Jackets or tops

wrinkles radiating from bust or armpit - too small across bust
taut wrinkles radiating from sleeve- too tight in sleeve
taut wrinkles running down sleeve - too tight at shoulder
slack vertical wrinkles down arms - too big across shoulders
slack vertical wrinkles down chest - too big across bust

Trousers or skirts

taut horizontal wrinkles across stomach - too tight across stomach

taut horizontal wrinkles across hips and thighs - too tight across hips and thighs
excess fabric appearing at side seams below waistband- too big in hips
slack wrinkles from waist band - too big at waist
v shaped wrinkles down back side - too big across backside

The following guide explains how a well fitting garment will look and feel:

Jackets, tops and dresses

Long sleeves are on the wrist bones, should seams hang vertically from point where arm joins should, no gaping at all in front buttons, collar rest flat against back of neck, darts don't pucker, bustline darts end at fullest part or bust, fabric lies smoothly across bust, lower torso and backside and hips on longer tops and jackets, you can comfortably stretch your hands over your head and out to the side when you put them down top should move back into place, any shoulder pads should rest snugly on top of shoulders and not fall forward, back or down arm, top button can be done up without strain even if you do not usually fasten it, blouse does not balloon over waistband and tails of shirts can be securely tucked in.

Trousers or skirts

You can put them on without wiggling, you can just fit 2 fingers in the waistband, you can sit without stress on the fabric, you can sit an cross your legs without pulling the fabric, skirts do not twist around waist whilst walking, you can take normal strides when walking, fabric falls straight down backside and does not cling to buttocks, pockets don't fall open, button zip and fastenings are not strained, standard trouser hems skim front of shoes and fail halfway down hem at back and a round stomach isn't obvious from side view when breathing out.

Learn more about this author, Ceri Heathcote.
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