When it comes to clothing, there are two main options for acquiring garments: ready-to-wear (RTW) and sewing patterns. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the difference in sizing between the two can significantly impact the outcome of your project.
Ready To Wear Sizes
Ready-to-wear clothing is mass-produced in factories and sold in stores. These garments follow standardized sizing charts that are generally based on measurements from the majority of the population. However, it’s important to note that each brand may have slight variations in sizes, so it is crucial to try on clothes before purchasing to ensure the perfect fit.
RTW sizes typically come in small, medium, large, or numbered sizes such as 2, 4, 6, etc. These measurements aim to accommodate the average body types, but they might not work for everyone. It’s not uncommon for people to fall between sizes or have different proportions that may not align with the standard sizing.
Ready-to-wear sizes example – Small, Medium, Large
Sewing Pattern Sizes
Sewing patterns, on the other hand, allow for more customization and a better fit for individual body types. They come in various sizes, typically ranging from XS to XXL or even beyond. These patterns have detailed measurements and size charts, allowing you to select the one that closely matches your measurements.
Instead of relying on generalized terms like small or medium, sewing patterns use numerical measurements, such as bust, waist, and hip measurements, to determine the correct size. This allows for more precise adjustments, especially if you fall into different size categories for different measurements, known as grading.
Sewing pattern size chart – Bust, Waist, and Hip measurements
Advantages of Sewing Patterns
- Customization: Sewing patterns offer the ability to make adjustments for your unique body shape, ensuring a more flattering fit.
- Affordability: Sewing your own garments can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you frequently need alterations with off-the-rack clothing.
- Creativity: Sewing patterns let you choose from a wide variety of styles, fabrics, and personal touches to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Conclusion
While ready-to-wear clothing provides convenience, sewing patterns offer versatility and customizability. Understanding your body measurements and how they correspond to different sizing systems can greatly enhance your sewing experience. Whether you prefer the ease of ready-to-wear or enjoy the art of sewing patterns, the most important thing is finding clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
I’m a beginner in sewing and this article will be helpful in understanding size measurements better!
This is a great resource for anyone looking to better understand how clothing sizing works- perfect for both beginner sewers and more experienced fashionistas!
This is interesting! I’m looking forward to getting a better understanding of clothing size measurements.
Amazing article, definitely an essential read for anyone looking to have a well-rounded knowledge of how clothing sizes work! Such an invaluable resource!
A useful article to have in every wardrobe! A must-read for anyone getting into sewing.
This is an incredibly informative article – clearly a must-read for anyone interested in clothing sizes! It provides a comprehensive overview of the differences between ready-to-wear and sewing patterns, making it invaluable for anyone looking to keep up-to-date with fashion sizing.
This is really useful information! A must read for anyone wanting to get their clothing items perfectly fitted.
This is an incredibly useful read for anyone wanting a better understanding of clothing sizes and sewing patterns, great for anyone looking to perfect garment fitting!