the shoulders, waist, or hips, it's time to try a smaller size.
When the clothes don't suit your body type
Some clothes are just not designed for certain body types. If you find that a certain style doesn't flatter your body, it's time to try something different.
When you want a different look
Sometimes, you just want a change. If you're tired of your current style, buying a new size or a different style can give you a fresh look.
As a general rule of thumb, you should allocate approximately 10% of your clothing budget to alterations. Find a great tailor/seamstress and make this a standard part of your routine. Not only will you feel better in your clothes, but it will also level up your style game significantly.
Knowing when to alter your clothes or buy a different size is essential for looking and feeling your best. Whether you're trying to save money or just want to feel confident in your clothes, knowing when to alter or buy can make a big difference. Remember, clothes should fit you, not the other way around.
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