We encourage all of our clients to visit the tailor. Yes, we design clothes for a specific body type, but everyone’s wardrobe benefits from having a great tailor who knows one’s body well.
Below I’ve outlined the most common alterations for the full bust woman. Notice no buttons or gaping/pulling across the chest is given. The prerequisite is that there must be enough room in the garment to cover your biggest part, which thankfully in our case is the bust. And we don’t believe in buttons anyway.
- Neckline. Raising the neckline on a non-collared shirt is simple. The neck seam may be taken up, and gradually graded out so that at the shoulder nothing is taken up, thereby not affecting the armhole of the garment. A collared shirt is complicated because the collar will have to be partially removed to adjust the neckline and then re-attached. I wouldn’t pay the money to adjust the neckline on a collared shirt.
- Shoulder. Bring in that shoulder seam so that it is just at your shoulder bone. This also is a simple customization that has a big impact on you looking your best in your clothes.
- Waist. Of course, if you buy a shirt with a great neckline for your length, fits your ample bosom, and the shoulders are in the right spot, chances are the waist is too big. Taking in a garment at the side seams is frequently done, but I encourage you to think darts. If you can grab fabric between your bustline and waistline, have the tailor insert a vertical waist dart from below the center bust (on each side) to the hip. An underarm dart is fantastic too, but on a sleeved shirt it is costly. I will always pay the money for darts. They are our best friends.
What about you? Do you have any customization ideas to help tops fit the well-endowed woman better?
I have copied & pasted these suggestions to bring to the tailor with me.
Great not to have to figure this out myself. Thanks!