How Your Clothes Should Fit

An Objective Perspective of Fit

Fit has a major impact on our comfort, confidence and how we are perceived so understanding HOW clothes should fit is key in creating a confident and effective professional image.?

While fit seems like something that should be pretty straightforward (ie. "it fits or it doesn’t"), there’s actually more to it that isn’t necessarily intuitive.

Speaking from experience, I’ve personally gone shopping with my partner who also has a keen eye for style. I always like bringing him along because the reality is that it can be hard to see ourselves objectively.?

We get used to how we look in the mirror which can cloud our ability to see details related to how well a garment fits that other people can see more easily.

Which is why I’m writing this for you- to point out the specifics of what to look for and give you a methodical way of assessing fit objectively for yourself.

What is ‘Good Fit?’

If there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this:?

Just because you can put something on your body doesn't mean it fits well.?

In today's fashion landscape, you can find everything from oversized trends to skin-tight bodysuits and everything in between.?

There’s no doubt it can be confusing to know if a garment is fitting you right.

The best rule-of-thumb I have come across to gauge ‘good fit’ is how well a garment follows the lines of your body.?

If a garment isn’t following the lines of your figure, there will be signs that it is too big or too small, and the next sections will guide you to ‘read-the-lines’ to assess the fit of your clothes yourself.?

But first, why does this even matter?

The Importance of Good Fit

Having clothes that fit you well goes beyond aesthetics; it impacts comfort, confidence, and professional image.?

Clothing that fits well allows for natural movement so that you can move easily and comfortably throughout the day- because the point of clothing is for it to facilitate our lifestyle, am I right!?

When you feel good in what you wear, it translates to your body language and energy which people notice. This can make a big difference in your sense of confidence as well as your interactions and the impression you leave on the people around you.

Let’s not forget that naturally, there are aesthetic benefits of wearing clothes that fit you properly too.?

Well-fitted garments enhance your overall appearance, projecting a polished and put-together image. Clean lines and proper draping elevate your look by demonstrating attention to detail and care.

Factors Influencing Fit

Several factors influence how clothing ‘should’ fit, including:?

• Personal preference
• Garment design
• Fabric qualities
• ‘Current’ trends

It’s helpful to consider these factors as a lens to help you determine if a garment fits you well/ the way it’s supposed to.

• Personal preference plays a significant role in determining how clothes should fit. Some women prefer a looser silhouette, while others gravitate towards a more fitted look. Keep in mind that your preferences likely will evolve over time, so pay attention and make adjustments to your clothing and wardrobe accordingly.
• Garment design also dictates fit, with some styles intended to have an oversized silhouette (for example). Recognizing the intended design of a garment helps you gauge if it fits you the way it’s supposed to.
• Fabric is another major factor influencing fit. Stretchy materials like spandex and elastane are designed to hug the body, while fabrics such as cashmere or a chunky wool sweater will have a more relaxed fit. Understanding how different fabrics interact with the body helps you gauge the intended fit of a garment.
• Trends also play a role in determining fit, with oversized and form-fitting styles cycling in and out of fashion. While trends can be fun to experiment with, it's essential to assess whether a particular trend compliments your body type and supports your professional image.

Signs of Poor Fit

Being able to recognize signs of poor fit is incredibly helpful when making shopping decisions or even what to keep in your existing wardrobe. Here’s what to look for to identify issues with fit:

Signs of a garment being too small:

• Restricted range of motion
• Pulling or stretching across key areas such as shoulders, bust, or hips
• Buttons or zippers gaping
• Puckering at seams
• Excessive wrinkling or creasing (whiskers on pants)
• Garment riding up or down

Signs of a garment being too big:

• Excessive sagging or bagginess?
• Bunching or pooling of fabric
• Garment slipping off shoulders or waist
• Excessive fabric around the torso or crotch area
• Hemlines falling below the intended length

The Fit Checklist

To help you make sure your clothing fits properly, use this checklist as a methodical way to quickly assess fit:

• Check horizontal lines for clean draping and absence of pulling or stretching
• Assess sleeve length, ensuring it reaches the wrist bone or slightly below
• Examine neckline and bust line for smooth, flat laying and no pulling or gaping
• Check fit around the waistline and hips for comfort and range of motion
• Evaluate pant length, ensuring it complements your shoe choice and body proportions
• Walk and move in your garments to assess overall comfort and fit

For a more detailed summary, download the following FREE ‘Good Fit Guide & Checklist’. (Click here)

Conclusion

Mastering the art of proper fit can make a drastic difference in your overall appearance.

By understanding the nuances of fit, recognizing signs of poor fit, and using the complete fit checklist, you can refine your wardrobe to what truly works for you so that you can create an effortlessly polished style.

Julie Murrell

Image Strategist & Career Growth Catalyst for Professional Women

> Big fan of working with a tailor for the perfect custom fit

>> Advocate for buying less and choosing well

P.S. If you liked this, I have some FANTASTIC LinkedIn Events coming up that you might also like:

• Next LIVE Style Class 'Style Tips to Look Credible & Command Respect' on Monday, May 13th at 7pm EST. Sign up here to join me Live (Click here).
• Next Beyond Style conversation 'Emotional Resilience for Leadership with Cindy Tien' on Monday, May 20th at 8am EST. Sign up here to join Live (Click here).
• Catch the replay of my last Beyond Style conversation 'How to Advocate for Your Value and Grow Professionally with Nada Buhendi' Click here for the REPLAY.

P.P.S. If you’d like to speak with me 1-on-1 for personalized guidance on how to create a confident professional image,

Book a Style Strategy Session and I’ll share the exact system I’ve used for myself and my private image clients to master their image & style.