Thursday, March 20, 2014

So, You Think You want to be a Fashion Designer? - Fittings

Do you know how to do a proper fitting?  Sure, plunk the garment you made on someone to make sure it looks good, right?  WRONG!

A proper industry fitting entails much more than that.  In fact, it starts way back before you even start working on a design.  Want to know the steps?  Well, here you go.


  1. Determine your ideal customer body type
  2. Determine your size range
  3. Select a "base size" or "sample size" at the center of your size range
  4. Determine what that exact model's body measurements should be
  5. Find a fit model to match those measurements
  6. Make your base style(s) for that fit model
  7. Fit those base style(s) on your fit model / make corrections/alterations
  8. Remake your base styles as many times as necessary to achieve a perfect fit
  9. NOW you're ready to make your first pattern/first sample for a style you want to offer
  10. Using your base patterns/styles, make your first pattern/sample for your fashion style
  11. Measure your first sample to make sure it matches your pattern/specifications given for your pattern (yes, things can go wrong at this point due to poor patternmaking, poor sewing or even just fabric characteristics
  12. Fit your sample on THE SAME FIT MODEL
  13. Make corrections based upon design changes, fit corrections, allowances for fabric characteristics, etc.
  14. Do this as many times as necessary to achieve the fit and style you want.
A little more involved than you thought?

A couple of notes - 
  1. a dress form is a great tool, but it does not substitute for a fit model. Dress forms do not move.  You will find out all kinds of important information when your model tries to walk, sit, bend over, etc. in your garment.
  2. so now you want to make the same style in a totally different fabric?  start over at step 10.  Do not assume that a fabric with very different characteristics will fit the same way as your last fabric (ex - knit vs woven OR even cotton knit vs viscose knit)
If you want to be perceived as a professional, act like one!  Happy Fitting!

(Guess what changed on this style after the model fitting?  Moved the applique down an inch - can't tell it needed that from the dress form!)


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