YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fit. Fit. Fit.

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fit. Fit. Fit. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 23 May 2026 18:49:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php lyn67 on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1886027 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 19:56:04 +0000 lyn67 1886027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree and  Angie would, too! AND  she said you can always "boss" your clothes and I do it! ALL. THE. TIME! Sal on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885855 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 04:03:36 +0000 Sal 1885855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A great reminder Sterling- fit and fabrication are the areas I can let myself down. Too short, too loose, or the wrong shape on my body are the ones I can have problems with. Lynn on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885739 Sat, 03 Feb 2018 18:13:29 +0000 Lynn 1885739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting discussion. Brooklyn you are so right about expecting RTW to fit. Did you know the fitting bible for sewers has alternations for 88 different figure variations? No wonder we all struggle with fit in RTW!  I recently came across this quote from 2 very well known and stylish sewing gurus- "wear big over small, small over big, small over small , but never big over big"  I think this holds true for the vast majority of people. Although I would use fitted for small and loose for big.  For those of us who prefer a more fluid fit (I also love that term). I have been studying the clothing of a couple of sewing bloggers who wear lagenlook well.  Lagenlook is a very oversized fit, often layered. Not my thing but I thought it would be useful.   <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=lagenlook&rs=typed&term_meta[]=lagenlook%7Ctyped">https://www.pinterest.com/sear.....ok%7Ctyped</a> What I noticed in the garments/outfits that I thought were flattering is that element of structure that both Joy and Gigi mentioned.  There is always 1 element of the outfit that skims the body somewhat closely, typically the shoulders, upper chest and bust area.   The outfits that are oversized all over are not very flattering to my eye. This is certainly true for my loose fit, pear shaped, tunic loving self. The most flattering tops are ones that have waist shaping or that are more fitted in the shoulders, bust, and underbust and then flare out like the tops kkards posted.  Boxy tops, unless they are in a really fluid fabric, are not flattering on me. However, if you have a more rectangular figure a boxy cut top with slim pants can be very flattering as it skims your figure.   karen13- I will have to try photographing my outfits.  I think another element that sort of falls into fit is the proportions of the elements in an outfit. Since I like longer length tops it is easy to end up with a 1:1 ratio of top:bottom which isn't that pleasing to the eye.  I still have to figure out the most flattering lengths for tops.  Thanks Joy and Angie for the links.  SarahD8 on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885729 Sat, 03 Feb 2018 16:30:26 +0000 SarahD8 1885729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent discussion about an excellent goal, Sterling. I will also jump on the bandwagon and pursue perfect fit this year. From online secondhand shopping on eBay and the like, I have a pretty definite idea of what measurements a sweater needs to have in order to fit right. I am realizing that I need to develop the same knowledge of other categories of clothing so that I can better predict their fit (not just for online shopping, I think this would help irl too). Also I need to study and absorb what my favorite pair of jeans *feels* like when I first put them on, so that I can be alert for that feeling when I try on other jeans. I was interested in the suggestion in some of the links Angie posted to size up or down in order to get the fit you want. I am definitely on board with the idea that the fit of an item is more important than the size on the tag. But I have not had much luck with deliberately sizing up or down to modify fit. I find that when I try that, the fit becomes very poor in other areas. For me the fit, fit, fit mantra is equally cut, cut, cut. karen13 on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885586 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 23:06:42 +0000 karen13 1885586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YEs to everything you said. YLF has made me much more conscious of fit. I find photographing outfits is also so instructive because they look so different than what i see in the mirror.  And what Janet said about weight fluctuations! I have been in a 5 lb range for about a year, and am realizing I need to keep items at both ends of that spectrum, because the fit is off if they are too lose or to tight by that fairly small amount. Suzanimal on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885576 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 22:39:46 +0000 Suzanimal 1885576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fit is everything to me. A garment can be perfect in every way but if it's a little off, I have to fix it or it drives me crazy. Sometimes it seems like a small thing but it makes a huge difference in your overall appearance.  Angie on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885499 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 19:07:39 +0000 Angie 1885499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ NICE MOTTO, STERLING.  I am pedantic about fit - and so is Greg.  