on buying custom

photo credit: klynslis

The best thing about a number of indie designers is that they’ll make custom-fit clothing for you at a reasonable price. This is the way clothes used to be made back in the day, and the way I wish they were made now. Mainstream designers seem to forget that women aren’t the same size everywhere.

If you’re going to get some clothes from the wonderful world of custom designers, here are some tips.

Know your measurements. Get your measurements done by a friend who sews or a tailor. Giving a roundabout number or even a guess could result in poor-fitting clothes.

Ask lots of questions. Since you’re shopping on the web, you can’t feel the fabric to know how much it stretches or see a prototype in person. If you’ve got any worries, ask.

Get pictures of the process. Ask for pictures of any parts that you would like to see up close. Ask for detail shots of the fabric. Ask for pictures of the finished sleeves and the final product before shipped to you. Pictures ensure that you know what you’re getting and it won’t be a surprise.

Give it time. This is one person making a garment for you that will fit you like a glove, so don’t rush the process. It can take a few weeks to get something made, especially if the designer has lots of other clients.

Got any tips of your own? Share in the comments.