In my last Sustainable Style post, I chatted about how the versatility of clothing can do wonders in maximizing your minimal wardrobe. Today, however, we’re going back even further than that, before you even begin to fill your wardrobe. Yep, this post is about finding clothes that fit. A topic both close and far, far away from my cold heart, the one that nags at you incessantly when on a high street shopping spree. One that we all choose to ignore a little too often (I do, too). But I’m here to tell you: don’t.
For me, this is a factor of shopping with mindfulness that, well, may have taken quite a bit of time to work its way in. Years of wiggling myself into the cutest pair of jeans more reminiscent of sausage casings than clothing — “But I will slim down this year, of course” — or sliding sleeves that consistently slip down to my elbows. That latest H&M dress that looks like heaven on Earth but on you? Something just isn’t right. But by hell, I’m buying it anyway.
Yes, I know; when it comes to fit, we’ve all been there.
And then, one day, it hit me. The inevitable truth. Something plain that fits well looks much, much better than something trendy that doesn’t. Huh. Imagine that.
But the simple fact that you’re even reading this post means you want to fill a wardrobe with fewer, better things. Perhaps a capsule wardrobe (my pal Jessica has you covered on this, FYI), or perhaps a way to lead a life more sustainably. Perhaps to save money.
Either way, my Wolf & Stag friends, it’s time we all embrace the Fitted Truth: clothes that fit will not only last you longer, they will make you feel better than things that don’t.
Welcome to your new Wardrobe Wokeness.
So, the question of the ages: how do we find clothes that fit? Seems obvious, of course, but fit is something incredibly individual. What you consider ‘yay, it fits well!’ may not be what I consider fitting well (see: Eire likes muumuus). Fit is inextricably wrapped into taste, body shape, aesthetics, material, etc.
However, there are a few broad tips you can kind in mind the next time you shop for your next forever piece. Of course I’m going to ramble your ear off about what they are, DUH.
A Few Tips on Finding Clothes that Fit
1 / CONSIDER YOUR BODY SHAPE. This one took me a fair amount of time to master. As much as I am a firm believer that everything can and should work for everyone, there are just some cuts and styles that look better than others. Case in point: I forever drool over long, body-con dresses. I forever buy them in hopes that this is the one that will work. However, for my thick-middled, high-hipped self, it just doesn’t, each and every time. Take the time to understand the styles that make you feel great — and those that don’t.
2 / FIND THE BRANDS THAT WORK FOR YOU. In a similar vein to above, the way brands fit can vary drastically. After 20-something years of shopping (ugh, that’s a lot of shopping), I’ve learned which brands I can rely on to find looks and styles that work for me. And if I’m discovering a new brand? Try on everything — or as much as possible without driving your sales associate nuts.
Stag also brought up a good point in relation to this topic. His “Find one t-shirt, buy it in every colour” approach seems to be simple and straight-forward, but it’s not always the case. Don’t just try brands and shapes, but even try the same item on in different colors. Small variances in cut can make huge differences in shapes.
Thanks, Stag!
3 / DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE TAILOR. I used to think, “Never buy something if it needs alterations. What’s the point?” And then I realized: there is a point, and it’s about making clothes fit properly. However, if we are about the idea of buying slower and better (why you’re here!), then spending your money on a quality, investment piece that needs a little work? Worth your investment. I recently bought a Reformation dress that fit me like a literal dream except for the length of the straps. Rather than just deal, or not buy something that fit otherwise, I got the straps taken up. REVOLUTIONARY.
4 / TAKE YOUR TIME. Probably the most important tip of the bunch. If you’re seeking to adopt a more sustainable, conscious wardrobe, the best thing you can do for this — and for your wallet, your mind, your conscience — is to take your time. If a clothing item isn’t perfect? Don’t buy it. I don’t know that’s so bloody hard for me to seem to do (I struggle with rationalizing everything). Spend time exploring online shops, brands, cuts, styles (i.e the tips above) and don’t rush it. As much as you think you love a piece, there will always be something you love as much. No FOMO here, thank you.
Finding the Right Fit: Indigo Handloom’s Mixed Check Crop Top
If there is one thing and Indigo Handloom’s owner, Smita, and I have in common, it’s how much we care about sustainable fashion. And, more specifically, why fit matters in clothing.
In these pictures, I’m wearing the Indigo Handloom Mixed Check Crop Top, a semi-sheer, cropped but not too cropped, rather-perfect-fitting top that’s great for both beach and day. Made of a silk cotton mix, it feels like the luxe resort wear purchase you deserve (so shape? Check. Brand? Check. Doing well on our checklist above).
But above all, what makes this top ideal is the cut. More specifically, the bias cut, which essentially is a clothing atelier’s way of saying cut in the diagonal, allowing more room for the fabric to expand. Meaning this wonder cut helps clothes curve and fit your body in all the right places. And boy, does it fit, this top. Cinched into high-waisted shorts, I couldn’t believe how great I felt taking these photos.
When the day got a bit chilly (only in the shade — thanks, Vegas), I wrapped this silk stripe shawl over my arms, also by Indigo Handloom. Both products were courtesy of, full disclosure. However, if you’re seeking an ethical, sustainable, improves-the-lives-of-others clothing brand to have on your radar — well, Indigo Handloom is the best.
What I’m Wearing
TOP | INDIGO HANDLOOM (C/O – ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLY MADE)
BIKINI TOP | MARYSIA
JEANS | MIH (SUSTAINABLE)
HAT | GAP
SUNGLASSES | NEUBAU (C/O – SUSTAINABLE)
SLIDES | EVERLANE (SUSTAINABLE)
BAG | URBAN OUTFITTERS (SHOP ECO ALTERNATIVES)
*This post contains affiliate links. It is also in collaboration with Indigo Handloom, a brand I love and with a mission I feel so strongly about. However, as usual, every opinion, thought, musing and rambling above is completely my own.