https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:14:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279573 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:24:45 +0000 umayama 279573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love denim leggings and always it worries when it comes to tucking. if I don't tuck, then I am seen too much fat. as on leggings, with tuck it doesn't look good but here I have got to compromise with tucking so as to keep myself feel comfortable with as I am slim rather thinking the appearance, though it doesn't look that good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279563 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:07:39 +0000 Dusty 279563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wide rib cage is definitely an issue, it makes fitted tops and sheath dresses a little hard to fit. Plus, even when I find one that does work I'm quite self-conscious about how far my goofy ribs stick out. My feet and calves get me, too. I have big feet (11's) and there aren't many choices in brick and mortar stores around here. (and they often only get in one in any given style). Then you add in skinny calves and boots are nearly impossible to find - there is certainly nothing available locally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279537 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:21:31 +0000 Dashrashi 279537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Chest that's out of proportion to the rest of my body; a long torso but short arms; and enormous and wide-ish feet combined with relatively short legs and small calves. Also a, uh, disproportionately large waist measurement. Probably the chest the most, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279462 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:41:41 +0000 Steph 279462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate S., I have the same problem you do, and think it probably is quite common. But it's not my *biggest* challenge, so I didn't mention it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279458 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:39:09 +0000 MsMary 279458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a petite so pant legs and sleeves are always too long -- often even in the petite sizes. But I have a monstrously large chest and fat back so blouses and jackets are extremely problematic and prone to gapping. And dresses are well-nigh impossible because I'm so much bigger on top than on the bottom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279441 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:16:58 +0000 mamaKate 279441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating! I feel I have a very common fit issue but having read through the thread so far, it seems I share it only with a few! It is the curvy booty compared to waist - making it necessary to buy trousers to fit and then take them in at the waist. Not a big problem, I am counting my lucky stars! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279405 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:02:53 +0000 Steph 279405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I read yours and just wanted to give you a hug. I know that I am not as small as you are now, but when I had my reduction I was skinnier, and I think my chest was bigger than yours. So if you're a freak, so was I. </p> <p>My biggest fit challenge is knee-high boots. I have 15.5 inch calves but I am 5'1 and I wear a size 6.5 shoe, have small ankles, and wear a size 4 in clothes. This means that wide width boots or boots from plus-sized stores, which tend to be wider in the calf, tend to be way too large in the ankle for me. Added to that difficulty is the fact that I don't purchase leather or anything using animal skins/fur/hides, and finding knee-high boots is a huge challenge (but I have managed to find a few that have worked). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279357 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 23:07:58 +0000 Aida 279357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The main fit issue I always take into consideration while dressing is my height; at 5'3" I always shoot for an outfit that makes my legs look as long as possible.</p> <p>When shopping it's usually my curvy back+ample rear+small waist making pants tricky (well, height too but that's easier to solve). Tops are pretty easy with my small bust and small top frame overall (though shoulders are broad), but longer torso length makes it harder to find tops long enough that are small enough (rarely find 'em). I'm a bit worried after reading Taylor and Angie's comments since I'm working on losing some weight and will likely get sized out soon for tops (I already wear small and xsmall in many brands). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-279329 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:39:47 +0000 Janet 279329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isn't it encouraging to know that we ALL have challenges? </p> <p>I actually think I'm pretty lucky -- a lot of things fit me well off the rack, and I'm a size 8 shoe, which is really easy to find. My big challenges are finding fitted button front shirts that fit throughout the body and shoulders but don't pull apart at the bustline (being a D/DD cup), and finding pants and jeans that fit my thighs, which are not exactly slim. </p> <p>Ah well, it just means I have to try on lots of stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277836 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:02:14 +0000 MNsara 277836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, Laura - I feel your *almost petite* pain. Although it is my top half that keeps me trying both.</p> <p>Historically, I have the biggest fit problem with very small waist in proportion to fuller hips AND thighs. Has always made pants and jeans shopping a disappointment.</p> <p>This year, I have also found trouble with my muscular upper arms and *seems to be* wide across my back shoulders -- for jackets and woven shirts. </p> <p>I'd probably never have struggled with this if I hadn't found YLF and decided to move beyond all knits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277823 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:15:03 +0000 Laura 277823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, this is going to make me sound like a crazy person, but at 5' 3 1/2" tall, I am just beyond a petite, but too short for many regular sized items. It's like I am in some bizarre size range that everyone forgot Drives me crazy!! </p> <p>Through YLF, I realized that my 30 1/2" inseam (again, about 1/2" shorter than many "regular" inseams that are often 31") is NOT compatible with petite sizes, where the inseam is often 29". However, I am short-waisted, meaning that petite bottoms often fit me better in the rise (the rise is shorter). When pants rises were higher (I thanked the fashion gods when low-rise pants came into style), the waistband often felt like it was hitting me halfway up my back. In the 90s, when jeans rises were super duper high, I used to take my jeans to a tailor to have the waistband lowered. </p> <p>On top, I am definitely a petite, with my short waist and short arms.