Personally, I don't think you can look ultra polished without excellent fitting clothing (and some make-up). If that's not your thing - fair enough. You're more of a RATE kind of gal, and there are all sorts of ways to look stylish. I'm not RATE at all. Too much of a control freak, awfully neat and tidy, a perfectionist, and hence pedantic about fit. I will not settle, and I will absolutely alter. Btw, oversized clothing can have perfect fit, and that's the point:  Here are my favourite posts about fit, which you might find helpful: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2016/02/02/a-modern-approach-to-fit-four-silhouettes/">https://youlookfab.com/2016/02.....lhouettes/</a> <div> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2012/09/20/the-three-different-definitions-of-correct-clothing-fit/">https://youlookfab.com/2012/09.....thing-fit/</a></div><div> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/08/28/designers-and-retailers-do-not-dictate-fit/">https://youlookfab.com/2013/08.....ctate-fit/</a></div><div> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/01/10/the-oversized-trend-and-our-changing-perceptions-of-fit/">https://youlookfab.com/2013/01.....ns-of-fit/</a></div><div> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/07/10/the-fluid-fit/">https://youlookfab.com/2013/07/10/the-fluid-fit/</a></div><div> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/08/27/focus-on-fit-not-size/">https://youlookfab.com/2013/08.....-not-size/</a></div> Chris987 on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885492 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 18:54:40 +0000 Chris987 1885492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent write up Sterling, and loving every one of the comments. Kkards I know exactly what you are talking about. I have a few tank tops that I wear as layering pieces and even though they are petites and allegedly fit, the scoop neck is WAY too low to look right so I take in the shoulder seams. This is just one example of making things fit for the way I  want them to fit. Paying attention to fit is probably the most important thing I have learned from YLF, and it's different for everyone. As another similar example - I just bought the spring shirt shown below. I tried two petite sizes just to be sure. The larger of the two sizes was a bit loose but ok, although it was just a little too long. The smaller fit much better and the key thing was the placement of the top edge of the pocket...I have very little "real estate" between bust and neck and a lot of shirt pockets hit too low and just don't look right. On this shirt it was that smaller size that was just right in that detail.  It can be exhausting sometimes but it's well worth it IMHO. It's been a hard lesson to learn and I don't always get it right away, but I'm getting better at it. kkards on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885480 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 17:51:01 +0000 kkards 1885480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ excellent write up Sterling. I'm struggling to put this into words that will make sense to anyone but me....in the last year or so, I've been paying much more attention to fit-not just to the, does the waist fit, are the shoulders lined up part, but to the whole "is this the right fit" part, i.e. is the hem hitting were it should, is the waist at the right spot, are the arms the right length/width etc. this is both from a how the garment looks physically and how the garment fits from a what is current now point of view...for example, I would buy something at Talbots because it "fit", but I never felt fab in it because it wasn't the right fit. and I'm back to tailoring-- a lot....a few years ago I did this a lot, but then stopped...don't know why....but just last week I have a tank top (yes a tank top) tailored because I felt the scoop was to low... Lynn on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885475 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 17:32:32 +0000 Lynn 1885475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling- Excellent summary of our discussion about fit during the 30 x 30 challenge. I am off to an appointment but will be back later to read through everyone's comments in detail.  Brooklyn on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885343 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 10:18:22 +0000 Brooklyn 1885343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I increasingly think it’s too much to expect ready to wear clothing to fit my body perfectly (given the huge differences in body type), let alone to fit the way I prefer. I just bought some shorts, sized up, because it’s the only way I could get a pair that fit loose across my thighs. I will now have the waist altered to fit. I think I need to be prepared to do this type of thing more often. Aurore on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885338 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 09:40:48 +0000 Aurore 1885338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The fit and proportions discussions here on YLF are really enriching and instructive. Thank you Sterling for this recap! Cardiff girl on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885335 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 08:16:48 +0000 Cardiff girl 1885335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fit is something one is always striving for both in purchased clothes and ,if you dress make,in homemade clothes.I nevitably in purchased clothes it s usually a compromise unless you are one of those rare beings that matches the shop fit exactly.In dress making it is a skill to aspire to as you develop as a dressmaker but it is one of the advantages of making your own that the fit is up to you.I m always looking for the sweet spot of“slouch”in a lot of my clothes,a sort of nonchalant it fits me but trendily not quite.Its hard to describe but I know it when I see it.fit can be the difference between clothes looking well cut or not.Fit can also affect how you feel about your body ,too tight and you can feel bloated all day ,gently skimming and you can feel fabulous.so you are right to emphasise the importance of fit. Gigi on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885326 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 06:42:48 +0000 Gigi 1885326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hear, hear! Proper fit is important to me too. When I first started building my wardrobe, I kept track of which pieces got donated in my first purge,  and a large number of them were donated because of poor fit. It can be tricky fitting oversized pieces. I feel sloppy if there is not some type of structural signpost in the clothing. For me, that generally means some hint of a defined waist. Shoulder fit is also important for me, since I have narrow shoulders (if the shoulders are too wide, I get baggy material in the bust area). If the shoulders fit OK and there is some type of waist definition, or even a band at the bottom of the shirt, I am good to go. I have recently been looking at examples of French fashion, and one of the things I took away from the pics was the impeccable fit of all the clothing. Yes, the dressing looks relaxed and RATE, but it's not sloppy.  