Listen, at a whopping 5’0″, I know a thing or two about tailoring items to fit my frame! On top of that, I am all about wearing and trying out trends and looks that you may think will NOT work for the petite plus-size girl! That is why I am here, to show and share with you how it CAN be done!
The good news? If I can do it, so can you (because I am by no means a tailor)! With a few simple adjustments, you can transform off-the-rack clothing into custom-fitted pieces that flatter your frame and enhance your natural curves. Here are some easy ways to tailor items your items that will elevate your wardrobe and ensure your clothes fit like a glove.
Shorten Hemlines for Proportions That Pop
One of the easiest and most effective ways to tailor your clothing is by adjusting the hemlines on pants, skirts, and dresses. A simple hem adjustment will help you achieve a more proportional look, elongating your legs and balancing your silhouette. When getting your pants hemmed, keep in mind the fit around the ankles. A tapered leg that hits just above your shoe (without excess fabric bunching up) will create a streamlined effect.
For skirts and dresses, consider having the hem raised to a more flattering length. A midi skirt or dress that hits right at the mid-calf can often overwhelm a petite frame. Instead, opt for a hemline that hits above the knee or just below it for a length that enhances your legs and creates a more balanced shape.
If you can’t get your piece to a tailor immediately and need to do it yourself, depending on the fabric you can always do a quick stitch, use fashion tape, or even use an iron-on tape made for clothing that will hold longer than the fashion tape!
Tailor the Waist for a More Defined Shape
For many petite plus-size women, finding clothing that fits snugly around the waist can be a challenge. Taking in the waistline can make a huge difference in defining your shape without compromising comfort.
Whether you’re working with pants, skirts, or dresses, ask your tailor to take in the waistband for a snug, tailored fit. This can easily be done with a belt or using safety pins on the inside of the garment to snatch in those areas you want snatched! By placing the safety pins on the inside of the fabric, you can hide them, unlike a belt.
Adjust Sleeve Lengths for Perfect Proportions
Sleeves that are too long can drown out a petite frame, making you look shorter and more overwhelmed by your clothing. This is especially true for blouses, shirts, and jackets. When getting tops tailored, ask the tailor to shorten the sleeves so they hit just above the wrist or slightly above the elbow, depending on the style. This simple adjustment can give your outfit a more polished and intentional appearance, drawing attention to your wrists and hands, which are often flattering features on petite plus-size women.
If you have DIY the sleeve tailoring, you can use fashion tape, iron-on tape, or even a rubber band that you can wrap the fabric around!
Perfect the Fit of Jackets and Blazers
Jackets and blazers are staples in many wardrobes, but they can often overwhelm a petite plus-size frame if they’re too long or too boxy. When tailoring outerwear, consider adjusting the length of the jacket to hit just above the hips or slightly lower for a more flattering fit. This will create a balanced look and ensure your jacket doesn’t swallow up your frame.
Additionally, tailoring the shoulders of a jacket or blazer can make a world of difference. If the shoulders are too wide or too loose, the jacket can create a sloppy appearance. Have the shoulders taken in so the jacket fits properly, making it look sharp and well-fitted. A well-tailored blazer or jacket can completely elevate your look and give you a chic, polished appearance.
If you have to DIY the length of your jacket or blazer… don’t be afraid to cut the length and then do a quick stitch. Obviously, if the piece is very expensive or holds a special place in your heart, maybe take it to a professional, but if you feel comfortable doing it yourself, don’t be afraid of a pair of scissors!
Adjust the Rise on Pants for Comfort and Style
The rise of your pants can have a big impact on how they fit your petite frame. If your pants are sitting too low, it can make your legs appear shorter and affect the overall fit. Consider having the rise adjusted to fit comfortably at your waist or just slightly above. A higher rise can help elongate your legs and create a more flattering fit, especially if you’re wearing pants with a wider leg or bootcut style.
Additionally, the rise adjustment can also prevent pants from gaping at the back or causing discomfort in the waistband. A well-fitted rise provides support and ensures that the pants stay in place, giving you a smooth, tailored look.
Tailoring is the secret weapon that can transform any wardrobe, especially for petite plus-size women. With a few easy adjustments, you can turn any item into a custom-fitted piece that flatters your figure and boosts your confidence!
At the end of the day, the goal is to feel comfortable, confident, and stylish in your clothing. Not all of know how to sew perfectly or have the time to take something in to get it professionally fixed, but hopefully some of these tips will help you know how to fix your pieces or know if you should take it in!
What’s your favorite tailoring hack? Share it with us!
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