</p> <p>Does this explain why I am the dress queen? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277815 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:14:12 +0000 Velma 277815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a very straight, narrow rib cage and small bust, but relatively curvy hips. This makes sheath dresses almost impossible to fit without serious alterations--they are all gigantic in the upper body and flare out under the arms. I also have very narrow shoulders, especially for my height, so jackets can be tough to fit. Even though I am 5'9", petite cuts sometimes work for me through the rib cage and shoulders, if the item is short-sleeved or sleeveless. I have a long inseam (34" --more for heels), although I am slim. Then there is the bunion on my right foot only! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277810 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:52:51 +0000 Scarlet 277810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. General smallness. German brands are a complete no-go, but I can find things from Italian and French labels. I have made my peace with hemming though. </p> <p>2. Wide hip bones. Regardless of weight my hips are out of proportion. I can only hope this is also good for something, like child-bearing. </p> <p>3. Slightest bit of exercise gives me huge quad muscles that make my pants ride up. Weird, huh?</p> <p>I actually think it is kind of cool how we are all so different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277809 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:50:55 +0000 Theresa 277809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread!</p> <p>My revelations have come about over the past year and from my recent pattern making exercises. They are:</p> <p>Short shoulder to bust (like Megan)<br /> Short waisted<br /> Long arms (so tops small enough to fit the shoulder-waist are too short in arms)<br /> Long rise (waist to crotch)<br /> High Hip fairly in proportion to rest of me, but 10" down from my waist and it all expands!<br /> Short legs with chunky thighs, but slim calves.</p> <p>Knit tops are fairly easy to fit, woven it depends on how the darts are set up and the sleeve length, but pants/skirts are horrible - I have never EVER in my life had a pair of pants that fit my waist and hips - belts used to be my best friend, but now I'm just making my own pants LOL</p> <p>It just goes to show with how many different issues we have here, why ready-to-wear clothes just can't meet all of our needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277805 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:57:17 +0000 yublocka 277805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Anchi and saying my broad rib cage (and mine is not due to childbirth!). Inevitably the first place a dress is too tight on me is over the ribs. </p> <p>I think my apple shape actually makes pants easy to buy (easier than tops anyway), as waist, hips, thighs seem to work for most pants. My height however often makes the length an issue, it can be difficult to find pants with an inseam long enough, although strangely most jeans are ok. Luckily I wear jeans 80% of the time anyway! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277671 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:09:08 +0000 ticksgirl 277671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Jonesy said, plus having a super-curvy booty on an otherwise mostly straight body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277660 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:54:42 +0000 Sveta 277660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Where do I start? Like Marianna I have size 12 in shoes and there is not much out there in this size Add to it that there is no Nordstrom in Canada and Zappos Canada selection is pretty limited...picture is pretty bleak. Thanks God for Tall Girl store in my city where at least I can walk in and always have something in my size to try on!<br /> My height does not make it any easier for me. I am not comfortable to wear heels above 2 in, which limits my footwear selection even more.<br /> Also - thanks to my height - finding anything long enough in sleeves, legs and torso is a real challenge. Small waist and full hips and thighs make pants fitting a nightmare as well. In addition I have wide shoulders and narrow back and chest so usually if it fits in the shoulders it needs to be taken in to fit.<br /> On the bright side I found that sheath dresses are easy to fit for me which is a blessing.They usually need to be taken in under the arms and in the chest but it is a simple alteration. Oh, and having my mom as a personal seamstress does simplify things. Right now being tired of looking for the long enough tops for pants I have decided to ask my mom to make some for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277649 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:48:17 +0000 elpgal 277649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Feet that are size 9W and toes that are splayed apart instead of tapering in make it difficult to find stylish shoes.</p> <p>I know I can find clothes that flatter if I am diligent but my short-waisted apple shape frustrates me no end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277602 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:54:08 +0000 sarah 277602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly the opposite of Jonesy - being 5'1 and having to wear petite sizes - stores are getting better about carrying good petite lines, but the offerings are still limited. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277599 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:46:42 +0000 Jonesy 277599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm...I'd say my overall giantness is probably the biggest fit challenge! Specific areas are broad shoulders, very long arms, very long distance between my crotch and my waist (so even high-waisted pants hit below my belly button), and legs that are usually right smack in between regular and tall lengths. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277557 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:41:48 +0000 lynn 277557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let's see...I have very small shoulders and a 34DD chest. I'm a size bigger on bottom than on top so dresses are hard, especially in the summer. My calves are skinny and my feet are long and narrow...that is ok in sandals but some shoes look like canoes (like Converse). Aging is causing other issues like skin not looking great in sleeveless or bare tops. This is a big problem because I live in NC where we have very hot summers. Other than these problems, shopping is a breeze! No, really, I'm grateful for the body that God gave me...it works! