Why Your Clothes Don’t Fit (Even in the Right Size)

You bought the right size—so why doesn’t it fit? The answer often has more to do with proportion than the number on the label. I’m Susan Elias, a fashion designer, couturier and educator with more than 40 years of experience. In this lesson, I explain why one brand may suit your body better than another, how height and body shape affect fit, and why a tested base pattern matters when developing a collection. Whether you sew for yourself or are starting a fashion brand, understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices about clothing, patterns and fit. We’ll look at: • Brand sizing and the target customer • Height, garment length and vertical proportions • Fit models, grading and testing a sloper • Apple, pear, round, rectangle and inverted-triangle proportions • Questions to ask before developing a semi-custom collection Body-shape illustrations are examples, not rules. Shapes can overlap, and pear and rectangle proportions occur across nationalities. Where do garments usually let you down: shoulders, bust, waist, hips or length? Tell me in the comments. PRIVATE MENTORING & PROFESSIONAL FIT CONSULTING For help with your own sewing or your fashion collection, email eliascouture@gmail.com with FIT in the subject line and tell me what you’re working on. Website: https://eliascouture.com PDF patterns and slopers: https://eliascouture.com/store YouTube memberships: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0B3kKraFuR0BX2KVp1x_A/join Instagram: https://www.ins