Introduction
An oversized shirt can be difficult to style and can look sloppy if not fitted correctly. It can also be expensive to take it to a tailor to get it altered. Fortunately, there are several ways to make an oversize shirt fit without taking it to a professional. Read on to learn how to measure, adjust, and style an oversize shirt for a more flattering look.
Use Tailor’s Tape to Measure and Adjust the Shirt
Tailor’s tape is a must-have tool for making an oversize shirt fit. It’s a flexible measuring tape that comes with markings that make it easy to take precise measurements. With tailor’s tape, you can take precise measurements of your shirt and make adjustments accordingly.
How It Works
Tailor’s tape works by measuring the circumference of the shirt around the bust, waist, and hips. Once you have taken the measurements, you can adjust the shirt accordingly. For example, if the shirt is too big in the waist, you can take in the side seams to make it fit better.
Steps for Taking Measurements
When taking measurements with tailor’s tape, it’s important to start at the center back of the shirt and then move to the sides. This will ensure that the measurements are even and that the shirt fits properly. To get accurate measurements, it’s best to wear the shirt while taking the measurements. After taking the measurements, mark them on the inside of the shirt with tailor’s chalk.
Take it to a Professional Tailor
If you’re not comfortable making alterations to an oversize shirt yourself, it’s best to take it to a professional tailor. They have the experience and expertise to make sure the shirt fits perfectly. It may cost a bit more money, but it’s worth it to get a quality job done.
Benefits of Professional Alterations
Having a professional tailor alter your shirt has many benefits. They will be able to accurately measure the shirt and make adjustments that will ensure the best fit. They also have access to high-quality fabrics and trims that can be used to make the shirt look more stylish. Finally, they know how to properly sew the alterations so that the shirt looks like it was made for you.
Finding the Right Tailor
When searching for a tailor, it’s important to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about alterations. Ask friends and family for recommendations or search online for reviews. Once you’ve found a few potential tailors, ask them about their experience and what type of fabrics and trims they have available.
Gather the Sleeves for a More Fitted Look
Gathering the sleeves of an oversize shirt is a simple way to give it a more fitted look. Gathers are small pleats that are sewn into the fabric to create a ruffled effect. This method can be used to adjust the size of the sleeves and make them fit more snugly.
What Is Gathering?
Gathering is a sewing technique that involves sewing multiple rows of small pleats into the fabric. The pleats are then pulled together to create a ruffled effect. This technique can be used to adjust the size of the sleeves and make them fit more snugly.
How to Gather the Sleeves
To gather the sleeves of an oversize shirt, start by marking the desired width of the sleeve on the inside of the shirt with tailor’s chalk. Next, sew two parallel rows of gathering stitches along the marked line. Pull on the gathering threads to bring the fabric together and adjust the size of the sleeve. Once the desired fit is achieved, secure the gathering threads with a few stitches.
Add Decorative Elements to Distract from the Oversized Fit
Adding decorative elements to an oversize shirt is a great way to distract from the oversized fit and make it look more stylish. Adding embellishments such as patches, embroidery, or lace can help draw attention away from the oversized fit and create a more flattering look.
Types of Decorative Elements
There are many types of decorative elements that can be added to an oversize shirt. Patches, embroidery, and lace are all popular options. You can also add buttons, studs, or rivets for a more edgy look. If you’re feeling creative, you can even add your own design.
Tips for Placement
When adding decorative elements to an oversize shirt, it’s important to consider placement. Try to place the embellishments in areas that will draw attention away from the oversized fit. For example, if the shirt is too big in the waist, try adding a patch or embroidery to the chest or shoulders to draw the eye away from the waist.
Use Safety Pins to Create a Slimmer Silhouette
Safety pins can be used to create a slimmer silhouette in an oversize shirt. By pinning the fabric together in strategic places, you can create a more fitted look without having to make permanent alterations. Safety pins are a great option for those who don’t want to commit to making alterations.
What Are Safety Pins?
Safety pins are small pins with a spring-loaded clasp that can be used to fasten fabric together. They come in various sizes and can be used to hold fabrics together temporarily. They are an easy and affordable way to create a more fitted look without making permanent alterations.
How to Use Safety Pins
When using safety pins to create a slimmer silhouette, it’s important to think strategically. Start by pinning the fabric together at the sides, under the arms, and around the waist. This will help to create a more fitted look. Be sure to use enough pins to keep the fabric securely in place.
Alter the Length of the Shirt
If the shirt is too long, it can be shortened to create a more flattering look. This can be done by cutting off the excess fabric or by hemming the bottom of the shirt. Both methods are fairly easy and can be done at home.
How to Shorten the Length
To shorten the length of the shirt, start by turning it inside out and folding up the bottom until it reaches the desired length. Mark the fold with tailor’s chalk and then cut off the excess fabric. Hem the raw edge with a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying. Finally, turn the shirt right side out and press the hem to finish.
How to Lengthen the Length
If the shirt is too short, it can be lengthened by adding fabric to the bottom. Start by cutting a piece of fabric that is the same width as the bottom of the shirt and twice as long. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew it to the bottom of the shirt. Hem the raw edges with a zigzag stitch and then press the hem to finish.
Belt It Up for a Cinched Waistline
Belting an oversize shirt is a great way to create a more flattering look. A belt can help to cinch in the waistline and create a slimming silhouette. There are many different types of belts to choose from, so you can find one that matches your style.
Different Types of Belts
When choosing a belt for an oversize shirt, it’s important to consider the type of belt and the material. Leather and canvas are both popular choices. You can also opt for a metal buckle belt or a decorative belt with embellishments. Whichever type of belt you choose, make sure it complements the style of the shirt.
How to Belt an Oversize Shirt
To belt an oversize shirt, start by finding the natural waistline of the shirt. Then, cinch the belt around the waistline, making sure it’s tight enough to create a slimming effect. You can also tie the belt in a knot to create a more casual look. Finally, adjust the length of the belt to make sure it fits properly.
Conclusion
Making an oversize shirt fit doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily make adjustments to the shirt to create a more flattering look. Whether you choose to use tailor’s tape, take it to a professional tailor, gather the sleeves, add decorative elements, use safety pins, alter the length, or belt it up, you can achieve a more fitted look without breaking the bank.
Summary of Tips
In this article, we explored several tips for making an oversize shirt fit. We discussed using tailor’s tape to measure and adjust the shirt, taking it to a professional tailor, gathering the sleeves, adding decorative elements, using safety pins, altering the length, and belting it up for a cinched waistline.
Final Thoughts
Making an oversize shirt fit doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily make adjustments to the shirt to create a more flattering look. With these tips, you can now make an oversize shirt fit like it was made for you.
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