Modest dressing is a personal choice that is often driven by religious or cultural beliefs, or simply a desire for a more covered-up look. However, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge, especially when it comes to clothes that may not be designed with modesty in mind. Fortunately, there are many ways to alter clothes to achieve a more modest look. In this article, we will explore the different types of alterations that can be done to achieve a modest look, as well as tips for determining your body type and working with a tailor or seamstress.
Understanding Your Body Type
The first step in finding the perfect fit for modest dressing is to understand your body type. Different body types can affect the fit of clothes in different ways. For example, someone with a pear-shaped body may need to alter the waistline of their pants to achieve a more modest look, while someone with an hourglass figure may need to alter the neckline of their shirt. Some common body types include:
Pear-shaped
This body type is characterized by a wider lower half, with hips that are wider than the shoulders.
Hourglass
This body type is characterized by a balanced top and bottom half, with a defined waistline.
Apple-shaped
This body type is characterized by a larger upper half and a less defined waistline.
Straight
This body type is characterized by a similar width at the shoulders, hips, and waist.
To determine your body type, you can use a measuring tape to measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. You can also take a full-body photo and compare it to the common body types listed above. Once you have a good understanding of your body type, you can start to identify areas that may need alteration to achieve a more modest look.
Alterations for the Top Half
When it comes to altering clothes for a modest look, the top half of the body is often the most challenging. This is because the neckline and sleeves are typically the focal points of a shirt or dress. However, there are many ways to alter the top half of your clothes to achieve a more modest look.
Shirts and blouses can be altered to achieve a more modest look by raising the neckline or adding a collar. This can be done by cutting the neckline and adding a piece of fabric to create a higher neckline, or by adding a collar that can be buttoned up. Another option is to add sleeves to a sleeveless shirt or dress by cutting the armholes and adding a piece of fabric to create sleeves.
Dresses can also be altered to achieve a more modest look. For example, a dress with a low neckline can be altered by adding a piece of fabric to the neckline to create a higher neckline. A dress with a high neckline can be altered by cutting the neckline and adding a piece of fabric to create a lower neckline.
Alterations for the Bottom Half
When it comes to altering clothes for a modest look, the bottom half of the body is often less challenging than the top half. This is because the hemline and waistband are typically not the focal points of an outfit. However, there are still many ways to alter the bottom half of your clothes to achieve a more modest look.
Pants and skirts can be altered to achieve a more modest look by raising the hemline. This can be done by cutting the hemline and adding a piece of fabric to create a higher hemline. Another option is to add a waistband to a skirt or pants that do not have one or to raise the waistband of pants or skirts that are too low.
Dresses can also be altered to achieve a more modest look on the bottom half. For example, a dress with a short hemline can be altered by adding a piece of fabric to the hemline to create a longer hemline. A dress with a high waistline can be altered by cutting the waistline and adding a piece of fabric to create a lower waistline. Additionally, dresses with slits can be altered by sewing the slit closed or adding a piece of fabric to cover the slit.
Tips for Working with a Tailor or Seamstress
Working with a professional tailor or seamstress can be a great way to achieve a more modest look. Tailors and seamstresses have the skills and experience to alter clothes in a way that will look professional and polished. They can also help you to determine the best alterations for your body type and preferences.
When working with a tailor or seamstress, it’s important to communicate clearly what you want to achieve with your alterations. Bring pictures of clothes or outfits that you like as inspiration, and be sure to bring the clothes you want to alter with you to your fitting. Also, take note of any budget you have in mind, it can help the tailor or seamstress to provide you with the best options according to your budget.
Finding a good tailor or seamstress can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. Ask for recommendations from friends or family, or search online for tailors or seamstresses in your area. You can also check out reviews and ratings to get an idea of the quality of their work. Once you find a tailor or seamstress you like, be prepared to pay a fair price for their services. Alterations can be expensive, but the result will be worth it.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect fit for modest dressing can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. With the right alterations, you can achieve a more modest look that is both stylish and comfortable. Understanding your body type, experimenting with different alterations, and working with a professional tailor or seamstress are all key steps in achieving the perfect fit. Remember that modest dressing is a personal choice, and you should always feel confident and comfortable in the clothes you wear. With a little creativity, you can find the perfect fit and achieve a modest look that is uniquely you.