How to Buy Clothes That Fit

When clothes do not fit properly, they are uncomfortable and they look bad. Clothes that are too tight highlight every bump and bulge and clothes that are too loose make you look like your body has no shape. Here is how to make sure you buy clothes that fit.

Things You'll Need

• Body measurements

Instructions

1. Forget your size. A size six from women's clothing manufacturer "X" does not necessarily fit the same as a size six women's from "Y" clothing brand. Buy clothes based on fit and not size.

2. Find your natural waistline. Here is how to do it: Stand in front of a full-length mirror and bend slightly to the side. Your natural waistline is where your skin creases (or curves) on the side of your torso.

3. Get your measurements. Women, measure your waist, hips, bust and inseam. Men, measure your waist, chest and inseam. Knowing your measurements will help you find clothes that fit your body properly.

4. Choose pants that fit your natural waist and break at the top of your foot. This goes for both men and women. The waistline of the pants should not be too tight or too loose. The break of the pants for both men and women should be at the top of the foot and the pant leg should end at about the mid-heel of the shoe in back.

5. Pay attention to the rise of pants, the space between the crotch area and the waist for both men's and women's pants. If the rise is too low, the pants will be too tight in the crotch area. If the rise is too high, there will be too much material in that same area.

6. Find the right shirt size. Here is how you know you have found the right shirt size: buttons don't pull, armpit seams are not tight and the sleeves hit just below the wrist bone.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a good tailor. For most men and women, their bodies do not fit into the "cookie-cutter" clothes made by clothing manufacturers. Get a good tailor to alter your clothes to fit your body perfectly.

• Unless you have the body of a teenager, stay away from low-rise jeans. They will accentuate the areas of your body you are trying to hide or camouflage.

Resources

• Learn about the finding the right fit for men's suits.
• Get ladies clothing tips.