Crazy shopping purchase...need your input

citygirldc

Has anyone ever purchased an item of clothing that was too large, lets say an X-large top, because they loved it soooo much and thought they could alter it? Well I did and hubby was telling me I need help. LOL

So, is it possible to alter an XLarge to a small size or should I just return the top?

14 years ago

Shopping

14 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Let's see a pic on you! Depends on what it's made of and how much the alterations would cost.

Once I tried ordering a large jacket because the small was too tight and the medium wasn't available. But sadly it was too huge (as expected) so I returned it.

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

It really depends on the blouse, I think. XL to S is a pretty big change. I think it may be possible, but it would probably be expensive, and the proportions might not be the same.

14 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I'd guess that's going to be a tricky and possibly expensive alteration, although I do sympathize. When you fall in love, it's hard to think straight

14 years ago

Jem

Veteran

I'd return it.

14 years ago

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

What kind of a top is it? Is it possible to actually wear it as an oversized piece? Sometimes that can really look great.

14 years ago

Kari

Veteran

Unless it's an item that is actually meant to be a bit oversized, and it's CLOSE to fitting, I'd return it.

I have bought "almost perfect" items with the intent to alter if the price was right - sometimes. For example: I bought a petite Halogen seamed pencil skirt on clearance in petite sizing, and my mom helped take the seam down to re-hem it to the same length as my other Halogen skirt. It worked out just fine!

14 years ago

Refugee

Veteran

Without seeing it, I say return it. Even if you can afford the alterations, I don't think it is going to look the way you want it to. If it was just 1 size too big, maybe. But XL to S? I really don't think it will work.
ETA: You deserve better!

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

You could have your seamstress just cut you a new shirt from the larger one... o_0

I think I'd return also.

14 years ago

Lantana

Veteran

Gosh. Um. No.
Explanation: apart from width and length and dart allowances(for bust and back etc) there's that rather magical element referred to as "ease". The former are relatively simple to alter but the latter depends very much on the fabric and how the garment is meant to look and feel when worn.
you'd be better off taking a photo to show your seamstress and have one made bespoke.

14 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Can you hunt it down online in your size? Alterations can be risky. Making that drastic size change would probably require recutting the garment. Do you have a serious tailor, because I don't right now... I wouldn't trust a job like this to my local dry cleaner's.

14 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Okay ladies. Here are my photos.

This is the XL Zara top that is no longer sold online. The shoulders fit well but it just a lot of volume as seen on the photos below.

Photos 1-5: not tucked in
Photos 6-8 tucked in (and my big thighs).

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14 years ago

Claudia

Veteran

I am surprised to see that it appears to be a decent fit in the shoulders. It might not be that big a deal to have the sides taken in. Longish sleeves can be rolled. You may be okay here...

14 years ago

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

The colors look very good on you and the shoulders aren't that huge. I'd consult your seamstress before deciding to return it.

Please don't ever call your thighs big! They look proportional and beautiful. We can be so hard on ourselves for no good reason.

14 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Boy, that's a fab shirt! See what the seamstress says!

14 years ago

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