Simple Tips To Guarantee Your Clothes Fit Properly

Let’s chat about something we’ve all faced: clothes that just don’t fit properly. It’s a common issue for women, especially for us ladies over 50. Our bodies have changed, and getting the right fit can become more of a challenge. Unlike most men, we’re less likely to get things tailored, so finding the right fit from the start is key. Today, I’m sharing how to tell if your clothes don’t fit properly, whether you’re shopping or assessing what’s already in your closet, and what to do about it.

First things first, if you’re doing gymnastics to zip a pair of pants or at risk of dislocating a shoulder just to pull something over your head, it’s probably too small. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been there and done that. And if you can’t move freely without feeling like you’re in a straightjacket, that’s another red flag. We can no longer rely on the size written on a tag because brands don’t use the same sizing system, much to our frustration. 

The Blouse and Shirt Dilemma

We’ve all been there. You find a top that’s almost perfect. The color makes your skin glow, the style is perfect for your silhouette, and the price is awesome. But if it’s gaping, riding up, restricting your movement, or showing every lump and bump (and let’s face it, we’ve all got those), it’s not the one for you.

If you see horizontal lines pulling from the underarm or neckline, it’s a telltale sign that the top is too snug across the chest. Even jersey shirts and blouses with spandex can do this, so don’t take it personally. You may hate to do it, but going up a size can also make you look slimmer.

Gapping is enemy number one for me with a button-down shirt or blouse. and I am not even well-endowed! Even with my modest bust, I struggle with this because I have a broad back. If this is an issue for you, look for tops with a button that aligns with the fullest part of your chest. If the button is above or below this, you can try going up a size, but be careful it doesn’t turn into a tent around your shoulders.

The rule of thumb is that long sleeves should hit just past your wrist bone. For set-in sleeves, the shoulder seam should sit right at the top of your shoulder. If it’s drooping down your arm, it’s too wide unless it’s a dropped shoulder garment. 

For sleeveless tops, aim for an armhole that’s just right – deep enough to hide your bra but not so tight it creates lines across your chest or back. If you’re petite, you will get a better fit in the petite section because everything is scaled for you, and tops have shallower armholes.

If everything else fits, but your blouse still has a small gap between the front buttons, this Hollywood Fashion Tape may be your answer. It’s an easy-to-apply, undetectable fabric tape that holds the opening closed… until you decide to remove it. It’s also helpful for fast wardrobe repairs like fallen hems, bra straps that slip and show, etc. I recently used it to hold the excess length of the shoulder strap on my expensive shoulder bag that kept sticking out!

Getting Pants to Fit Just Right

• The waistband should have enough room for two fingers. If there’s a gap at the back but everything else fits, don’t worry. That’s an easy fit for a good tailor, or you can simply use a stretchy belt like this to snug it up.
• Seeing horizontal lines or “whiskers” from the crotch means they’re too tight, and you need to size up. It’s easier to take in a waist than add fabric to the seat and thighs.
• If you’re sporting a camel toe, those pants are definitely too snug, never mind the discomfort. (A camel toe is when your pants are so tight that the outline of your genitals is on display).
• Check those side seams and front pleats – they should lie flat. Gaping pockets add unwanted width and signal a poor fit.

Pant length can vary with style. For more details, check out How Long Should Your Pants Be?

Finding Your Perfect Bra

• If your cups runneth over, it’s time to size up. All your breast tissue should fit comfortably in the cup.
• Gaps or puckers? The cup’s too big.
• Are straps slipping off or digging in? That’s a sign your bra doesn’t fit right.
• The center front should sit flat against your ribs. Let the bra do the heavy lifting, not the straps.

I always recommend getting a professional bra fitting once a year. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Proper Fit For Shoes

Now, let’s talk shoes. Your toes need space to wiggle, so look for a roomy toe box. If you’ve got bunions or hammer toes, knit and flexible woven fabric are your friends. If the heel is slipping, your shoe might be too narrow or long. There are plenty of inserts and pads to fine-tune the fit, but if they’re too short, your feet will suffer. Choose a different style or go up a size.

You may also enjoy –The Best Shoe Hack You Never Knew

Which clothing item gives you the biggest headache when it comes to finding the right fit? Is it jeans that gap at the waist? Blouses that pull across the chest? Or maybe it’s shoes that pinch your toes? Share your fitting frustrations in the comments below. Remember, we’re all in this together, and sometimes, the best solutions come from our shared experiences!

Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.