https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 09:57:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2114027 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 23:11:10 +0000 Cee 2114027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Toronto... and yes, the Evil Cowlneck has made me pay for my comment !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2114022 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 23:03:52 +0000 Helena 2114022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanna, thanks for sharing these (gorgeous outfits!), you are really selling me on a daily selfie, even if I don't share ... I think I will have to start this tomorrow (hoodie and leggings today ... again ... *sigh*) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2114003 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:14:10 +0000 Roxanna 2114003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have actually found that since taking photos of myself, knitwear is an area that I have changed a lot! </p> <p>I am pear shaped with small, sloping shoulders. This means that ANY knitwear that has shoulders that droop, or is fluid, will make me look sloppy - which is the opposite of my style moniker of urban luxe!</p> <p>This means that I have to be very careful with sweaters. They must for properly at the shoulders. They must have a tailored fit and no slouch. The sleeves must be slim, not too long (in fact shorter shows more arm and their structure), not exuberant or balloon in any way. Necks work best when they are neat - crew necks or slim boat necks that show my neck or have slim turtlenecks. Cardigans much drape neatly with no fuss. </p> <p>I even took photos of myself and did a collage to compare! I found it very helpful. Of course I have a few sweaters that are exceptions, but they are conscious exceptions. Examples below. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2113858 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:22:33 +0000 Style Fan 2113858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very helpful.&nbsp; I can use this during my editing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2113653 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:34:01 +0000 Staysfit 2113653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once again, thanks for asking this question TG! &nbsp;Angie and Gaylene’s responses have been very helpful. &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>I plan to use this wisdom when I edit my closet.....</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2113646 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:18:19 +0000 Helena 2113646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shevia you're so smart ... I worked out that the shoulders on my too-snug sweaters are the perfect like to create a neatly fluid fit ... I always assumed my IT tendencies precluded me from using them as a guide but I was wrong!</p> <p>Cee, your comment made me laugh :D</p> <p>And success with stretching some wool sweaters so thanks everyone who suggested that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2113607 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:19:51 +0000 Jaime 2113607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread, Angie's visuals and Gaylene's explanation are super!<br />For me, and I am not a fit queen, I do always look at the shoulders. I know that a lot of knits have dropped or non-existent shoulder seams, but to the extent possible I start there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2113605 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:10:08 +0000 Cee 2113605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depends on whether it's a layering piece or just meant to go on its own.</p> <p>Layered pieces are better as a medium to looser fit, snugger pieces are great to show off them gym hours... and cowlnecks fit perfectly well in a bin.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112616 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:11:09 +0000 Helena 2112616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Suz! Yes, my BR ribbed sweaters are the exception that proves the rule, since these are a little more fitted than the rest and yet it seems to work for that particular style.</p> <p>As to the other ones, I suspect I need a little more fluidity to achieve the look I want, especially since I don't layer much.</p> <p>Thanks for your valuable insights! And everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112601 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:46:15 +0000 Suz 2112601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also note that it will depend on the sweater style/ type/ fabrication.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wear some of my ribbed merino (or synthetic) knit tops in a fairly body con way. E.g. first three examples.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, others (even other ribbed knits) are more tailored, with a bit of room -- these ones are cotton rich. (The two Boden t-necks are like this -- the shoulder and arm fit is neat and they outline the bust but there is some extra fabric in the body).&nbsp;</p> <p>The next four are different fabrications, but all have more ease and are less body con (on me). Tailored (in the shoulder) -but-fluid-in-the-body, I'd say -- especially towards the waist area.&nbsp;</p> <p>The cotton LLBean mariners are quite loose and fluid, boxy, really &nbsp;-- but the type of knit is very different, more like a sweatshirt material. So it would be harder for them to cling anyway.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112597 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:36:47 +0000 Helena 2112597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, this is super helpful! I'll be referring to this when I fit sweaters in future, at least as a starting point for judging. Thanks so much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112594 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:25:47 +0000 Gaylene 2112594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The simple answer is there isn’t a standard “perfect fit”, but understanding the concepts of <b>wearing ease</b> and <b>design ease</b> can help you figure out what works for you.</p> <p><b>Wearing ease</b> is the room added to a garment so that the garment feels comfortable and allows for normal body movement such as raising and lowering the wearer’s arms. What feels comfortable to one person can feel too tight or too loose to another. Other factors such as whether the fabric is stiff or soft, whether the garment will worn alone or over other items, and what the wearer will be doing while wearing the garment &nbsp;also need to be considered as do cultural and &nbsp;societal norms. With that said, the commercial pattern industry generally states that minimum wearing ease is recommended to be 2 1/2″ (6.4cm) at the bust area, 1″ (2.5cm) at the waist and 3″ (7.6cm) at the hip area.