Buying dresses can be daunting, but it can become a lot easier if you know a few shopping tips. The fashion industry is full of dresses with various styles and designs. There is also an increasing number of physical and online stores, posing more challenges to consumers when it comes to choosing which clothes to buy.
If you’re looking to buy a midi skirt or any dress, here are essential buying tips you should know.
Know what’s available in the market
You need to educate yourself about the available dresses in the market. Here are some of the common dress types to choose from:
- Maxi dress – This is an ankle or floor-length dress that is often made from cotton and other breathable fabric. It is famous for being comfortable and free-flowing.
- Mini dress – This is a miniskirt with a hemline at the upper thigh, putting emphasis on the legs. Some women wear this type of dress along with tights or leggings.
- Midi dress – This sits between a maxi and a miniskirt. It can either have a sleeve or neckline length to suit any body shape.
- Wrap dress – This is a dress that wearers can wrap around their bodies and tie at the waist or back.
- Bodycon – This is a tight-fitting dress that accentuates your assets and hugs your figure. It is often made of stretchy material.
- A-Line dress – This dress fits at your hips and flares out gradually towards the hem, making it look like an “A” shape.
- Fit and flare dress – This dress is fitted at the upper body part and flares out below the hip.
- Sheath dress – This is a form-fitting dress with a straight cut and is a bit compressed at the waist, but without visible seams. It sits above the knee or at knee level.
- Peplum dress – This is a body-hugging dress with a gathered piece of fabric at the waist to hide wider hips, giving you an hourglass figure.
You can learn more insightful information about the other dress types by checking out women’s wear blogs, fashion magazines, and online women’s clothing shops, or from your family and friends. Being aware of the different kinds of dresses will help you choose the best style for your size and shape and any occasion.
Get your measurements beforehand
Before hitting the road to visit a clothing boutique or browsing through online clothing stores, get your measurements first. Nothing is more frustrating than getting a stylish dress only to find out it isn’t the correct size.
When checking out a physical store, it is essential to try out the dress you want to buy to ensure that it enhances your looks.
When buying dresses online, you have to rely on the shop’s size chart. Compare your measurements with the chart to figure out which size to order. Take note as well of any additional information the store provides, including any size differences with the standard sizes.
Look into the fabric
When buying a dress, consider its fabric, too.
A dress made of spandex, jersey knit, or any stretchable material offers extra leeway in terms of fit. But for dresses made from non-stretchable materials, make sure to buy one with the best fit.
Furthermore, not all fabrics will look the same on all women. The key is to pick the right texture, colour, and print.
Go bespoke
If you are among the shoppers struggling with disposable purchases and the standard sizing system, going bespoke is the best solution. Made-to-measure dresses will ensure that you get a fashion item that suits your size, body type, and style preferences.
Some people think that custom-made dresses are expensive and only for fashionistas, but these wardrobe pieces are a necessity. They can last for many years, showcase your style, and enhance your figure.
Here’s an overview of the reasons to choose made-to-measure dresses today:
Better fit
Fit means everything. It is an essential factor in showing off your body in a flattering way. That is the primary goal of dressmaking. Custom-made dresses are adjusted to your body measurements while giving comfort and enough space.
Made-to-order means you can adjust specific aspects, which include:
- The length of the sleeves
- Ease at the neckline
- Any additional body length
Dressmaking focuses on your current body type, and not the body you want to achieve after months of following a diet and exercising. It is the best option if you’re looking for dresses that can emphasise your best features and turn attention away from the less flattering areas.
Higher quality materials
With ready-made dresses, quality is sometimes not a priority. Mass-produced garments don’t usually pass through the hands of experts who check every detail. But it is an entirely different story with tailor-made clothing.
Respectable tailors value precision. They can make all necessary adjustments on the spot and check for any inconsistencies. Moreover, they follow the correct number of stitches in every inch, keeping the fabric highly durable.
Before the process starts, you can choose better fabrics to ensure that you’ll wear a perfect dress for the environment. If you intend to use it in cooler climates, heavier-weight fabrics or those with tighter blends or weaves are great options. But if you’re going to wear it in a warmer climate, choose lighter fabrics to ensure maximum comfort.
The best tailor will educate you on the different weaves and blends, along with their characteristics, to get the correct constructions. They can even make suggestions, depending on when and where you’ll use the dress.
Straightforward
With the tailor-made options, there is less effort and time wasted because it is straightforward and controllable. Working with a tailor guarantees that you will get a piece that suits you. You just have to wait for it to be finished.
But to ensure maximum satisfaction, you must clearly communicate your needs and preferences with your tailor. Most importantly, listen to their suggestions.
Long-lasting
Made-to-measure clothing is an excellent long-term investment. Due to its overall quality, there will be fewer problems to encounter in the future. Generally, any issue that may arise later on can be dealt with effortlessly by your tailor. That means you won’t pay for lots of repairs or even spend on replacements.
To help extend the lifespan of your dress, consider the following extras:
- Gussets – These are materials inserted in the clothing’s stress points to minimise the amount of stress being applied on such points.
- French seams – This is a type of seam finishing where the raw edges on the inside are encased in an extra row of stitching. It allows the dress to have a clean-finished appearance while ensuring durability and security.
Buying the perfect dress can be a bit challenging. But if you follow the right tips, the task can be more easily achievable. Be aware of the different types of dress, know your body measurements, check the fabric, and consider going bespoke. Above all, listen to your inner voice. Invest in a dress that helps you look your best and makes you feel happy.
