As a stylish individual or a professional worker, your wardrobe is an essential part of your personal brand. Whether you’re leading meetings, attending conferences, or simply navigating a busy day of commitments, the right fit can make all the difference.
Here are some practical tailoring tips to help you look polished and feel confident, no matter how hectic your schedule gets.
Perfect Fit
The first rule of tailoring is understanding that fit is everything. Off-the-rack clothing often doesn’t cater to individual body shapes, but tailoring can turn a decent outfit into a stunning one. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Jackets, Blazers & Tops
- Shoulder Fit: The shoulder seam should end where your shoulder naturally does. Unless it the deliberate style, if it’s too wide or too narrow, it’s best to change the size to get this right.
- Sleeve Length: The sleeves should hit just at your wrist bone, showing a bit of your shirt cuff. An extra tip: if you are a petite height, consider three-quarter sleeve lengths because they are proportionally more flattering than full length.
- Waist Fit: Unless it’s a boxy style, a well-fitted blazer should nip in slightly at the waist. Tailoring can remove excess fabric for a more flattering silhouette. For blouses and tops, the placement of additional darts to remove excess fabric can be great to ensure the fit “skims” your body and doesn’t add the perception of bulk.
- Trousers
- Hem Length: For a professional look, trousers should just graze the tops of your shoes. Too long, and they’ll drag and look sloppy; too short, and they can look awkward. The exception is for wide-leg trousers when you plan to wear with heels. Instead you need to maximise the visual length of wide leg pants, so go as long as possible with the shoes on, without touching the ground. For those with short legs or a petite height, it’s vital to avoid cropped trousers such as ankle pants because they visually shorten the leg.
- Waistband: Ensure the waistband sits comfortably without gaping or pinching. You should be able to fit 2 fingers into your waistband. Tailoring can adjust this for a perfect fit. This is especially important for waisted shapes like A, X and 8 shapes. Find out what type of body shape you are through my Personal Style Consultation.
- Skirts and Dresses
- Hemline: The hemline of your skirts and dresses is crucial. For a classic, professional look, aim for the hem to fall just at or below the knee. And while it has been very fashionable in recent years to wear a midi length skirt, unfortunately it’s universally unflattering. If you want to look stylish when you look back at old photos, I recommend just avoiding the midi length altogether.
- Waist and Hips: Make sure the garment fits snugly at the waist and hips. Tailoring can help remove excess fabric or add darts for a more fitted appearance.
Quick Fixes for Common Problems
Sometimes, even the most well-made clothes need a little adjustment. Here are some common issues and how tailoring can solve them:
Gaping Waistbands: If your trousers fit well everywhere but gape at the waist, a tailor can take in the waistband for a snug fit without altering the rest of the garment.
Length Adjustments: Whether it’s trousers, skirts, or sleeves, a simple hem adjustment can make your clothing look custom-made. Always aim for lengths that complement your body shape and height. My Personal Style Consultation will provide you all the information you need to make the right choices.
Sleeve Adjustments: If you find sleeves too long or too short, a tailor can adjust the length to ensure they end where they should. This simple fix can significantly improve the overall look of your outfit.
Personal Touches
Tailoring isn’t just about fixing fit issues; it’s also about adding personal touches that reflect your style. If you have an experienced tailor, you may want to try some next level updates.
Custom Lining: Adding a unique lining to your blazers or coats can give you a little boost of confidence every time you put them on. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference to your enjoyment and comfort.
Button Upgrades: Swapping out standard buttons for something more stylish can instantly elevate a garment. Choose buttons that reflect your personal style – whether it’s something classic or a bit more adventurous.
Making Tailoring Work for You
As a busy professional, finding time to visit a tailor can seem daunting. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
Find a Reliable Tailor or Dressmaker: Build a relationship with a local tailor who understands your needs and preferences. Recommendations from friends or colleagues can be invaluable.
Prioritise Your Pieces: Not every item in your wardrobe needs tailoring. Depending on the item fit, cut and purpose, you may get away without need for alteration. Focus on key pieces like suits, blazers, and trousers that form the foundation of your wardrobe. For women, trousers are especially tricky to fit well, but of course are very much worth the cost to flatter your physique.
Plan Ahead: Schedule tailoring appointments ahead of important events or seasonal wardrobe updates. This way, you ensure your clothes are always in top shape when you need them. When you are seeking an outfit for a purpose or occasion, make sure you allow alteration time and cost so that you maximise the impact of your investment.
