Finished garment measurements, body measurements, ease: What's it all mean?!
Our customers, they're folks who THINK. They carefully consider their purchases, they try to learn as much as they can about a product before they commit. They're incredibly mindful about attempting to get the fit right on the first try (and so are we!). It's something I truly appreciate about our customer community.
One of the most frequent requests we receive was for the finished garment measurements of our pieces. Near daily we'd get an email for the finished garment measurements which we'd then have to look up. But, thanks to some changes in our workflow, and some excellent feedback from our community, we're now proud to roll out finished garment measurements with every new product launch.
But first. If you're reading this and wondering what the heck ARE finished garment measurements, and how do they differ from body measurements? Read on.
Finished garment measurements are the measurements taken from a completed, sewn garment.
Body measurements are your particular measurements, typically bust/chest, waist, hip and inseam.
So what's the difference between these two and why do they matter?
Most finished garment measurements are LARGER than the wearer's body measurements. This is because garments need something call EASE. Ease is the amount of space between your body and a garment. If the garment measured the same as your body measurements you wouldn't be able to sit, bend, twist, or move at all. If the fabric has a lot of stretch like a bathing suit or leggings, the garment has something called negative ease, meaning it's smaller than your body measurements.
Some garments have a lot of ease for a flowy, oversized look (like our Catherine shirt). And some garments have just a little ease for comfort and movement (like our Audre pant).
It doesn't mean that these garments run large or run small, the amount of ease designed into a garment is called the intended fit. The intended fit of the Catherine Big Shirt is meant to be oversized.
If you're a plus size person reading this you probably know this predicament first hand. You're out shopping and you ask the salesperson if they carry your size, and you're often met with, "no, but this top is so OVERSIZED, it will totally fit!" So, you try the garment on and it technically fits on your body, but it doesn't have the same INTENDED FIT of the original design. So that oversized shirt on you, is not in fact oversized.
Ok, so back to Rosie. Rosie is a relaxed fit jumpsuit with lots of flexibility in the bust and waist due to the wrap stying and adjustable belt. The hip has about 4-6" of ease for a relaxed look.
When selecting your size we recommend cross-referencing your body measurements with our size chart. Find the size that suits your hip measurement best. If you're at all worried about a particular area being two tight such as the torso length or the sleeve width, reference the finished garment measurement charts found here. If you'd like a more fitted look (more fitted than the models pictured) you can size down, just make sure your hip will still fit into the smaller size by checking the finished garment measurement chart.
We recommend Petite sizing for those 5'3" and shorter and Tall sizing for those 5'9" and taller.
And of course, if you need any help with selecting the best size we can be reached via email at hello@alicealexander.co