Finding the perfect outfit is the goal of anyone who ventures out to shop for new clothes, but efforts can be hampered by clothing that’s ill-fitting. It certainly isn’t fun to keep trying on outfits that don’t fit or flatter your body, and it can deter you from continuing your search.
Every person’s body is unique, so the same articles of clothing may fit one person quite differently than another person who tries it on too. The same concept applies from store to store, because you may be one size at one retailer and a different size at another. Here are some tips on how to find clothing that fits your body perfectly.
Ignore the number on the tag
Technical sizes aren’t the be-all-end-all, so try not to focus on what size you are and instead try on clothing based on fit. The technical size is a good starting point, of course, but realising that different retailers, as well as different brands and designers, can have vastly varying measurements for their clothing will make all the difference.
A good way to start your shopping journey is to try on a variety of sizes and go from there. If you think you’re a size 10, it won’t hurt to try on the same pieces that are a size 8 and 12 as well. Some people may be wary of trying on clothing that’s a larger size than they’re used to, but again, the actual technical size can vary drastically between brands, so try not to get hung up on the number on the tag.
It also may be worth checking out some plus size stores if you can’t find anything that fits within your usual size range. Some plus-size brands may run small, so if you don’t usually shop there, you may be surprised. There are plenty of plus-size stores that have high-quality designer fashions, like Froxx, where you may find your perfect outfit. Even if you have to go up a few sizes from your usual size and then get your clothing items tailored, it would be better than trying to fit into something that isn’t flattering but is technically your size.
Follow basic fit guidelines
There are a few key guidelines to follow when trying on clothing to make sure it fits you properly. The most important aspect is mobility because even if a piece fits on your body, if you can’t move comfortably while wearing it, it doesn’t actually fit. When shopping for blazers and tops, you should be able to give someone a hug while wearing it without the fabric pulling or restricting your arms. Additionally, blouses, blazers, and button-down shirts shouldn’t have any gaps when they’re fully buttoned up.
When shopping for bottoms, the rule of thumb for the right fitted waist is to fit in at least two fingers in the waistband. You want to make sure there’s enough wiggle room when you sit down, otherwise they could fall too low and show off too much. Another tip to consider is if the pockets of your pants flare out, bunch up, or turn inside out while you’re wearing them, your pants are too tight.
