On a relatively uneventful afternoon in the mass AllFreeSewing headquarters (the office), we asked our Facebook fans what free patterns were lacking online.
We expected a variety of answers, but the influx of responses indicating a need for plus-sized clothing patterns was surprising. In response we wanted to open up a discussion about sizing and garment construction to you, our sewing community. Thus begins our #CustomFit discussion series. In a series of posts we’ll cover topics like vanity sizing, tailoring to your body type, and more. Jump in on today’s discussion!
Clothing Sizes
Size can be so taboo; you’ve probably noticed, either from yourself or a friend, a certain degree of shame associated with one’s scope, “I don’t know what size I am, definitely bigger than you!” people will say blushing. Whether because of the safety of their computer screens or a universal feeling of being fed-up, when we asked many women expressed a need for larger sizes when it came to clothing patterns.
For beginner sewists, figuring out your size can be a challenge. Face it; measuring your hips, waist, and then bust is both time consuming and a little tricky. However, it can be even trickier to settle on your size when you’re relying on a retailer’s label. You might wonder why…
Let’s Talk Vanity Sizing
You may have heard of it. Once a size 10 years ago, some women can walk into a store and find that, despite aging and having several kids, they are now a size 8. Unbelievable, since they’ve actually gained weight.
A 2010 article from Esquire points out that over the last several decades, retailers have added inches to their clothing, delivering a smaller size to a happier, though not smaller, consumer. To appeal to the naturally petite, stores have negotiated their expansion by introducing sizes 0 and even sub-zeros. Have you noticed this?
Rather than evoking a response from consumers that demands reality-based sizing, the effect of vanity sizing is generally positive. A 2013 article from Forbes discusses the psychology behind vanity sizing; indicating that even if you know the impossibility of shrinking a dress size after gaining ten pounds, you still feel better from the label.
What to do about Vanity Sizing
It’s important to realize that when it comes down to it, being a size 6, 8, or 14 is all moot. Understand that the labels vary across stores and therefore should not be a part of your identity. What can you do to avoid vanity sizing? Have you forgotten you’re on a sewing website? We’re all about creating clothes that make your feel as good as you look, and part of achieving that comes with sizing. For those of you who are either beginners sewers or refashionistas going off of the continual puzzling off-the-rack sizes, we have helpful tips and tricks on how to size correctly.
Fearlessly find your measurements with the help of these basic and instructional diagrams. Our collection, “What Size Am I? & Other Sizing Woes Solved” will assist you in treating yourself to a wardrobe that fits correctly and consistently.
We are giving away this totally cute pocket book, Pocket Posh Sewing Tips from Andrews McMeel Publishing to one lucky commenter. Want it? Then let’s start our discussion,
Tell us, have you ever noticed your size changes from store to store?
OFFICIAL RULES FOR DAILY CONTEST:
There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post.
Winner will be announced here on the blog tomorrow as well as contacted by the email address provided.
You have until November 25, 2014 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on the project above. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.
#CustomFit Forecast: The next topic of conversation will be…. November 26th!
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