Baffled by clothing sizes
I've been shopping for apparel in regular-size stores/departments for a year now, but I still don't understand clothing sizes. Designers must think that American women are built like a 2x4 piece of lumber.
This week I bought a long knit tunic to wear over leggings. I had to buy a large in order for it to fit over my belly and hips, but the shoulders are falling off me. I love this top and how it looks on me...except the Flashdance deal on the shoulders.
What can I do to rescue this top? Stitch a piece of brown ribbon across the front to draw the shoulders together?
That's my super-cluttered office with puke-pink walls in the background. My gaze is directed to Heaven because I'm thinking, "Please, God, should I wear a sack cloth instead?"
Jean
This week I bought a long knit tunic to wear over leggings. I had to buy a large in order for it to fit over my belly and hips, but the shoulders are falling off me. I love this top and how it looks on me...except the Flashdance deal on the shoulders.
What can I do to rescue this top? Stitch a piece of brown ribbon across the front to draw the shoulders together?
That's my super-cluttered office with puke-pink walls in the background. My gaze is directed to Heaven because I'm thinking, "Please, God, should I wear a sack cloth instead?"
Jean
Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com
Could you do some kind of stitch on the back to keep the shoulders more together? That's all I can think of. Otherwise sew in a material that resembles a sheer tanktop at the chest area (so it looks like you are wearing a tanktop underneath. I hope that makes sense.
I think I would try to 'shirr' the shoulders.
Get some grosgrain ribbon (or test it first with even a strip of paper cut about 3/4 inch wide and about 5 inches long)
On the inside, attach the ribbon/strip to 1 end, and then attach the other end, and pleat, pleat, pleat to make it fit.
Shorten the strip as needed -- I can't tell how narrow your shoulders are.
You could even use a piece of elastic --- attach to both ends witha pin and stretch the elastic, stitch and let the elastic relax.
that should work.
Get some grosgrain ribbon (or test it first with even a strip of paper cut about 3/4 inch wide and about 5 inches long)
On the inside, attach the ribbon/strip to 1 end, and then attach the other end, and pleat, pleat, pleat to make it fit.
Shorten the strip as needed -- I can't tell how narrow your shoulders are.
You could even use a piece of elastic --- attach to both ends witha pin and stretch the elastic, stitch and let the elastic relax.
that should work.
Hello Jean,
If you're going to wear the tank under it, then why don't you just stitch the shirt to the tank and then it wouldn't fall???? Don't have a clue, I'm not a sewer. Love the top.
You look great too!!!!
Sabrina
If you're going to wear the tank under it, then why don't you just stitch the shirt to the tank and then it wouldn't fall???? Don't have a clue, I'm not a sewer. Love the top.
You look great too!!!!
Sabrina
Sabrina
1st fill 6/29/09 2cc, 2nd 8/30/09 2 cc
Starting W 302, Surgery W 289, Current W 254, Goal 170
1st fill 6/29/09 2cc, 2nd 8/30/09 2 cc
Starting W 302, Surgery W 289, Current W 254, Goal 170
1. sew a piece of lace or matching fabric in the neckline to hold it closer.
2. Take a seam, dart or pleat down the back
3. Put eyelets along the neckline and lace it up higher
I would probably go for #1 first then #3 with #2 last choice
2. Take a seam, dart or pleat down the back
3. Put eyelets along the neckline and lace it up higher
I would probably go for #1 first then #3 with #2 last choice
Cheryl
5' 5 1/2"
HW 319/DOS 288.8/NOW 213.6/ 105.4 lostSurgery 1/21/09
5' 5 1/2"
HW 319/DOS 288.8/NOW 213.6/ 105.4 lostSurgery 1/21/09
You could lightly tack the shoulders to your under-pinning. Is there a V in the back also? You could close the V so it's not as deep and that should keep it together as long as your head still goes through. If you don't want stich closed the V in the front you could put an invisible snap a couple inches up and then you wouldn't have to wear and under-pinning.
It's hard to tell without being there. You'd better fly up here so I can help you!
Lisa O.
It's hard to tell without being there. You'd better fly up here so I can help you!
Lisa O.
Lap Band surgery Nov. 2008, SW 335. Lost 116 lbs. LB removal May 2013 gained 53 lbs. Revisied to RNY October 14, 2013, new SW 275.
ROFL!! Poor Jean!! Okay, I don't want to give you any sewing advice!! I say ditch it... mainly because I hate sewing and that new skinny bod of yours is too good to waste on poor fitting clothes!
Anyway, I agree with the 2x4 statement! Don't even get me started on blue jeans. Since when did women stop having hips and a waist! They make these damn things for Sponge Bob!
Anyway, I agree with the 2x4 statement! Don't even get me started on blue jeans. Since when did women stop having hips and a waist! They make these damn things for Sponge Bob!
HIGHEST 273.5 / PREOP 263.5 / CURRENT 198 / GOAL 161.5
Today when I could wear every size 6 pants I tried on...........I thought holy crap my body has disappeared! I still have curves that don't look like they will fit in those things........but keeping in mind that i am not afraid to wear fitted clothes......point being, Jean, return that shirt and get a medium or give it away........you deserve clothes that fit your body, you are TINY!
Embrace your little self!
Embrace your little self!
275 SW 8/5/08LB 165MW 2009-11, LB complications 2010-14
7-22-14 Revision LB to VSG 212SW/192CW/159GW HT 5'7"
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