TECHNIQUE
47. Fit
Garments can grab, skim, or bag around the
wearer's body depending on the designer's
aesthetic of fit. A flattering fit may be in the eye
of the beholder, but as a rule, garments that
squeeze and cut into the body, or that over
whelm it with volume, are not usually considered
attractive or properly sized. Ultimately, opinions
regarding fit are always subjective, due to a wide
variety of cultural influences that cultivate differ
ent standards of beauty.
A tight fit will seize the body, becoming a second
skin, often creasing and folding as it strains to
cover the area.
A true fit will follow the contours of the body,
using a balance of gentle tailoring and ease to
retain the integrity of the silhouette.
A loose fit's generous proportions might also be
considered relaxed or oversized because they
allo w for a full range of motion.
Other factors to consider when addressing the
fit of a garment include vanity sizing, which
more accurately reflects the psychology of the
customer rather than her actual size. Category
sizing, as in Misses, Junior, Women's, and Petite,
are used to inform sizing for specific body types.
There is really no such thing as one size fits all,
because although you may be able to get a gar
ment over your body, the fit will be different from
person to person.
Customization is al ways an option when it comes
to providing the proper fit for the customer, but
designers can also develop in-house sizing stan
dards that reflect specific body measurements.
Armed with this useful tool, customers always
know what they're getting.
100 Fashion Design Essentials
Tight fit
