February 26, 2010

Clothes to fit "real" women

Does any manufacturer make clothes for real women?  We women do have hips and we do have curves but sometimes I feel that manufacturers think we are a straight line from our necks to our ankles.  And if we do happen to find something that fits, it is probably way to short in length or the neckline is way too low, it is loose in one area and too tight in another, the fabric is too thin or the garment is not made very well. 

I have been on the hunt for a jean skirt for a long time and I have just about given up. Either the skirt is far too big in the waist or it is too tight in the hips. Then there is the problem with the slit – it is either slit up the back too high or in the front – way too high. This is ridiculous.

In the summer I prefer to wear knee length or just above the knee skirts during the day as they are much cooler than shorts or even capris. Now, I don’t want to dress like a teenager and I am not ready to dress like an old lady. I like to wear pretty feminine clothes such as cami’s with a lightweight sweater; just above the knee skirts; a top that doesn’t have a neckline too high and not way too low either; I love a little lace on a cotton camisole. I have collected some vintage clothing patterns and I love a pattern that flatters a woman’s figure but does not show a lot.

Problem is until now, I haven’t had the time to do a lot of sewing.

My denim skirt hunt continued in stores and I have gone to Goodwill. The next step was to shop online, but I hate to shop online for a hard to fit item because of the price of return shipping. I went online today and I noticed something. Wrap skirts are becoming popular again.

Several sites had cute wrap skirts in all sorts of fabrics and styles. That was my answer. Forget the denim skirt, I can make wrap skirts in a few different colors or prints and that will take care of the mainstay of my wardrobe.

I purchased three wrap skirt patterns (on clearance) and I can hardly wait to make these skirts. The only drawback to a wrap skirt is that when the wind blows the wrap can fly open. I will either sew the wrap shut or I will sew a snap or figure some way to keep the wrap closed.

McCalls 2192

McCall's 3145
McCalls M5430

All of the patterns do not require a great deal of skill and best of all do not require a great deal of fabric. I’m pumped and can hardly wait to find some fabric and start sewing. Years ago, when I was in my teens I sewed a majority of my clothes. I haven’t sewn in years because I didn’t have the time. I always enjoyed sewing.

So, I didn’t find a denim skirt. I don’t think I will want one after I get my skirts made.

2 comments:

J.N. Urbanski said...

You're right about designers not making clothes for real women, but we are gradually seeing a change in this. Curvy, plus-size models were used in the all the fashion shows this season. So things are looking up for the real woman! If you buy off the rack, you should expect the item to not fit properly, but wrap dresses are perfect for someone who doesn't have money for alterations in their budget. Don't pay any attention to high street fashion though: as Coco Chanel said: fashion is made to become unfashionable! Meaning, if you adhere to fashion you have to change your wardrobe every year, which is not frugal at all.

Martha said...

I am learning to dress a different way than I did in the office. I guess I am finding my style. I am also relearning a skill - sewing and making my own alterations including changing patterns. It is becoming a fun "hobby". I have invested in vintage patterns as I love the World War I era of pretty blouses and skirts.

I am a full time homemaker that strives to wear clothes that look good on me and that make me feel good. Even if I am cleaning, I love to wear a pretty little skirt and a blouse or t-shirt. Just makes me feel better while I am working.

Thanks for your comment. I appreciated the quote from Coco Chanel.