Do you like your clothes to flatter your body for a more body conscious fit? To achieve that look, do you usually gravitate towards the smaller sizes? Of course, clothing that hugs your curves and shows off the natural contours of your body will look more flattering and sexy but there is such a thing as “too tight”
Besides being terribly uncomfortable, wearing the wrong size (too small) may actually make you appear bigger and wider. When the fabric “pulls” in places that are too tight, the eye is drawn there and gives it undesirable excess attention.
So how do you know if your clothing is too tight? Here are a few things you can do the next time you’re inside the fitting room trying on your items:
| 1. The “Parallel Arm” Test for tops. Lift your arms up so that its parallel to your bust line. You should feel a comfortable amount of tension along the back underneath the armpits. If it’s uncomfortable or you can barely lift your arms up to that level, then the item is too tight.You should move up a size or if it’s a jacket and you still prefer the really “tight” look, then opt to wear it without buttoning it up. This works well for tight fit blazers that you might use only as a cover up. This way you can still show the front design of the top you are wearing on the inside. |  |
| 2. The Squat Test for bottoms. Squat down as low as you can. Your item should still feel comfortable as you bend down all the way to touch your buttocks to the back of your heel. If the waist feels very tight, then move up one size and use a belt to hold up the item if needed.If you still prefer the “tight” look, opt for bottoms that have elastic waistbands and are cut from softer stretchier materials. |  |
| 3. Check underneath the underarm area. In the mirror, check your side profile. The fabric should be flowing smoothly underneath the armpits. Make sure it’s not pulling. If it is, move up one size to accommodate your bust and alter the waist and hips accordingly. You can use a belt to “cinch” up the waistline for a nice hourglass figure. |  |
| 4. Check the back, sides and zippers. Check to see that the zipper and fabric is laying smoothly along the back and sides. If the item is too tight, the zipper will not lay flat and it will create a “wave” along the back. You should move one size up to accommodate your waist and hips, then alter the fit in your bust accordingly either through alterations, bra tape or the silicone bra. (See the other related tutorials here: How much do alterations cost?, Why you should stay away from those small sizes) |  |
Remember: The general rule of thumb is to buy for the larger area of your body and then adjust the item accordingly. Your clothing should hang nice and smoothly on your body. When you are comfortable in your clothes, your natural beauty and confidence will shine through.
