Button Downs and Hips

[DrumbeatAlex]

Heyy everyone!

 

I recently got a button down shirt (short sleeved) and just wanted to talk about it coz I'm pretty happy I finally found something stylish which fits me! XD

 

I went shopping on boxing day with my parents and we were walking past yd (which is a clothing shop aimed at guys) and I think maybe I looked at a shirt just on the rack near the door or maybe just stared at the shop a bit (I've always wanted to go in a try stuff but a. its generally expensive and b. the aimed at guys bit makes me uncomfortable when the shop is near empty and so small) but my mum encouraged me to go in there, pointed out a shirt she thought would look good on me and suggested I try it on.

I am very thankful my parents are so chill with clothing- I've always been allowed to wear what I want. 

So I tried on the shirt (which was discounted coz boxing day ;D ) and it fit everywhere except my hips. :/ I couldn't get the last button done up comfortable and with it undone it looked a funny.  

BUT my mum had a look at it and said she could modify it so it would work better (unstitch the sides a bit so there is a slit and then re-hem neatly, keeping the slits).

So we got the shirt.  

 

I just tried on the modified shirt and it fits well now and I'll be able to start wearing it soon.  

 

Lol, so that's my short little (uneventful) story.  

 

Things I've learnt/tips:

1. yd is very good for smaller/skinnier people who want to dress masculine-ly. They tend to go down to smaller sizes than most other menswear places (they have 3XS!!), which is great.

2. putting slits in the sides really does help. I've heard people mention modifying clothing to make it fit but I'm not great with sowing. However, this seemed like a pretty simple method.
3. sales make things cheaper and shopping with parents can make it free.  

4. Going into an intimidating place (such as a shop) when it's busy or with friends/family can make it easier.

 

Ps. unrelated, but I did end up going a size up with my binder and it helped stop any pain.

[Jani]

Hello Alex, 

Great news that you're branching out with your clothing selections.  I can relate to tailoring or modifying clothes as I've done this myself since I was a teen.  I've always been a bit on the lean side and I strongly dislike baggy clothing.   That's great that your mum would do this for you.  

 

I think you've hit upon a truth in Australia thats the same here in the U.S. that expensive clothing shops (generally) cater to trim folks who are not too tall or small.  When you shop at a regular department store or discounter you may find sizes that are a bit looser as they can fit a larger variety of people.  They're certainly not a tailored look but they will fit the need and they can be adjusted if needed.  

 

As to shopping when the store is busy may not be as comfortable as there will be lots of folks around.  But be confident and assure of yourself.  In reality, no one really cares what you are looking at or buying and the shop folks just want to make a sale.  Smile, be yourself and have fun.  

 

Jani        

[ChickenLittle]

That's such a great idea! My hips have kept me from wearing a lot of button-up shirts, so maybe my partner can alter some for me (he's the one with sewing skills in this family). I'm going to try ordering a binder from gc2b instead of underworks because I've heard they're more comfortable. I'm glad your mom was so supportive of you wearing what you feel happiest in.

[OhJay]

I've been having the same issue but never thought of slitting the sides, great idea from your mom!

 

On 04/01/2018 at 7:47 PM, ChickenLittle said:

That's such a great idea! My hips have kept me from wearing a lot of button-up shirts, so maybe my partner can alter some for me (he's the one with sewing skills in this family). I'm going to try ordering a binder from gc2b instead of underworks because I've heard they're more comfortable. I'm glad your mom was so supportive of you wearing what you feel happiest in.

I just got the triple bind from Underworks and it's different to any I've tried so far and yea, a bit more uncomfrotable BUT has given the best results compared to clasp binders

[StrainAsylum]

Glad you got the shirt and like it (I love button downs!). 

 

Great idea from your mom about the slit sides; I've had problems with the bottom button and usually just tried to keep them tucked in.  They often rode up, though, leaving the open bottom button.  I recently found out about gadgets that keep shirt bottoms taut enough so that they don't ride up:  GARTERS.  NEVER heard of them for shirts; my grandfather used sock garters to keep his socks up (waaaaay back).  Pretty cool, but I wouldn't be using that idea very often.  Your mom's idea to slit the sides sounds much more comfortable.