by Exactly

Created on: October 07, 2008   Last Updated: April 09, 2012

One size does not fit all. The idea behind having your clothes tailored by a seamstress can seem unnecessary and daunting. However, if you know why you're searching, what you are searching for and where to search, you will certainly be on the road to great style at any size.

Why do you need a seamstress? Have you ever found yourself in between two sizes, where one size is just too tight and the other just too big? Similar to Goldie Locks and the Three Bears story. Here with clothes, instead of beds and chairs, because we don't all fit in the small, medium, large, XL and on, and on. Some of us are shorter and some are taller. Proportion and fit are the keys to looking great at any size. Having clothes molded to your body shape and dimension will give you a much more polished and sleek look. This is why all the celebrities look so amazing at the red carpet events and in magazines. They have clothes especially made for them. For us normal people, we have a seamstress.

What do you for look for in a seamstress? You want to have someone who is going to have the skills to properly alter your clothes without you noticing the garment has been ripped, cut and re-sawn. Aside from the fit, of course. Taking measurements of your body is a very personal experience. Therefore, you want to have someone you will be comfortable with. Your seamstress will be measuring you, at times, in some very private areas. Most importantly, the seamstress should be able to return your clothes to you completed in a reasonable amount of time. A week is usually the longest you should wait, unless you are having something major altered, like a wedding gown.

Where do I find my seamstress? Word of mouth advertising by far is the best. My first suggestion is for you to ask a friend, co-worker or family member who actually has their clothes tailored. Otherwise, they won't understand the importance of having just the right seamstress. Another great place to look is around where you shop, work or just drive by. Look for a specialty shop that only does tailoring. I personally have my clothes tailored at such a shop, which I found 9 years ago. It was across the way from where I liked to shop. Another place to look is a shop that specializes in the sale of suits and business attire. They usually have a seamstress on site at all times. Now, I don't suggest that you walk into the store with a handful of clothes. I would ask first if the store would allow you to use their seamstress. Some shops do and some don't. However, the seamstresses in these shops are very skillful, because we all now how a well tailored suit can make you look like a million dollars.

Every since I found my seamstress, I don't worry much about size and fit when I am shopping. If I fall in love with something that I just have to have, like the pants that are too long, the dress that is too big or if the blouse that just doesn't fit quite right. I have confidence that I can make these purchases, knowing my seamstress is going to make them fit ME perfectly. Truly, just like the well tailored suit that makes you look like a million dollars, when you are dressed in something you love and it fits you just right, you feel like a million dollars. And, that's when you know it was all worth the search.

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