The # 1 frustration I hear from my petite sisters is how often they have to hem their jeans/pants.
However, I like to see tailoring as an opportunity for having a one-of-a kind unique piece and looking like a star! Up until the 1940’s, when the standardized sizing system was created everyone wore clothing made via professional tailor or family member. Getting your clothes to fit was NEVER an issue.
Why do you think starts look like stars in their clothes? It’s because there’s a tailor . . . behind the scenes altering absolutely everything they wear, right down to their T-shirts and camisoles.
Alison Freer – wardrobe stylist, Costume designer
“Personally,” Alison says, “I’ve never, ever put an actor on camera in any piece of clothing that didn’t have at least one alteration done to it.” She goes on to explain that even though she personally alters the actors clothes — these edits are usually small jobs that cost less than $20 at your local tailor or dry cleaners.
In Europe, it’s still common for families to have a tailor they trust and utilize regularly as part of closet curation process.
However, in the states, we think of tailoring as a “luxury” not an essential step in creating a functional wardrobe. One of the reasons so many women constantly buy is because they can’t seem to find pieces that fit correctly. So, they settle for good enough.
After a couple of wears of “good enough buuuuuut not exactly what I want” (and feeling slightly frumpy) they go out and get another pieces that still isn’t perfect. But they feel hopeful “this one will work out”. And the cycle repeats until their closet is full of pieces they don’t love and they eventually give up.
Sound familiar?
If you have been approaching your style this way, expecting clothing off the rack to magically fit, even petite items, you might have given up or feel constantly frustrated.
Tailoring is THE missing ingredient when it comes to creating a style and wardrobe you truly love! Once you have those perfectly fitting = perfectly comfortable, your “need” to shop and search will be greatly reduced saving you time and money in the long run. Think cost per wear.
Shannon April
One of the most common tailoring jobs is hemming. Now that jeans are widely accepted in the work place, denim is even more of an everyday staple. You want those to fit perfectly.
Investing in a basic sewing machine and learning how to do a simple hem can open up a whole new world for you and your style. I’m thrilled to share a quick jeans hemming hack my friend Whitney Luckenbill, an expert seamstress at TomKat Stitchery, demonstrated live inside the Petite Style Society.
Tools You Will Need
Jeans
Sewing machine
Zipper Foot
Thread matching denim color
Ruler
Pins
If you’ve been thinking it’s time to learn how to sew, DO IT!
The best sewing machine is the one you can afford!
Whitney Luckenbill, expert seamstress
Whitney has fabulous sewing videos on her rapidly growing Youtube Channel. Check out 10 Essential Wardrobe Pieces For Working at Home or Sewing Boden Looks With Love Notions Patterns
You find connect with Whitney on YouTube, Instagram, TomKat Stitchery
Madewell Vintage Flare Jeans mentioned in the video.
(Affiliate Link – I may make a small commission if you purchase an item.)
PLEASE SHARE BEFORE YOU GO:
What is your sewing level?
1: Beginner – Just getting started or I want to learn
2: Intermediate – I can replace a button or do a simple hand stitch
3: Advanced – I sew my own clothes
Want to take this a step further and work with me to take your style to the next level? Apply for a Style Clarity & Confidence Strategy Session HERE to learn about how I work with my private clients to create a personal style and closet they love.
Due to a high volume of calls requested I can only take a limited number per week. If I am not able to meet with you, I do my best to send you a free resource via email.
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