March 2009 Issue
In this months Issue:
Finding Clothes That Really Fit
What is Blocking?
Pressed4Time Money-Saving Tip
HOME LAUNDRY TIP:
Finding Clothes That Really Fit
Do you know what size you are? Do you know what styles look best on you? Whats the difference between womens, missy, junior, petite and junior sizes, anyway? Here are some tips that can help better understand how to find clothes that really fit without spending hours in the dressing room or at the post office, returning items you bought online.
*Shop by body type, not by the numbers. We know many people are completely obsessed with size. Theyll only try on clothes in a particular size or automatically assume that a particular number is the right size. The fact is, sizes vary by designers and manufacturers. For example, higher-priced designers will sometimes cut pants smaller in the waist and hips. Others use vanity sizing, putting smaller-size labels on clothing so customers will be excited about wearing a so-called smaller size.
The best way to discover what fits is to try the items on or have accurate measurements. If youre buying items online, take accurate body measurements and use that individual companys size chart. Some online retailers like Lands End allow you to create a virtual model of yourself, and then try on items to see how they look from all angles. Home Shopping Network offers clothing that adheres to the same sizing structure, so a size 16 is the same, no matter what the manufacturer. The same is true over at QVC. But maddeningly, QVC and HSN dont have the same sizing structure, so dont assume a size 12 is the same on both!
*Underneath counts. When trying on clothes, wear the undergarments you would wear with them so you get a true idea of fit. If possible, bring a pair of shoes that would go with the outfit, too!
*Look at the label. If youre trying to disguise larger areas, opt for heavier fabrics like cotton twill or wool gabardine, since these materials drape the body in a more flattering way. Stay away from clothes with more than 5 percent lycra, since these items will cling more. If you do want to buy an item with Lycra or spandex, you may have to go up a size or two to get an attractive fit. Consider buying pants with a lining to give you a smoother appearance.
*Enlist salespeople. At some stores, they will be knowledgeable about how different styles fit and can make recommendations. Ask about washing instructions and if any customers have had problems with the item.
*If it works for you, stay with it. Once you find a manufacturer, line of clothing or style that fits well, stick with it!
*Consider custom clothes. Retailers like Lands End offer items you can design yourself, like mens and womens chinos, jeans and dress shirts. Also, check out Indi.com and zafu.com for other custom clothing ideas, products and assistance.
What is Blocking?
Many sweaters have care labels that say dry flat and that means you should block it. In the old days, home launderers (translation: moms) would, before washing, trace a pattern of the sweater on a brown paper bag. They would then allow the sweater to dry on a window screen or open-backed chair where air could circulate, and once the sweater was partly dry, they would. The idea was that the sweater would be re-formed to its correct shape and size.
Nowadays, most people just do it by eyeballing the sweater and guesstimating. After washing in a machine, remove the sweater before the machine starts the spin-dry cycle; if youre hand washing, take it out of the sink but do not wring out. Instead, roll it up in a towel like a hot dog to absorb moisture.
Next, lay another towel out on a flat surface like a counter or even the back of a chair. Spread the sweater out, including the sleeves, and make sure to get all any wrinkles or folds out. To get the nap up, once its completely dry, put it in the dryer on a no-heat setting for about five minutes.
Its a lot of work, but your sweater wont shrink and will continue to look great!
Pressed4Time Money-Saving Tip
In January, many people typically begin weight-loss attempts. Whether they try special diets, join a gym, purchase exercise equipment or simply try to walk more, their efforts should be paying off by now. So if your clothes arent fitting as well, does that mean you should just start a whole new wardrobe collection?
The answer is yes and no. To save money, its a good idea to hold on to some of your favorite items or those that are more expensive or classic cuts. With a little help from a tailor, they can be restyled to fit.
Of course, to celebrate your weight loss, its always fun to buy a few new items of clothing in your new size, but dont invest in expensive pieces. First, (thinking positive) you may end up losing more weight, so its a good idea not to go too overboard in purchases. Second (thinking just in case ), its a good idea to put those larger-size items in your attic or basement for a while. Sadly, statistics indicate that a majority of people dont keep the weight off. Our suggestion is to hold on to those items for about six months to a year.
Most importantly, dont throw clothes out! You can try donating some to a local charity (and receive a tax deduction): nicer items could possibly be sold through a consignment shop.
HOME LAUNDRY TIP:
Not sure whether that new navy blue shirt is colorfast? Worried that your red pants might turn your whites into pinks? You dont need to be a psychic to figure out if a garment is going to bleed. While some items (usually dark colors) may lose some color in the first few washings, others will continue to bleed time after time. To test for colorfastness, just put a drop of water on an inside seam or some area of the garment that doesnt show. Blot the wet area with a white towel or even a cotton ball. If no color comes off, the garment is safe to wash with other clothes (following the manufacturers instructions, of course!). If any color does come off, the item should be washed separately.