Measure Yourself
Clothing retailers use different measurements for their finished garment sizes. Measure your neck, bust, arms, waist, hips, rise and inseam and have these on hand when you shop. It is wise to buy clothes that fit your widest measurement—for example, if your hips are your widest part, buy jeans that fit your hips, rather than jeans that fit the waist. When in doubt, AltEm Stitches suggests you buy a larger size as it is easier to take in clothes than to let them out especially as many clothes brands scrimp on seam allowance.
Plan Ahead
Whether you want alterations for pants, shirt, suit, skirt or dress bring all the basic items before your first alteration fitting. Hem alterations are one of the most common services provided by AltEm Stitches so bring in the shoes and undergarments you intend to wear with each item. For repairs, bring along the items provided by manufacturers such as material swatches, threads and buttons.
Know the Terms
The fashion industry has its own language. Knowing some of the terms helps you to instruct AltEm Stitches on what it is you’re after from your alterations. Some common terms are darts, vents, pant rise, inseam and taper. Darts are sewn fabric folds to help clothes to define the waist, torso, hips or bust. Vents refer to the slit found near the tail of the jacket. Pants rise is the distance from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the crotch seam. Inseam is the pant leg measure from the bottom crotch to the lower ankle. Taper is the narrowing of clothes for a better fit.
Be Fashion Savvy
If you follow fashion trends you need to supply specific instructions about these to AltEm Stitches. For 2023, fashion trends may include ecofriendly fashion, bold colours and prints, oversized silhouettes, retro-inspired and comfortable clothes. Bring pictures of fashion icons you want to imitate-it may be Rihanna who is known for her edgy and bold fashion choices or Harry Styles who often wears bold patterns, bright colours, and untraditional pieces.
Listen to Advice
Most AltEm Stitches customers are insecure about some parts of your body. They may be underconfident about are their height, their broad shoulders, or their bulges. Even customers who think you know the secrets to hiding these less-than-desired areas of their body, they may be doing themselves a disservice by wearing longer jackets thinking it makes them look taller or heavier customers wanting oversized clothes under the misconception that these make them look slimmer. AltEm Stitches is experienced with alterations for different body shapes so look for and listen to its advice.
Try On Before & After
Always try on your clothes before and after your alterations and repairs. Overall, trying on clothes before and after alterations is an important step to ensure a good fit, comfort, and style. It helps you identify any issues and ensure that garments are tailored to your unique body shape and preferences. AltEm Stitches can tweak your garments, if need be, at no additional cost. This will save you time and the hassle of bringing your clothes back for adjustments.
More Information
AltEm Stitches
P: 0401 726 993
A: City Arcade Shop 12 City Arcade, 120 Hunter St Newcastle NSW 2300