Tight Vs. Fitted – Pictures Are Worth A 1,000 Words

By Brian Maynor

 

 

You can’t walk into a store without being bombarded with the idea that fitted is better, but is the envelope being pushed too far?

A new photojournalism essay by Justin Bartels called IMPRESSION is sweeping the internet, and captures this issue in graphic detail.   In his exhibit Justin captured images of the actual imprints clothes left on several women, but the issue isn’t just female. We’ve all squeezed into clothes that are too small from time to time and experienced the marks left as a result, but these images shocked me because they seem to go beyond the occasional offense. Here are a few things to think about before sucking it in to zip up those pants:

 

1.    How tight is ‘too tight’? I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, just because you can feel your clothes around you does not mean they are too tight. That means they are fitted. Think of a glove. They use the analogy for a reason. Your clothes fit if they encase you comfortably, snuggly and securely, but allow for full range of motion without hindrance. If you have to go through any extraordinary measures to get something on then it’s safe to say it’s too tight and you shouldn’t be wearing it.

2.    Now, just because you got it on doesn’t mean it’s flattering. One problem with wearing clothes that are too tight is that they may look great from one angle, but all the others suffer. You get one part to look great, but the rest of your body has to go somewhere. So what happens is everything gets pushed and distributed to your arms, back, stomach or sides often making unflattering bulges in all the wrong places. Clothes shouldn’t require a trade off, a nice chest or legs for bulging stomach or sides, and the right clothes won’t.

3.    Cut trumps size. Anyone who’s been shopping knows that not all sizes fit the same, yet it still surprises me how many people are hung up on the number and refuse to go up. Cuts, styles and fabrics all work to change how something fits, not to mention the arbitrary nature of sizing based on the label standards. You can’t blindly trust that just because something is your size that it will fit, even in your ‘go-to’ brands. Try it on and then make the call. If it’s too tight you can either go up a size or look for another option.

4.    Remember the goal. The whole notion of fitted clothing is to flatter your shape. Fitted pieces follow, hug and show off your shape effortlessly where tight clothes try to change it. Wearing something too tight means pushing, stuffing and rearranging things in unnatural positions to fit your body into a piece of clothing instead of letting the clothing fit your body. Even if you mange to get everything arranged in a tight outfit you won’t be comfortable.

 

Before you shimmy, jump or pour yourself into something be sure to check out Justin Bartels’ IMPRESSION and take a second to think if wearing tight clothes is really worth it.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

Sign up here to start your free subscription to MidlandsLife!

 

.