8 Style Tricks For Better Fitting Clothes

Every shopper has experienced a disappointing purchase at one time or another. One of the most common mistakes is trying on a garment you liked and realising that it looked better on the rack than on you. Or worse, you’ve already bought the item and lost the receipt so you’re stuck with a new top or skirt that looks cute but doesn’t actually fit you well.

In these cases, it’s easy to feel like there’s something wrong with your body. Perhaps you think your shoulders are too broad, or that your stomach is too big. Cast these worries away because you are not the problem. Remember, clothes today are often mass-produced, and they are designed with only a few body types in mind. Thus, it’s not surprising that not all clothes will immediately look good on you as they do in the photos you see.

fashion catwalk

The key to making your clothes work is to adjust them to fit your body shape better. Of course, you can have clothes made specifically for you, but most people don’t have the money or time for that. Fortunately, your choices for clothing are limitless in today’s market—you just need to know where to look! To start, here are a couple of tricks you can use to guide future shopping trips and make the most of your current wardrobe.

Go Up One Size

The process of styling your clothes begins at the store. If you are unsure what your size is, it’s recommended that you purchase your clothes one size bigger. After all, it’s easier to alter a garment that has too much material rather than one that has no give. Additionally, it will account for any weight fluctuations in months to come, ensuring that you can make the most of your favourite clothes.

The only exception to this rule applies to elastic garments or clothes that are meant to be close-fitting. For example, if you’re planning on buying denim leggings online, opt for the size you usually wear. These clothes are made to be stretched, so you can feel assured that these clothes will hug your body perfectly.

Put On A Belt

Never underestimate the usefulness of a good belt. This accessory has many uses outside of keeping your trousers in place. If you’re wearing a baggy blouse or dress, you can put a belt around your waist to cinch the garment’s material and accentuate your body shape more effectively.

The main downside of using a belt is that it grabs attention. Hence, if you feel conscious about the size or shape of your midsection, avoid using big belts and buckles around that area. Opt for thin belts or material instead. They will still cinch your waist without putting too much focus on your stomach.

Knot The Extra Fabric Of Your Top


Is your top too big? Don’t think about altering it yet because there are several fun tricks you can do to make it fit you better. One easy fashion hack is tying the extra fabric into a knot. You can tie a knot in front, on the side, or even at the back depending on how you’ll layer your clothes.

Aside from knotting, you can also roll the sleeves or add pins and a ribbon to the inner part of the garment so that you can pull the fabric in and add definition to your figure. You can even check online for videos on how to convert large button-down tops into a flattering off-shoulder style.

Tuck In Your Shirt

Tucking in your top is an easy way to make a shapeless garment look cleaner and more streamlined.  If your jeans still have a little more allowance, opt for a shirt with thicker material, so they can fill in the extra gaps well in case you have no belt.

Additionally, tucking in your shirt is a great way to make the bottom half of your body look longer. If you wish to elongate your legs, put on a pair of high-waisted jeans or trousers and tuck your long top in (or opt for a short top entirely). Coupled with a pair of comfy heels or wedges, you’ve successfully made your bottom half look longer and even created an illusion that you’re a little taller—a great trick for people who wish to add a few extra inches to their height.

Layer Your Clothes

Layering is an important skill in dressing up. You can apply it to every facet of creating an outfit, including making your clothes fit you better. For example, if you’re concerned that your blouse hangs a little too low, adding layers under and over it addresses this concern while adding a fun twist to your outfit. Another situation where layering comes in handy is if there’s a gap between the buttons of your button-up shirt. People with large chests often struggle with this. If you experience this, try tying a scarf around your neck to hide the gap or wearing a thin undershirt or camisole first before putting the button-up shirt on to keep your chest from peeking out.

Add Some Give To Your Jeans

It’s tricky to add some allowance to tight clothes, especially your bottoms. That said, it’s not impossible. One handy trick you can easily do to create more space on the waistband only requires a rubber hair tie. To do this, loop one end of the hair tie around the button of your jeans and pull it through the buttonhole. Loop it back to the button like an elastic lock. Afterwards, hide everything with a buckled belt and fasten it securely. This tip is especially useful if you’ve just finished eating a meal and your midsection feels a tad bit too snug.

Wear Heels Or Wedges For Long Trousers

When picking out trousers, the general rule of thumb is to get one that fits your hip-to-waist ratio. After all, it’s easier to adjust the length of your trousers rather than alter the waistline. In some cases, you may not even need to alter the length at all. You can always fold the hems inward for a cleaner look. However, if you don’t like how it bunches up the hems, try matching your long trousers with high-heeled shoes. The extra height ensures that the hems won’t drag across the floor, preventing them from getting dirty or tripped on.

Alter Your Clothes


Lastly, have your clothes altered by a trusted tailor. It is the most effective way to ensure that your clothes fit your body best. That said, going to a tailor can be quite pricey, so it’s best to limit the alterations to your wardrobe essentials or your most expensive items (e.g. blazer, suit, etc.). For your other clothes, consider learning to do the alterations yourself. There are many DIY tutorials on altering clothes online. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn a new useful skill and also save a couple of pounds in the process.

Conclusion: Wear According To What Your Body Needs

The rule of thumb in fashion is simple. If it fits you well, you look better in it. Many individuals often get swept away by trends and what the fashion community deems fashionable at the moment without taking their body shape into account. This can lead to a lot of disappointment when you feel the latest fashions don’t seem to suit you.

When you consider your body type, determine which cuts and styles look more flattering on you, not other people. This will stop you from making a fashion mistake. Then take your personality and preferences into account to show a fashionable look that is uniquely you. 


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