The Problem is not You
Today I have an assignment for everyone who has ever felt that clothing doesn’t fit properly. I want you to go someplace where there are a lot of people and unobtrusively check out how everybody is shaped. If you’re paying attention, you’ll see that we come in all sorts of packages. It’s an example of nature doing that thing of creating infinite variety.
Now consider this—how are manufacturers supposed to make ready-to-wear clothing that will fit all of our body types well? The answer is that it’s not possible. Some manufacturers make regular, petite and tall versions in every size from extra-small to extra-extra-large, but many, many people still have trouble finding clothing that fits well.
So if you’re tired of garments that sag here and are too tight there, what are you supposed to do? Here’s the plan—1) remember that we aren’t all meant to be alike and that it’s the clothing that needs altering, not you and 2) learn how to do alterations or find somebody else who can do them for you. If you don’t have either the skill to do it yourself or the cash to pay somebody else, I’ve got a great book for you, Jan Saunders’ Wardrobe Quick-Fixes. She offers both sewing and non-sewing solutions for common fit problems. Sadly, the book has been out of print for some time, but you can still find it on Amazon.
(Please note that I have been on the lookout for a newer book on the same topic for years and haven’t found anything that comes close. Suggestions for other publications would be greatly welcomed!)