Make Me Beautiful

Would you like to know how to buy clothes on the internet that fit just right? Here are a few tips.

Tip 1 - Find out: Where was the garment made? Are you familiar with the brand?

Garments sold in Australia do not have standard sizing. The sizes vary greatly from Australian made to imported garments. Generally, Australian made garments are more generous in their sizing, the imported brands tend to be much smaller.

Australian manufacturers don’t have standard sizing guidelines. You will find that if you purchase garments from a mass produced generic brand, they tend to be larger in sizing and offer a large size rannge then if you purchase upmarket designer brands - these usually carry sizes 6-12 only, tend to be a smaller cut and a snug fit.

I’m sure you have all experienced this before. You may go to one of the large chan stores and try on something a size 10 that will fit you, then go next door to a boutique and find the size 14 fits best. The only way you can be sure something you purchase on eBay will fit, is to check the actual measurements of the garment.

Tip 2 - Be realistic about your size & fit

Most of the misakes occur when people under-estimate their size, (we all want to be one size smaller LOL) We all know someone who wants to squeeze in a size 10, but the 12 looks and feels so much more flattering on them. You’ll find if they try to wear a size that is too small, it actually makes them look and feel fatter. My suggestion is: if you’re ever in doubt or you’re in between sizes, go for the next size up, you’ll find it a more flattering and slimming fit.

Tip 3 - Garment measurements are not the same as actual body measurements

You will notice that if you measure yourself the measurements will be very different to the measurements of your garments. You must allow room to breathe, movement, stretch, cut etc. As a rule, allow 5 cm for movement. This means if your bust measures 95cm, garments that have no stretch and are a snug fit should be no smaller then 100cm around bust. These garments are usually tagged in numbers as sizes, e.g. size 14

If the fabric has stretch, you will notice it may appear smaller on the hanger, and then stretches out to fit the body. Let’s say a garment measures at bust 80cm unstretched and stretches out to 110cm (comfortably). In this case the garment may be worn by 2 different sizes and a size in between. Best fit would be if your bust measures 85cm-105cm. These garments will usually be tagged in letters, e.g. Large. A size LARGE will fit sizes 12, 13 & 14

Tip 4 - Measure your own well-fitting garments

To check your garment measurements against the measurements given in auction description, it’s best to find a similar garment at home i.e. compare jeans to jeans, jackets to jackets. Lay your garment flat on a table and take measurements across bust underarm to underarm then double the measurement and this will give you approximate all round measurement of garment at bust. Then repeat for waist, hip etc. Compare your measurements to the auction description. Make sure you take the unstretched and stretched measurements if the garment is made from a stretchy material.

Tip 5 - Write down garment measurements that fit you the best

This will save you lots of time and heartache down the track. Keep a note of your personal body measurements, and your best fitting garment measurements near your computer so that as you’re browsing on-line, you have a quick reference handy.

Most Important Tip

Finally, if you’re unsure, you can always email me your personal measurements and I will be able to advise if a particular garment I sell will fit or if I can suggest another size.

Good luck, I hope this was useful and if you do have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.