Sewing pattern sizes are effed up

[aprilstarchild]

I do not understand the sizing on sewing pattern envelopes. Actually, I don't understand clothing sizes in general, as I run across this when I look at the measurements for ready-made clothes as well.

So I tend to think that I am rather large-busted for my waist size. For example, I recently purchased a bra secondhand, an underwire Chantelle bra. (As an aside--it's a wonderfully made bra, and when I looked it up, it would have been about $80 new. I paid $5 and it's not very worn. Score!) According to the label, I'm a 32DD. Those are not itty bitty titties. According to Victoria's Secret, I'm a 34D, and depending on the brand in general, I'm generally in the range of 32DD to 34C or D.

Although, lordy, this Chantelle bra fits so damn good, I dunno if I'm ever gonna buy Victoria's Secret again. The center bit lies completely flat and there is no gapping or bulging anywhere. It is bra heaven. I haven't been in the habit of wearing underwire bras (other than for fancy outfits) in a while and I've been wearing this one almost every day.

Anyway. My bust and hip measurements are always several sizes smaller than my waist measurement. So either my bust and hips are tiny compared to my waist (well, my hips might be) or my waist is large.

What. The fuck. I do not think I have a big waist. I mean, yeah, when I gain weight it goes to my tummy first, but even then, I'm hardly out of proportion or anything.

I read a sewing blog where the woman said she just went by the bust size for sewing patterns, and even though her waist should be too small, things fit just fine. I know that most patterns give a lot of ease (one reason I haven't sewn much, because I like things like tops to be rather fitted).

Meh. I think I need to just measure the pattern pieces before I cut them and compare them to my actual measurements. I can always futz around with them. Isn't being able to do that, half the point of sewing your own clothes?

Thank goodness that simple lolita skirts are so dang easy to sew. I used an online tutorial with pictures to make that half-elastic waist skirt for the tweed ride, but the tutorial is obviously meant for making a little girl's skirt, and not a very full one at that. I'm thinking of doing one of my own specifically for adult women. They're so damn easy that any lolita with a sewing machine who knew the absolute basics (like how to use your machine and gather) could make them. And you only need a yard and a half of fabric! I want to learn to make detachable waist ties next. I think I might just trace the ties of my bodyline dress + seam allowance for a pattern.

Comments

[aeonflux1973.livejournal.com]

I have to say, that I would love to be able to find bras for $5 that fit like the ones I have now.

They are $68 each. :( I'm pretty sure that the people who buy the size that I wear, wear their bra's til they fall apart. :)

[ourglasslake.livejournal.com]

We are total opposites in some ways: I have a vintage skirt labeled medium, though there is no way in hell this ass is a medium. I also find that vintage dresses that fit me best are several sizes smaller than what I would wear new, though that is partly because of the tailored waist/poofy hip styles I look for.

According to most size charts, I'm at least 3 different sizes: smallest for my waist, then the next largest for my bust, and then one or two sizes up from the waist for my hips. Yeah, this is why I never used to buy dresses.

[crowgod.livejournal.com]

I have nothing constructive to add to this post other to admit I enjoy reading posts about your boobies.... :p

[mandamagpie.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I'll have to try out one of those bras. It's hard to find a good bra if you have a small rib cage but bigger cups.

[(Anonymous)]

I have to agree on pattern sizes. I hate them. I go with my biggest measurement, which is my hips. Unless it's a full skirt with lots of ease there. Then I have to think about taking it in for my smaller parts, but I'm terrible at that. I have lots of ill-fitting homemade garments!

robyn
http://www.roadyjane.blogspot.com

I'm with you!

[weeona.livejournal.com]

I'm a 32/27/33(!) and my bust/hips put me in a 0/2 while my waist plops me in a 6, I think. My jeans are all 2/4s and I fit into 4s for dresses... but what the hell charts? I mean, I know I have a "wide" waist but geez.

I always feel so weird when my waist size is so much larger than the others.
Damn apple shape.

Its all true!

[seams-unusual.livejournal.com]

Every time I look into what size the pattern says my measurements mean,I end up wondering if I'm more "columnar" than I thought I was. My waist is way bigger than than my boobs/hips (or lack of hips) say I should be.
Chantelle sounds like good bra. After I get paid in March or April, may have to look them up.
Loli skirts: isn't it better to make them out of gourds rather than rectangles? You don't want it to be so-poofed-that-it's-sloppy at the waistband....?