Ask Angie: Chunky sweater fit help

Carla

Angie, and anyone else with insight...please help me! I would like to add a chunky oatmeal coloured sweater to my wardrobe. (See the picture below.)

The problem I encounter is that when trying on these types of sweaters, I don't like what I see in the mirror. My waist gets lost, and my upper body seems to look chunky.

I believe I'm an hourglass/rectangle with broad shoulders and modest bust. Not much definition at the waist, and a small pouch at belly. (37-31-39)

I would like a turtle neck, but should I look for a V-neck? Any help you can provide would be welcomed.

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12 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from Carla

Jules

Veteran

I hear you! As an hourglass though. I bought one at Joe Fresh last year. I like it, but when I take it off I swear I lose 10 lbs! It totally obscures my waist, but doesn't create a vertical column, which is the way I like to do waist surrender.

12 years ago

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

Could you belt it? Or possibly, depending on just how the texture looks, you could use that very thin round elastic (just a little thicker than sewing thread) and sew in 1-2 rows at the waist on the wrong side to bring it closer to the body.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This type of sweater is so hard to wear.

What you need is one that has a different kind of cut. That's my feeling. It's not just the turtle neck. This one looks semi fitted. Yet it won't BE fitted, due to the bulk.

The GAP ones from last year might work better. They will likely come out with an updated version this year.

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I suggest looking at Eileen Fisher sweaters (do I sound like a broken record)? They have delicious fabrications and are cut to accommodate a bosom, which, as an hourglass, you have. They are also cut to be the right length, which IMO makes all the difference.

I know people love to belt but I think belting a sweater like this adds to the problem, personally.

12 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I have to agree with IK on this Carla and suggest not belting. When you take an already thicker fabrication and add a belt, it just bunches that knit and makes it all "lumpy", you know?

I struggled for a while last year when wanting to adopt the chunky knit trend but once I accepted the fact that the sweater would completely obscure my waist and that's what it was supposed to do, I was fine with it.

Here's the chunky knit I ended up with - I was careful to make sure it wasn't too long so that it would completely hide ALL of me and although a higher neckline, was not a true turtleneck which doesn't work on short-necked me. This is sort of a hybrid turtle-cowl neck. I also found that scrunching the sleeves helped give some structure by showing a bit of skin. I do not feel as good in the sweater if the sleeves are down.

Good luck - your chunky sweater is out there somewhere!

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12 years ago

Carla

Veteran

Thanks! Info provided is very helpful. I'm in a Starbucks in Toronto writing this. No luck yet with the sweater, but I did get something!!!

12 years ago