Clothes shopping in Singapore and struggling to find clothes that fit? We hear lots of people moan that they trawl clothes stores here and go home empty-handed, either because the clothes sizes or fit aren’t right. Sometimes the shoulders and arm lengths fit well, but you can’t do the buttons up! Or the trouser lengths are too short. And a medium size in Singapore is definitely not the same as an M in Australia… Online shopping brings another set of sizing issues too. So, here are some suggestions to save your feet. (Speaking of which, we have some recommendations for larger comfy shoes too!)
Meiko Tailor – get it made or altered to fit
Adele from Meiko Tailor, a family-run tailoring house for both men’s wear and womenswear, is on a mission to make clothes that fit better or that flatter or hide the parts you want hidden!
Online clothes shopping can be a let-down
“It can be disappointing when clothes bought online are ill-fitting,” says Adele. “Either the proportions don’t fit your body or the fabric is kind of off. Or perhaps the cutting isn’t what it seemingly looks like on the website. There are other factors that can lead to online buys not fitting right, too. For instance, Asian sizes can differ from UK or US sizing, and every brand has its own house cut.”
Instead of sending them back, which can be a pain, Adele suggests considering getting the clothes altered. “We have quite a few clients coming to us for adjustment of their online buys – jackets, dresses and even jeans. Most often, a simple nip and tuck, the removal of darts or a raised hemline can make it wearable. Alterations to suit jackets and evening dresses can be tricky, as extensive deconstruction and reconstruction work is needed; and adjustments are subjected to the available seam allowance; so it’s always advisable to go a trusted tailor to get them fixed.”
Choosing clothes that are flattering
So, what kinds of clothes does Adele suggest for different body shapes?
“For the gentlemen who have a rounder waistline and narrow shoulders, avoid bold floral prints, as these patterns will draw attention to your triangular-shaped torso. If you want to wear prints, opt for tailored regular-pattern blazers (narrow chalk stripes, herringbone or houndstooth) and pair with solid trousers. The mix of prints and solid colours creates the illusion of shape and takes the focus away from the larger waist.
“As for the ladies, when your clothes shopping or getting things made by a tailor, look at necklines, patterns and stripes that will flatter and hide. The length of dress can also make a world of difference, and it’s so easy to tweak at the tailors.”
The bottom line
Getting clothes altered, whether it’s a new purchase or even pieces that have been hanging around in your wardrobe, gives them a second chance. Chat with Adele and her team of seamstresses to explore options to salvage those pieces.
#02-01 Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard
6334 6911 | WhatsApp 8180 6418 (for appointments)
meikotailor.com
Perk by Kate – lingerie for all shapes
Perk by Kate has an extensive range of lingerie across 12 sizes, from 30A to 40C and continues to create intimates for women whose needs are unmet by the mass market.
The designs combine feel-good fabrics and laces with just the right amount of sexiness. Their star product, the iconic padded bralette, is an innovative idea that was conceived as a result of customer feedback.
They also focus on options for a smooth and seamless bra (or undies) that will go under ALL clothes! And if you’re still searching for the perfect strapless bra – have a look at her selection!
134A Telok Ayer Street
perkbykate.com
Juliette C – clothes shopping for a longer leg!
While this French fashion brand isn’t a plus-size label per se, its smart and elegant jumpsuits are known to be figure-flattering for women of various sizes. Plus, they’re available in a gorgeous selection of prints, colours and cuts. That means you’re bound to find something you like from the mix! Their jumpsuits also run longer in length – perfect for anyone blessed in the height department. The clothes store is based at lovely boutique shopping mall Cluny Court, near the Botanic Gardens.
Cluny Court, Level 2, 501 Bukit Timah Road
8333 8705 | juliettec.com
Fly Flot shoes that support and fit
Wearing sandals in this weather is practical, yet you still need support from your footwear. Most sandals and slippers offer little support – and this can affect your overall foot health. Fly Flot shoes and sandals have a micro-cell structure that offers excellent breathability. The Tomaia FRESH range, in particular, is made with a three-dimensional structured mesh material that even in especially hot environments allows for perfect breathability and transpiration, resulting in elevated comfort for the feet. The other good news is there are larger sizes available too.
Speaking of sizes, did you know the best way to find your exact shoe size is after lots of walking? That’s the “largest” your feet will likely expand to on an average day. To compensate for this increase, keep a look out for Fly Flot’s STRETCH line of shoes. These feature an adaptive stretch upper that’s characterised by balanced elasticity with gradual release. This allows the shoe to adapt to your foot shape and offer breathability. Try them on in store or shop online!
• #03-10 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road
• #02-11 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road
6887 3136 | 6255 5638 | flyflot.com.sg
White Ginger and other clothes stores with generous sizes
White Ginger breezy resort wear in loose silhouettes and super-soft fabrics – what’s not to love? This is one of our go-tos for casual daytime dresses and vacation-friendly basics. In fact, White Ginger has won Gold for Best Women’s Independent Fashion Outlet in our Readers’ Choice Awards several times! Sizes go up to 16, and you’ll find designs that flatter curvier figures, too. White Ginger now has clothes stores in the city centre and on the East Coast.
#03-04 Tanglin Mall & 252 Joo Chiat Road
6235 0322 | white-ginger.com
Other clothes stores in Singapore that are recommended by our readers include Marks & Spencer, which scores well for underwear and the basics, while Zara and Massimo Dutti both have long length trousers. Cotton On and H&M have a pretty good range of sizes XXS up to 4XL.
Happy clothes shopping in Singapore!
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