Jaime on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885301 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 04:48:38 +0000 Jaime 1885301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent post about the subjective nature of fit. As with Janet, and possibly mores so because I am short with a smallish frame, any weight fluctuation can change the fit of certain items. I like my clothes to fit at key points (shoulders especially) but can be sloppy about length and other things.  Janet on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885274 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:49:51 +0000 Janet 1885274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ To complicate matters, a weight gain or loss of just a few pounds can make a difference in fit. I have some things that stretch enough that they still *fit* even though I’m dealing with extra poundage right now (albeit more snugly and not as much ease). Other things are just uncomfortable (either physically or psychologically) with a five pound weight gain. But I’m determined to make this a temporary state so I am NOT buying pants until I have a grip on this issue! Anonymous on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885272 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:47:51 +0000 Anonymous 1885272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s tricky, because often, when selecting a size, you’ll fit one part well and another part is too loose or too tight, and so figuring out a size becomes an exercise in “fudging it”. I recently realized, for example, that with structured top pieces, like jean jackets, I prefer to fit my bust than my shoulders. For knitwear, I prefer to fit my shoulders. The other thing is: I prefer body-con fitted bottoms but semi-fitted tops. It’s all very garment-specific and that is what’s so confusing! Irina on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885269 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:41:06 +0000 Irina 1885269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You motto is my motto! This year I’m planning to keep a close eye on the fit. I am also starting on alterations - I’m petite and the fit of the clothes becomes a challenge if I buy regular sizes. I still do and now consider if an item can be altered to fit me. Almost all of my pants are taking in or shorten or both. I’d rather spend money and time to get a look I want. It is personal and this is my choice. Toban on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885257 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:25:40 +0000 Toban 1885257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for this post, Sterling. I concur that fit is important and personal and add that it varies by silhouette and intention even for the same person. I have clothes in each of the categories, body con, body skimming, loose, and voluminous. Each category has its own fit priorities, such as structure, as Joy mentioned. Sometimes it is how one pairs clothes together. The same shirt in different sizes might work best with different pant silhouettes. In addition to trying on multiple sizes, I almost always try on an item with the the top or bottom in the silhouette that I plan to most likely pair with it. And even bring/wear the item that I am trying to find it’s complements for if I can. It’s often about intent and about ‘rules’ that flatter your body type. unfrumped on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885234 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 00:11:46 +0000 unfrumped 1885234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes. Yes. Yes. delurked on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885223 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 23:44:05 +0000 delurked 1885223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s so hard to get fit just right. Sometimes issues with it come up after we are wearing a garment. Or we overlook something that we probably should have initially noticed. I also agree structure plays a big role in making me feel my best. My mantra for the year is - priorities. Priorities in where I spend my money (clothing vs something else) AND where I allot my clothing money (trying to keep my spending to where I will benefit from it the most). LaPed on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885214 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 23:22:41 +0000 LaPed 1885214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's true that it's so worth it to try items in multiple sizes to find the best fit. Looking at my closet, I have such a range of sizes. This is what finally made me realize the value of retailers like Zappos and Nordstroms who offer free, unconditional returns.  Anonymous on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885206 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:53:53 +0000 Anonymous 1885206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not great at getting sizing as good as I could - and tend to be a bit lazy in that regard.  