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge/page/2#post-277549 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:32:08 +0000 anne 277549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest fit challenge is also my feet. I have wide feet except for a shallow heel and so can't wear ballet flats or many other shoes as my heels slip out. I wear orthotics at least some of the time and for those times, usually wear hugely expensive shoes made just for that ( which are deeper, to Elly's point)</p> <p>I am feeling a bit distant about other fit challenges since it is so long since I went shopping but I can relate to the waist hitting too high, like Tanya, since I am very longwaisted. Also I have a curved back so lots of garments hang loose at the back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277512 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:53:36 +0000 Isabel 277512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sleeve length and waist vs. hip proportion. I find that Ann Taylor and Loft are pretty good for my sleeve length....or I just "scruch" up the sleeves. As for the waist to hip ratio, I have almost every pair of pants taken in at the waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277509 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:52:09 +0000 Megan 277509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchi, have you checked out Paige Premium denim jeans in petites? They have lots of styles available that aren't the boring basics </p> <p>Like Angie and Taylor, being sized out of clothes is probably my biggest issue. The other thing that makes me hard to fit is having an extremely short shoulder to bust length- it makes tops and bras a huge pain. I also have quite an hourglass shape in that my waist is quite a bit smaller than my hips- pants almost always need to be taken in and my tailor is expensive!</p> <p>On the postive side, my curvy girl tush and slim thighs means jeans pretty much always work out great </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277506 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:50:21 +0000 Elly 277506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a couple problems:</p> <p>1) Long arms! I have to wear tall tops, and very few retailers carry them, despite carrying long sizes in pants, ect. The obvious solution would be wearing short or 3/4 sleeves, which is what I did growing up. Now I live somewhere cold, and have circulation problems and I cannot get by without AT LEAST two full-sleeved layers on my arms. Americans are constantly getting taller-- everything that should be made in petite should also be made in tall!!!!!!! </p> <p>2) Hip-to-waist-to-bust ratio! I am a very curvy hourglass with a 13-14" difference between my waist and bust. Most women's clothes are not cut for that. I still struggle to find skirts/dress slacks/dresses that work. Tops are the worst, because I am a pretty big person except for my waist and if things don't fit in the waist, I just look BIG. I used to struggle with jeans, but now I wear the modern cut jeans from the Western Wear store. I say this all the time, but if you have booty and a thin waist and want a mid-rise bootcut jean it is the place to go. They also come in inch by inch inseam increments, so little ladies can get their 28 or 29 and I can get my 35 and all the really tall ladies can have their 38's and 40's. </p> <p>3) My feet. I have high arches that have to have arch support. They just don't make shoes with enough for me. I can't add an orthotic to most things though, because the shoes aren't DEEP enough. I don't have wide feet, and can't just buy wide shoes or a larger size because I need vertical space in the shoe, not the other way or else my feet slide side to side. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277505 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:47:40 +0000 greenglove 277505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Narrow calves and wide large 81/2 to 9 feet. Boots and heels are very hard to find.<br /> Other than that I can usually buy off the rack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277502 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:42:45 +0000 taylor 277502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 10 inch calves and over all narrow frame,<br /> Like Angie sized out....00's and 00p is my only option...I know it seems like a non issue. but honestly it is a pain for small framed humans to find clothes that fit. Alterations are a way of life for me.</p> <p>I can only imagine what it may be like for those much smaller than me...and there are plenty with tiny feet 5 or smaller:( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277498 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:35:39 +0000 Christie 277498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my biggest fit challenge must be less common, since I don't think anyone else has posted it. After having kids, my ribcage is wide (making woven garments hard to fit) and long (hardly any space between high hip and ribs, making my waistline kind of thick. Sizing up in dresses or blouses is an option, but then I'm swimming in the bustline and under-arms, because my bust is small-to-average. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277491 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:30:39 +0000 Jenava 277491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have trouble fitting bras. Usually I settle, since my bra size isn't manufactured by very many brands and is frumptasic and overpriced when it is. (28DDD). I end up wearing the next size up (30DD) on the last hook, but it means they don't last as long since I can't ratchet them down with the stretch out in the band.</p> <p>I also have chubby thighs. When I've been running they are less of a problem. I wanted a pair of OTK boots, but the ones I've tried wont' fit around the bottom part of my thigh, so I've just given up trying to find a pair. I also am very wary of pants/jeans because even styles that are "wide leg" sometimes are too tight for me to even pull onto my thighs. I prefer a wide leg or something with stretch, or I size up and have them tailored. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-biggest-fit-challenge#post-277486 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:20:36 +0000 Tara 277486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest ones are my bust and my hips/thighs.</p> <p>Woven fitted shirts are a definite challenge as they fit in the waist but are too small across the bust. One size bigger is often too big in the waist (I have a 28 inch waist and a 36 inch bust).</p> <p>I usually buy the more fitted size, and just wear a cami underneath the shirt leaving the top one or two buttons undone.</p> <p>And of course, the bane of many womens' lives: dress pants. The rise is often too low on the more modern, fitted versions, the ones with higher rises are too "matronly" looking with hardly any shape (they don't shape around the hips and bottom, just hang there or look baggy), and the sizing is all weird. I can vary from a size 10 (US size 6) to a size 14 (US size 10) in dress pants. </p>