Fit comparison - YouLookFab Forum

I did a little round in the shops the other day with the purpose of trying on a bit of color to see if I could find something new that I liked on me. I didn’t have much luck however, as the shops were full of the earthy neutrals that I already favor, and lots of green which I love. I tried on these two t-shirts in very similar shades. If I had only found one of them I probably would have bought it anyway just because it’s a basic t-shirt in my favorite color, but I found it really interesting to observe the effect of the two different fits side by side. To my eyes, the relaxed one with the longer sleeves really drags me down and gives a kind of tired and heavy feeling, while I feel like the more fitted short sleeved one kind of lifts me up, if that makes sense? Of course the trouser shape should also be considered in the overall silhouette, here I am wearing a flared trouser (actually a kick flare, but they are full length on my short legs, lol) that is fairly fitted around the hips and upper thighs.

I know it’s just a basic t-shirt and nothing revolutionary, but the side by side helps train my eye and makes me more aware of the kind of fit I think I prefer on myself, which is more fitted/neat/close to the body, waist emphasis, cropped lengths, and basically anything that draws the eye upwards, like shorter sleeves, high necks, etc.

Would love to know what you guys think, as it’s impossible to observe oneself objectively, and I could be swayed by what I already find more comfortable to wear.:)

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

8 months ago

Sisi

Veteran

I prefer you in the second one, I have always liked form-fitting clothing because, as you say, it looks neater (but I understand that sometimes one wants comfort ...).
I like the fit of the pants on you.

Bijou

They both look good to me, just different. The first top is a more fluid fit but not oversized and so it has a certain elegance to it. The second is a more classic fit and I think it works best with your tailored trousers. I would buy the one that I feel most comfortable in.

Brooklyn

I like both on you.

I usually prefer more fitted over more voluminous bottoms. If the bottoms are more fitted, I like more volume on top.

Length of sleeve can have an impact. I prefer a short sleeve to be capped or fairly short. Cuffs are nice for structure. Sleeves that end near the elbow, especially if the top has a high neckline, can make me look a bit too square/boxy. It’s the sleeve length that would probably make me prefer top 2. Or you could just turn up the sleeves to create a cuff.

Dee

Yes fit comparisons can definitely be very helpful because sleeve length, the type of necklines and cut can make such a difference on different body types. Sometimes just sizing up or down in the same item can also make big difference on whether we'll like it or not.

I do prefer top #2 due in part to the shorter sleeve length and the more fitted cut as it creates a more streamline look with these pants.

Janet

(website)

I like both on you, and would style each one differently, perhaps. But also, here’s my observation: sleeve length and cut can make a huge difference. I like a variety of fits, but if I’m going to do something a bit more slouchy, it helps a lot if a short sleeve is angled — it creates more diagonal/vertical lines rather than a horizontal line that I find less flattering (at certain lengths it calls attention to bustline, which I really don’t need). I’ve had quite a few sleeves altered to be shorter and more angled.

Also, to Dee’s point, a V neck can help make a slouchier cut a bit more flattering as well. The details make a difference!

Jules

Aside from how it looks on you and in your outfit, the first top is neither here nor there to me. The sleeves are long such that I’d be tempted to roll them, but it looks like they are loose but not actually wide, and might not roll well. The length of the top also confuses me as I feel it should be shorter - not cropped exactly, but short enough to show off the waistline of high waisted pants without being tucked/folded under. Anyway it’s obviously not the shirt I want it to be! But to me it’s kind of a compromise in proportions that I don’t think would be great in any styling.

Great exercise though, and I agree about training your eye,

Helena

Love this ... An excellent exercise. I agree with Jules ... The first top seems slightly too long somehow ... But agree with Bijou too that there are two different effects ... The first feels more casual whereas the second feels more sleek. It is fascinating to observe the difference small details make!

LJP

I prefer the fit of the first . I don’t care for the “wrinkling” and slight pulling under the arm /bust with the second top.

cat2

I vote for #2, I find #1 sort of shapeless.

rachylou

I agree with you - and also with Janet. The sleeve length may be the biggest thing here.

Indigoprint

I might start with how you plan to wear it. Will it be a stand alone, or will you layer something on top?
For stand alone I like the first one better. I like the sleeve length and the fluid fit.
But if you mostly plan on layering, it seems like the second one would lend itself better for that.

quietloud

Active Member

Oh wow, it's super interesting to read everyone's perspective on this! Like most of you I also that styling and details like sleeve length (rolling vs. not rolling, etc) is everything. I'm very intrigued by the sleeve issue!

Janet, your comment made me think, looking at the pictures I feel like in addition to the roomier fit of the first one, because the sleeves hit almost at my waistline it makes me look wider at the waist and a little boxy...While on the second one the sleeves hit at the bustline and widens it/narrows the waist, and I do tend to think I look better with some waist emphasis.

Sisi, I appreciate your comment on the pants, they are a true workhorse from & Other Stories.

Custom Find

by quietloud

View Info

slim cat

The first one looks like more relaxed style in general - good with shorts. The second - more fitted and easy to layer under jackets, cardigans. You have nice hourglass shape ( by the pic observation ) and the second tee makes more of it. Both tee shirts are good for different outfits.

Joy

You have hit on why I dislike tee shirts in general. They are all too big on me unless I rein them in with a blazer or other topper with shape. I prefer the smaller shirt on you. I agree that the pants fit well and look comfortable and also with Janet that a high tapered sleeve on a T helps. Try rolling it into a shorter tapered shape and see the difference. Small shoulder pads also help.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like both! Equally flattering to my eye, and good fits.

Depends what you wear them with, as Brooklyn and Janet explained

#1 is casual and relaxed.

#2 is dressier.

judy

I prefer #1 ! Looks more chic to me.

Irina

I often find that a slouchy fit t-shirts that I like have too long sleeves. I like #1 fit but would roll or turn sleeves up a bit.

Suz

What Janet and Brooklyn said. I like both, but if I were wearing #1 I would adjust the sleeves so they were shorter and diagonal. I might also shorten that one, as per Jules's comments, but that would depend.

Another factor -- contrast to your skin. I have a very relaxed and drapey but boxy oversized tee in white/ silver, the sleeves of which are rather long and not rollable because of the drapey fabric. But it works, to my eye, partly because the fabric is so drapey and it collapses rather than stand out from my body, and partly because the colour is not high contrast to my fair skin.

by Suz

RobinF

Very interesting comparison! I think the second is more flattering but also think that is because of the sleeve length of the first one. Depends on how you will wear them too. Maybe you need both!

Jaime

This is really interesting! My first impression was I prefer #1, which, to my eye, gives a more eased, chic look. But I totally agree with Janet and others that it depends on a lot of details, including how you feel and we are only looking at one frozen shot from one angle. Great exercise!

Category