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by Pretty And Plus at Womens-Fashion-Super-Store
Take the risk out of buying clothes over the Internet by using this guide before buying. Once you know specific things to check on the listing, you can buy with confidence.
As you may have noticed, we are not all shaped the same. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a fact of life. It does, however, add challenges to the adventure of buying the right size in clothing when you can’t try it on before buying.
Here are some sizing tips to look for before buying women’s tops on the Internet:
Measurements are the key. Look for listings that offer specific measurements of an item and not just the manufacturer’s size. Most labels have a size suggested by the manufacturer, but if you check their size charts, (the actual inches) are merely general fit for at least two different sizes. Even these measurements vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Check you own body measurements first in 6 basic areas. If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, take a piece of string and use a ruler to get your accurate size in each area. Then add at least one inch to your body measurements for a comfortable clothing fit.
The shoulders: Should be measured from shoulder joint to shoulder joint. Normally it’s OK to measure in front, but if you tend to have heavy upper arms or you have a lot of reaching to do, measure your back for a non-binding fit.
The bust: Most charts tell you to measure the fullest part, but lets face it, sometimes the bra just doesn’t support like it should. However, if you measure a blouse that does fit you well, you will be pretty safe in getting comparative measurements. At PrettyAndPlus , we measure the bust line from armpit seam to armpit seam with the garment laying flat.
The Total Length from Shoulder to Hem (or collar base to hem on the back). This measurement is particularly important since it gives you the area the hem of your blouse will hit. Its this area that you will use to see if the hem of the blouse is large enough to fit over your hips without a problem.
The Total Hem Width: At the point where your blouse hem hits, measure around and divide that measurement in half. Compare it to the listing measurements. Listings normally measure the garment laying flat and give you the inches from side seam to side seam.
The sleeve length: Find out where you want your sleeve cuff to hit. Most sellers measure the inside seam of a blouse sleeve but others measure the outside seam. If the listing just says short sleeve or long sleeve, you need to find out what the measurement is from shoulder to cuff to see if that will work for your arm length.
Add waist measurement for tops that have a belt or are designed with a tight fit. This measurement is normally not too important if the garment doesn't have a belt.
Is there stretch to the fabric: If there is Lycra or Spandex in the fabric, it will stretch. How much will depend on the percentage of blend. The fabric weave also plays a big part in how much it will give when you put it on. For instance, polyester can come in a crepe (which has virtually no stretch at all) or a knit sweater that has considerable give. The stretch may not be listed by the seller, so you might want to email the seller and ask how much a particular area will stretch. Most sellers only give an unstretched measurement.
Once you have established how a garment compares with your body measurements, you can purchase women’s tops, shirts and blouses over the Internet with complete confidence that the size is right.
Of course there are other things to consider, such as New or Pre-owned, flaws or the general condition, return policies, satisfaction guarantees, and the all important feedback from other customers . These are no less important and will be covered in another guide.
If this Fashion Guide to Sizes has been helpful to you, please click "YES" below
Final Thought: True wisdom and happiness is found in seeking knowledge and sound advice from experienced counselors with a heart to do what is right.
Have a HAPPY DAY!
Sheryl at PrettyAndPlus
About The Author: About The Author
My eBay Store: Womens-Fashion-Super-Store
Most NEW brand name tops under $20
Take the risk out of buying clothes over the Internet by using this guide before buying. Once you know specific things to check on the listing, you can buy with confidence.
As you may have noticed, we are not all shaped the same. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a fact of life. It does, however, add challenges to the adventure of buying the right size in clothing when you can’t try it on before buying.
Here are some sizing tips to look for before buying women’s tops on the Internet:
Measurements are the key. Look for listings that offer specific measurements of an item and not just the manufacturer’s size. Most labels have a size suggested by the manufacturer, but if you check their size charts, (the actual inches) are merely general fit for at least two different sizes. Even these measurements vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Check you own body measurements first in 6 basic areas. If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, take a piece of string and use a ruler to get your accurate size in each area. Then add at least one inch to your body measurements for a comfortable clothing fit.
The shoulders: Should be measured from shoulder joint to shoulder joint. Normally it’s OK to measure in front, but if you tend to have heavy upper arms or you have a lot of reaching to do, measure your back for a non-binding fit.
The bust: Most charts tell you to measure the fullest part, but lets face it, sometimes the bra just doesn’t support like it should. However, if you measure a blouse that does fit you well, you will be pretty safe in getting comparative measurements. At PrettyAndPlus , we measure the bust line from armpit seam to armpit seam with the garment laying flat.
The Total Length from Shoulder to Hem (or collar base to hem on the back). This measurement is particularly important since it gives you the area the hem of your blouse will hit. Its this area that you will use to see if the hem of the blouse is large enough to fit over your hips without a problem.
The Total Hem Width: At the point where your blouse hem hits, measure around and divide that measurement in half. Compare it to the listing measurements. Listings normally measure the garment laying flat and give you the inches from side seam to side seam.
The sleeve length: Find out where you want your sleeve cuff to hit. Most sellers measure the inside seam of a blouse sleeve but others measure the outside seam. If the listing just says short sleeve or long sleeve, you need to find out what the measurement is from shoulder to cuff to see if that will work for your arm length.
Add waist measurement for tops that have a belt or are designed with a tight fit. This measurement is normally not too important if the garment doesn't have a belt.
Is there stretch to the fabric: If there is Lycra or Spandex in the fabric, it will stretch. How much will depend on the percentage of blend. The fabric weave also plays a big part in how much it will give when you put it on. For instance, polyester can come in a crepe (which has virtually no stretch at all) or a knit sweater that has considerable give. The stretch may not be listed by the seller, so you might want to email the seller and ask how much a particular area will stretch. Most sellers only give an unstretched measurement.
Once you have established how a garment compares with your body measurements, you can purchase women’s tops, shirts and blouses over the Internet with complete confidence that the size is right.
Of course there are other things to consider, such as New or Pre-owned, flaws or the general condition, return policies, satisfaction guarantees, and the all important feedback from other customers . These are no less important and will be covered in another guide.
If this Fashion Guide to Sizes has been helpful to you, please click "YES" below
Final Thought: True wisdom and happiness is found in seeking knowledge and sound advice from experienced counselors with a heart to do what is right.
Have a HAPPY DAY!
Sheryl at PrettyAndPlus
About The Author: About The Author
My eBay Store: Womens-Fashion-Super-Store
Most NEW brand name tops under $20
Guide created: 10/02/07 (updated 07/03/09)
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