Is criticizing fit classist? June 3, 2010 10:44 8 Comments
In a recent post, Gretchen of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing, faulted some ill-fitting garments she saw while out and about in New York. Her comments proved to be controversial. Boy. Was I surprised. You could have knocked me down with a feather. Really. One commenter found Gretchen's post not only offensive but classist.
Naturally, this response made me cogitate. Contemplate. Ruminate. Darn it. Nix the big words. Do. I chewed over this, being the sensitive new-age dame that I am. And guess what, lovely readers? I do not think fit is a class issue, and I offer two photographs as proof.
The first is of a pair of slacks designed by Carolina Herrera, a designer I would wear — if only my budget agreed. This pic is from the catalog of a high-end retailer. And if you want these pants, you'll have to plunk down nearly $1,000. But. Take a moment. Look at the zipper! Look at the pleats! And these are on a malnourished model! Wait. Wait. I'm getting apoplectic. I am. Deep breath. OK. Note the pulling fabric at the top of the placket. These slacks don't fit properly.
The second is an after photo from What Not To Wear. After! Now this is a show I watch. This is a show I enjoy. Absolutely. But despite the admonishments from Stacey and Clinton about the importance of good fit, I often find myself cringing at the makeovers. Look at this pencil skirt. It's a fabulous style. Truly. The high waist and belt are luscious. Love 'em. I do. But those wrinkles! Egads, this skirt is too tight. Way. Take a few inches off this skirt, and any hooker would be proud to wear it.
Don't get me wrong. I realize not everyone can afford a tailor. Heck, not everyone can afford new clothes. With a hubby whose job was outsourced last year, I know economic distress. But I also know well-heeled women who purposely refuse to wear any garment larger than a size 4, even though their bodies are a size 8. I know men who always buy high-water pants, even though they're nowhere near a pond.
So. What do you think, dear readers? Tell me. I'm listening.
Comments
Karen Minturn Bronw on May 20, 2015 12:16
I agree that the slacks don’t fit, and the skirt needs at least a couple inches more ease. We have lost our understanding of the meaning of good fit, and shows like What Not To Wear are not improving the situation at all.
Mary in FL on May 20, 2015 12:16
I agree. Those slacks just don’t fit, and the skirt is too tight. What were they thinking?
The Empress on May 20, 2015 12:16
Toby – you are 1000% correct. I’ve seen stuff at the higher end department stores that are mindblowingly poorly constructed. Seams barely straight, edges poorly cut, hems droopy, you name it. In time gone by, designer DID mean “better”. But now? Notsomuch. I’d rather copy a designer style myself and know how well it’s constructed and that it fits ME than to pay through a bodily orifice just for someone’s name on the label. And I sure as hell don’t want to give all that money to someone who is exploiting the workers who make their goods. If I want to pay someone practically nothing for working, I’ll make it myself.
The Empress on May 20, 2015 12:16
It’s not classist. Not at all, at all. There’s no reason under the sun that one should wear ill fitting clothing. None whatsoever. If it’s too tight, get the next size up. For heaven’s sake, size isn’t the sum total of who you are. It’s merely a number. Blargh.
Signed,
Reformed size 8 who tried to stuff into a size 4.
Denise Calhoun on May 20, 2015 12:16
And I am sitting here in socks, yoga capris and a T. But you know me, so you know that!
puffs girl on May 20, 2015 12:16
there’s a Claritin commerical (the mom and daughter hitting the links) that drives me nuts b/c mom’s shorts don’t fit. they’ve forced into the “stylish” low rise type when she actually
has
a
waist!
There used to be a saying: “the clothes make the man.”
(and yes, i’m sitting here in knit pants and shelf bra “cammie.” Guilty as charged.
Toby Wollin on May 20, 2015 12:16
Karen, you are absolutely correct. Criticizing Gretchen on her original post assumes that more expensive clothing is a) designed better and b) made better and of better materials. As we have now found, many of the high end designers (Ralph Lauren, I’m looking at you) not only design for a particular fantasy in their heads that mostly does not actually exist, but also do their production in China in the same factories that are producing for retailers such as Target. So, in terms of actual sewing skills, quality assurance etc., they literally are providing the same level that consumers get at the mid and low ends. It’s all junk. (and that is why I am glad I sew)
Denise Calhoun on May 20, 2015 12:16
Karen, perhaps you’re right. The definition of good fit eludes most people today. Maybe it’s the encroachment and — ahem — the expansion of Lycra in today’s world.