How to Get Custom Clothes on a Budget

There is nothing that can compare to wearing clothes that are custom made. When clothing is designed and tailored to fit your specific body shape, you will show off your assets and look and feel simply great. But while custom-made clothes can be very expensive, there are ways you can achieve the same look without breaking the bank.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dress
• Jacket
• Pants
• Computer
• Tape measure
• Shoes

1. Shop sale racks and don't be afraid to buy clothes that are a size or two too large. Then take the items in to a tailor and have them taken in to hug your curves, so you will achieve the effect of clothes that have been custom made. Sleeves can be shortened, hems can be raised and the silhouette can be taken in to your proportions. But try to get shoulders that fit and crotches that come to the right place so you aren't completely remaking an article, just tweaking it to fit great.

2. Check out some of favorite stores, like Lands' End and Brooks Brothers, that offer custom options. These and other companies make items to fit your measurements. This is an affordable way to get a custom look without the cost of a couture original item.

3. Talk to the tailor at a good department store and ask if he or she does any custom work on the side. You may be able to get a special item custom made to fit not only your shape but also your budget.

4. Realize that the fabric you select can greatly affect the price of a custom made piece. Look for nice quality materials on sale or be willing to compromise the fabric to get the perfect fit. Remember that just the act of having something made to fit you perfectly will make it look more expensive than something you buy off the rack.

5. Reinvent items you already own for a custom effect. Remember that you can remove pockets and have them sewn shut for a smoother fit, shorten sleeves and hems, replace older buttons with more modern ones and take in the waists of pants and skirts to eliminate gaps. These are easy and inexpensive fixes to make your own wardrobe look better than ever.

6. Search online for custom-made clothing. There are a variety of companies that offer this service at reasonable costs and you can order right from your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your body and your assets. When you have a good sense of what suits you best, you can buy flattering items off the rack and have them easily customized to exactly fit your shape.
• Have someone help you take your measurements if you plan to order custom clothing online. Otherwise, you can end up with items that don't fit the way you desire.
• Avoid unexpected surprises by asking for a cost estimate up front from any seamstress or tailor.

Resources

• Brooks Brothers Special Order
• Lands' End Custom

[loveyourlaugh]

on 2/23/2009 very good ideas that will work! 5*

[DiscountTickets]

on 3/16/2008 Such great ideas!