Finding the right fit: The struggle with pants!

Every since pants were first introduced to the female wardrobe, women have had a time finding the correct fit. As time has evolved, manufacturers developed Petite, Tall, Short, Women, Plus and Curvy to accommodate the many different silhouettes of the woman. What many people are not aware of is the fact that some people have a shorter upper torso. It is assumed that if a person bends at their waist, it is half of the length of your body. That is not the case. As a matter of fact, the tailor and alterations business thrives based on this not being the case.

I have previous experience as a Alteration & Tailor Shop Administrator at Nordstrom in Atlanta. Many customers liked how a pair of trousers or denim fit them in some areas, however it was too tight in one area or not long enough so it required the hem to be let out. In addition, the Tailors would take the inseam. This measurement allows the length of the pants to be customized to that particular custom. Two women may both be 5'9', for example, however one has a shorter upper torso, so you inseam measurement is longer. As a result, some full figured women technically can best fit some Petite tops. This is because of the shorter upper torso. A women shirt may be too loose, the neckline will droop and the sleeves will be too long. Now most of us do not have the time or disposable income to take all of our bottoms to the nearest alterations shops. So it is important to know the the sizes and cut of the styles that best fit, in order to know how each brand runs.

Recently, I decided to have an early "spring cleaning" and get rid of all except 2 pair of pants. So I needed to completely replenish my closet. I headed down to the nearest DiDi's Discount store, and I want to tell you about my shopping experience and how wearing a size 10, for example, at Gap... does not mean you wear a size 10 in every pair of pants. I tried on 5 different pair of pants. My findings are below:

1.) JVINI Fashion: These pants were more like a pair of leggings with a soft, stretch cotton like material. I found out that these particular leggings ran big, so I would need to go down a size.

2.)Kaba: I loved this pair of denim! They were both embellished and distressed, however I could not get the pants past my thighs. Based on the way these pants were cut, I would need to go up a size because they ran small. Also, it could be that the cut of these pants were not made for my particular body type, so I would need to seek their curvy pants or realize that this brand is not made for me.

3.) Jessica Simpson: The coral stretched, cropped bottoms FIT THE BEST! However, I did find that the fit of these pants ran short. I am a tall woman, however generally speaking I do not have to purchase Tall pants, because I have a longer upper torso. I did enjoy how cute and comfy this pair was, so I decided that I would purchase them and since I am a designer.. I can let them out.

4.)Para: These black slack did not have a lot of "give" or stretch to them. The fit, however I am not sure if the "stiff" fabric is my personal preference.

5.)Ci Sono Denim: Were my FAVORITE pair!!! I now know the size that I wear in this particular brand AND that the cut of the pants are complimentary to my silhouette. As a result, not only did I purchase these pants... but I found other pants made from this brand that were this same size... and the fit GREAT!