</p> <p><b>Design ease</b> is any extra space that is purposely added to a garment by the designer to achieve a certain look, or drape. How much or how little determines whether a garment will be<i> close-fitting</i>(less than the minimum wearing ease), <i>fitted</i> (minimum wearing ease), <i>semi-fitted</i> or <i>fluid</i> (slightly more than the minimum ease required for normal movement), <i>loose-fitting</i> (width is greater than minimum requirements for wearing ease) or <i>very loose-fitting</i> (little or no shaping over body).</p> <p>The above guidelines are for <b>woven</b> fabrics because <b>knit and stretch fabrics have different properties</b>. With knit and elastic fabrics, the garment’s finished measurement is often equal the wearer’s body measurements because of the fabric’s ability to move with the body. The knit’s structure, stability, and its percentage of stretch will provide a guideline for the ideal amount of ease to add. Some fashion knit tops on the market today purposely have an excess of <i>positive</i>&nbsp; ease to create an attractive drape, movement, and comfort. On the other hand, garments made out of very stretchy fabrics, such as spandex leotards, may actually be made smaller than the body. <i>Negative</i>&nbsp; ease is often found in garments such as active wear and swimsuits.</p> <p>OK, on to your sweater question. To figure out your”perfect” fit, you need to start with your actual bust measurement and then figure out the look you’d like for that style of the sweater. In most cases, you’ll be looking for a sweater 5-10 inches larger than your bust measurement. The smaller your bust, the less ease you'd need proportionally than larger bust, i.e. a 32" bust would be fine closer to 5” extra, while a 42" bust would want closer to 9 or 10". Most pictures style the models with a great deal of positive ease, which results in a slouchy/boho look. Many women, though, prefer a fit much closer to their actual measurements with very little positive ease. Both options are equally "right," depending on what you want the final look to be. The weight and density of the knit can also influence your decision. A fine, or loose, knit will stretch and drape significantly more once it’s on the body than a heavier, bulkier knit. Again, the “perfect” fit depends on what look you prefer. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112543 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:40:52 +0000 Helena 2112543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112534 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:11:52 +0000 Angie 2112534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You can see links to my #OOTDs on my profile page:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/profile/angie">https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/profile/angie</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112532 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:09:40 +0000 Helena 2112532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie, good point! I'll go an analyze the knitwear in your photos.&nbsp; I think they way you fit them if probably what I'm after. I'm not into oversized but was feeling 'fitted' might be a bit of a dated look too. Perhaps now that I'm doing more straight legs than skinnies, they won't feel as off ... I'll play around (and may post a few photos for feedback - if I get organized!). Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112531 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:06:44 +0000 Angie 2112531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few things,<b> Helena</b> </p> <ul> <li>Knitwear fits VERY differently depending on your preferences and the intention of the silhouette.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>You are looking a these various fits: body con, tailored, fluid (and degrees of fluidity), oversized.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Classic fits are usually tailored or gently fluid.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Personally, I don't do oversized often. SOMETIMES. I don't do body con knitwear. I do body con knitted tops occasionally. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Personally, I am pedantic about fit. Things must fit perfectly for me to wear them. It's part of how I maintain a polished appearance. Most of my own knitwear is very fluid, gently fluid, or tailored. (You've seen almost three weeks of outfits and me in my knitwear, so there are the visuals!)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Have you tried blocking your shrunken knitwear with an iron? It's vert effective.</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112524 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:49:39 +0000 Helena 2112524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Becky and Janet, thanks, and yes I agree! Different purposes and tastes will definitely make all the difference!</p> <p>I guess I would feel more confident knowing what the baseline is (i.e. oversized in comparison to what, or fitted in comparison to what) ... does that make sense?</p> <p>I'll try to wash and stretch Janet, thanks!</p> <p>xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112521 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:40:11 +0000 Janet 2112521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it really depends on personal preference. I have sweaters with a more fitted profile and some that are roomier with more ease. They suit different needs. </p> <p>I’ve successfully re-washed and re-stretched some knits that shrunk a little in the wash. Perhaps you could try that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112518 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:32:24 +0000 Becky 2112518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not Angie, but I'll be watching to see how she answers. I'm certainly no expert, but I think it depends on your own preferences + how you want to style the sweater. For me, the shoulder seam fit is the one non-negotiable, and everything else is how I plan on wearing the sweater. For example, if I want to wear it as a layer under a topper, I'll want a slimmer fit. If I plan to wear the sweater as the topper over something else, I'll go for a roomier fit. I don't know if that helps or just muddies the waters . . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-how-should-sweaters-fit#post-2112514 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:26:57 +0000 Helena 2112514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi there,</p> <p>I am hoping Angie (or others in the know) can help me some guidelines to how sweaters should fit? I know there are many different looks to sweaters, so for this purpose, I mean, a classic crew or v-neck merino or cashmere sweater, and a classic fit.</p> <p>I'm asking because I feel a couple of my sweaters might have shrank a touch in the wash and I'm wondering if they are looking too tight now. Also, because I have a slight IT tendency, often if the shoulder seam&nbsp; is perfect, the body is loose and vice versa and wondering which to sacrifice in favour of the other, when needed.</p> <p>I've seen tips for men that recommend 1 - 2 inches of fabric on either side of the rib cage, depending on whether you want a slim or looser fit, but haven't found a similar rule of thumb for women.</p> <p>Appreciate any suggestions! Thank you!</p>