I often default to "if I can get it on and it's not tight, then I'm good" , which is not an  intelligent approach at all. Trying clothes on is one of the things I least like to do in life, but if you want to look good, then it's a necessary evil and worth the time and effort.......I'm talking to myself here   Thanks for this post - it's indeed interesting. jussie on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885204 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:49:05 +0000 jussie 1885204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There’s nothing so useful as going into a b & m store and just trying a heap of stuff on in different sizes to kind of do the “groundwork” on fit and find which size in which brands seems to work best. Eg it will be different for different brands- but once you have an idea at least next time some of the guesswork is taken out. However I think jeans are a different beast altogether and can vary even in the same label.... texstyle on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885201 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:28:00 +0000 texstyle 1885201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great goal for 2018 - fit is individual as you said, but so important for how you feel in an outfit. I enjoy fairly loose fitting garments but sometimes feel I bought too large of a size (after the fact of course). I usually do need to wear a belt with most of my jeans and pants with a few exceptions. I sometimes question if I should get the size smaller but then I absolutely hate it if something feels really tight after being washed (even though I realize often it will relax). It's a problem with natural materials especially cotton and cotton blends. Not long ago I ordered two tops in the "recommended" size and realized once I received them they were much too large. I was able to re-order but often, it's too late and the sizes will be sold out. So my personal goal is to make a real effort to order multiple sizes in one order going forward so I don't miss out. Windchime on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885197 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:22:53 +0000 Windchime 1885197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is one of the most important things I've learned on YLF--you just cannot compromise on fit. Something may look wonderful on the rack or on someone else, but if the fit is off on you, forget it. "Fluid fit" is another very useful phrase I've learned here. If you prioritize fit this year, your wardrobe should be in great shape! Anonymous on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885191 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 21:59:03 +0000 Anonymous 1885191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You might also consider structure and how much, if any, you feel that you need. I don't need every garment to have structure but need some someplace in the outfit. For example, loose pants. I don't usually like tight tops as they do nothing for me, but want sleeves that reveal where the shoulders are ( not a seam lower than the shoulder) , sides that come up to the armpit, or sleeveless. If there is not some structure, I feel sloppy. Angie has had some helpful posts: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/2014/05/19/12-ways-to-add-structure-to-an-outfit/" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/2014/05.....an-outfit/</a> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/04/30/how-to-add-structure-to-an-unstructured-outfit/" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/2013/04.....ed-outfit/</a> Anonymous on "Fit. Fit. Fit." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-fit-fit#post-1885187 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 21:46:40 +0000 Anonymous 1885187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The subject of "fit" came up often during the 30 x 30 Challenge. The subject was initially kicked off by Toban when she commented: It is very important to me to wear excellent fitting clothing even in the midst of body changes. I am working too hard on weight loss to have poor fitting clothes add visual weight and I receive a very big confidence boost from perfect fitting clothing. That statement absolutely resonated with me.  I lost a little weight and was starting to wonder about the fit of my own wardrobe.  I devoured all of Toban's posts, particularly those posts that talked about assessing fit and her strategies for building wardrobe capsules to accommodate a weight loss journey.  I wanted to include links to those posts, but there have been so many threads posted in January, I lost track of them at this moment.   Midway through the Challenge, I started to assess the fit of every ensemble I tried.  Toban offered excellent instruction and suggested action items for me to learn to assess fit.  It was still challenging for me. Then Lynn was kind enough to point out that fit is very personal, especially when it comes to the amount of ease a person likes in clothing. Identifying what kind of ease a person likes is a good first step in assessing fit. For example, does that person like garments that ---  - Fitted, i.e., very body con? - Semi-fitted- skimming the body but still showing the body's contours (the sweater)? - Easy-fitting- looser fit but body contours still noticeable? - Loose fit to very loose fitting (VLF) - body contours typically masked. Lynn pointed out that fabric will change the fit. The same size garment in different fabrics will fit differently. So getting in the habit of trying on multiple sizes is good idea. As the conversation continued, Sarah chimed in that she liked Fluid Not Sloppy.   Specifics:  slightly loose skimming fit in tops, slim straight leg pants. There is a fine line between loose/relaxed and baggy in clothes and where you draw that line is individual.  Both do add visual ‘weight’ to an outfit that can be mitigated (if desired), such as with flowy or drapey materials that move or hint at underlying shape. Appearing one’s slimmest self is a concientious choice and not mandatory at all. This is why both Lynn and Toban recommend trying 2-3 sizes of a variety of items to learn your personal preferences. I didn't have time to really pursue this in January.  But I did decide to make Fit. Fit. Fit. my motto for 2018.  Even though the Challenge has ended for me, I am still applying the lessons learned and continuing to assess the fit of every single garment.  I am also continuing to ruthlessly cull those items that don't fit my current body or my current life style.   There were thoughts that this topic might be a good discussion item for the YLF Forum at large.