Key Fitting Issues in Garment Fittings and How to Address Them

When it comes to creating high-quality, well-fitting garments, fashion fit sessions are essential. Whether you're a new designer or a small fashion brand, perfecting the fit of your collection is crucial to ensuring your customers are satisfied and your brand stands out. However, there are common fitting issues that brands often encounter during the fitting process. Here's a breakdown of these common issues and tips on how to address them.

Key Fitting Issues in Garment Fittings and How to Address Them

1. Poor Fit Around the Shoulders

The shoulder area can be particularly challenging when it comes to getting the perfect fit. Many garments, especially blouses and jackets, can experience pulling or gaping around the shoulder seams, which can make the garment look awkward or uncomfortable.

How to address it:

• Ensure the shoulder seams align perfectly with the natural shoulder line.

• For structured pieces, experiment with different shoulder pads or adjust the pattern to provide better structure.

• Make small adjustments to the armhole and shoulder seam to ensure a more natural fit.

2. Gaping at the Bust or Waist

Bust and waist areas can often cause garments to gape, especially in dresses, tops, and shirts. This can happen if the garment is too loose or doesn't properly conform to the shape of the wearer’s body.

How to address it:

• Pay attention to the garment's darts, princess seams, and overall fit to ensure there is no extra room in the bust or waist area.

• In tops and blouses, adding a bust dart or adjusting the fit along the side seams can help achieve a more flattering silhouette.

• Try different fabrics with more stretch to allow for a more form-fitting and comfortable design.

3. Too Tight in the Hips or Thighs

In pants, skirts, and dresses, the hips and thighs are often problematic areas when it comes to fit. A garment that's too tight in these areas can cause discomfort and limit mobility, which is a huge concern for customers.

How to address it:

• Add extra ease or room in the hip and thigh area of your garment patterns.

• Test the fit on different body types to ensure that the sizing works for a variety of shapes.

• Incorporate stretch fabrics or side seams that can be adjusted to create a more flexible fit.

4. Sleeves or Pant Lengths That Don't Work

Sometimes, sleeve or pant lengths can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to create garments that work for various body types. Too short or too long can throw off the look and feel of an outfit.

How to address it:

• Carefully measure the wearer's arm and leg length to ensure the garment is proportionate.

• Consider offering multiple lengths in your collection or creating adjustable sleeve cuffs or pant hems.

• Be mindful of the garment's overall silhouette, as certain looks may require specific lengths for a balanced appearance.

5. Uneven or Off-Center Seams

Inconsistent or off-center seams can significantly affect how a garment sits on the body, leading to an unprofessional and unappealing look. This can happen due to mistakes in patternmaking or sewing.

How to address it:

• Double-check all patterns to ensure symmetry and balanced measurements across the garment.

• Use fitting models to confirm that seams and proportions are correct before moving to final production.

• Ensure the fit session is done with a standardised fitting sample to allow for consistent results.

Final Thoughts: Perfecting the Fit

Fitting sessions are vital in identifying and resolving these issues before your collection reaches your customers. Addressing fit problems early on in the design and production process helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures your garments are of the highest quality.

Ready to perfect your garment fittings and resolve common fitting issues? Download our Fashion Fit Session Checklist and Template to streamline your fitting process and ensure your garments always look and feel their best!