Inclusive Fashion in Melbourne: Custom Fit Clothing For Every Body Type
Off-the-rack clothes are made in standard sizes, and standard sizes assume set proportions. If your body does not match those proportions, a suit usually fits in one place and not in another.
This guide explains why that happens, the common fit problems for different body types, and how a made-to-measure suit addresses them.
Why Standard Sizing Leaves So Many People Out
Size charts assume a fixed relationship between bust, waist, hips and height. Most bodies do not follow those ratios exactly, which causes problems such as:
a jacket that fits at the shoulders but gapes or pulls at the waist
trousers that fit at the hips but are loose at the waist, or the reverse
sleeves and trouser legs that are too long or too short
Alterations can fix lengths and some width, but shoulder width and chest shape are hard to change once a suit is made.
Common Fit Problems by Body Type
Petite. Sleeves, trouser legs and jackets are often too long, and pockets and buttons sit too low. A shorter jacket and adjusted button position keep the proportions balanced.
Tall. Sleeves and jackets are often too short, and the trouser rise can sit too low. Extra length in the jacket, sleeves and rise fixes this.
Curvy. A large difference between waist and hips means a jacket or trousers that fit the hips are often loose at the waist. Shaping through the waist and seat solves this.
Plus-size. Off-the-rack sizes are often graded up evenly, so the chest, upper arms and hips may not match your body. A made-to-measure suit is adjusted for each of these areas separately.
Athletic. Broader shoulders, a smaller waist or larger thighs often mean sizing up in one area and having too much fabric in another. Adjusting the shoulder, waist and trouser leg separately fixes this.
What Made-to-Measure Changes
A made-to-measure suit starts from an established pattern, which is adjusted to your measurements and to the choices you make at your consultation. That means the shoulders, waist, hips, rise, sleeves and lengths can each be adjusted for your body, instead of choosing one size and altering the rest.
You also choose the style: a structured or softer jacket, a shaped or straight waist, and the lapel and cloth. The Freya Notch Blazer is a versatile single-breasted option, and the Isadora DB Jacket is our double-breasted option. For more on choosing details regardless of gender, see our guide to gender-fluid and inclusive suits.
Tips for Getting the Best Fit
Wear what you will wear under the suit. Wear the same underlayers and shoes you plan to wear with the suit when you are measured.
Tell us your problem areas. If jackets always pull at the hips or sleeves are always too long, say so at the consultation.
Bring reference photos. Photos of suits or outfits you like are a quick way to show the look you want.
Made-to-Measure at Isadora Nim
Isadora Nim’s standard service is made-to-measure. At the consultation, you choose the cloth and details, and your measurements are taken. We confirm the timing for your order when you book.
People Also Ask
Is made-to-measure suitable for plus-size bodies?
Yes. Because the suit is adjusted to your measurements rather than a size chart, areas such as the chest, upper arms and hips can each be adjusted separately.
Can a made-to-measure suit work for petite women?
Yes. The jacket length, sleeve length and button position can be adjusted so the suit is in proportion with your height.
What is the difference between made-to-measure and bespoke?
A made-to-measure suit starts from an established pattern adjusted to your measurements. Bespoke tailoring generally drafts a new pattern from scratch and takes longer. Made-to-measure is Isadora Nim’s standard service.
Book a Consultation
Tell us where fit has been a problem for you and how you want your suit to look, and we will go through the options with you.