What is the correct trouser lengths for ladies? Where should pants hit with heels and flats? We haven’t talked about this in a while… so let’s discuss!

(Stay tuned for a future roundup of the correct trouser lengths with FLATS, which can be tricky as well!)

{related: do check out our regularly updated list of wardrobe essentials for work!}

The Correct Trouser Lengths for Women

Trousers are hugely popular right now, as ankle pants have taken a back seat to full-length pants such as wide-leg trousers and flared or bootcut dress pants. Full-length pants can be problematic, though, because it can be difficult to find the correct hem length for you — and one that works with all of your work shoes.

{related: a guide to suiting alterations}

General Tips on How to Choose Your Pant Length

Before You Take Your Pants to the Tailor or Hem Them Yourself…

You may want to launder the pants first (particularly if they’re machine washable), because sometimes fabrics can shrink or expand in the wash, and you really won’t know until you launder the pants.

You should also pick out a pair of shoes to try on your pants — ideally these would be THE shoes you plan to wear with them. If you have multiple shoes with the exact same heel height then you can switch up your shoes, but in general you cannot switch between, say, flats and heels with hemmed pants.

One possible exception here: I have often found that pants that I hemmed for very low kitten heels can be worn with flats as well… but your mileage may vary.

{related: the perfect pants fit — not too tight, not too loose}

How to Commute With Pants Hemmed for Heels

Perhaps you would really like to wear 3″ heels at work with your pants… but you don’t want to commute in 3″ heels. The easiest way to deal with this is to have heeled commuting shoes — generally fairly fugly shoes that have the correct height but are much more walkable. Then, when you get to work, you can swap the fugly shoes for your office shoes. Some brands to consider: FLY London, Dansko, Eileen Fisher, Børn.

There are occasionally products like clips that can help you hem your pants on the go… but in my experience these don’t look great. (I can’t actually find any on the market right now; let me know if you know of any!) But: If you have a weather-related emergency, you can always try binder clips to help your pants avoid getting wet (or, you know, tuck them into your socks if that’s an option). Again, these aren’t ideal situations, but with some expensive or favorite pairs of pants it’s worth looking odd for one commute rather than have that one commute kill your hem.

Where Should Pants Hit With Heels?

(When choosing pants for the illustrations here, we’re going with the description from the retailer on whether the pants are wide-leg, flared, bootcut, or straight-leg, but I’ll admit at the outset that there could be some crossover here between a lot of the categories.)

Most images are linked to either the product page or the Corporette post discussing the product…

Also, as noted above, stay tuned for a discussion of proper hem length with flats…

The Correct Length for Wide-Leg Pants with Heels

This is what I would say is the correct length for wide-leg pants worn with heels… would you agree? (These images are all taken from recent Workwear Reports. I’ll try to add the links later… you can also check out our latest favorite wide-leg pants for work at the bottom, or check out the full post on the best wide leg pants to wear to work!)

My $.02: The correct wide-leg pants should hit about a half inch above the floor at the back of the shoe/heel, and it should at least cover most of your vamp / top of foot (perhaps down to the point where your toes meet the rest of your foot), with a break in the pants.

So, for example, for the pants below, the plaid pair is definitely too short because there is no break in the pants, whereas the black pair has a break but the hem is dragging along the floor. The orange pair is ALMOST the correct length, but in an ideal world I’d hem it maybe half an inch more to cover more of the forefoot (and to get a break in the pants).

Readers, what say you?

Wide leg pants, below: 1) Almost Just Right 2) Too Short 3) Too Long

{related: the best shoes to wear with wide-leg pants}

Our Latest Favorite Wide Leg Pants

Hunting for more wide-leg pants to wear to work? We just rounded some up, and general favorites include pleated pairs like Favorite Daughter, Everlane*, Reformation*, and Abercrombie*, with flat-front pairs from Good American,* M.M.LaFleur, and Ann Taylor. (* = plus sizes; see the post for notes on petites and talls). We’ve also shared our thoughts on what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants! Our latest favorite wide-leg pants include these (as of 2024):

The Correct Length for Flared Pants with Heels

I feel like it’s much more common to see more casual flared pants (such as jeans or pull-on pants) as opposed to flared trousers, so it can be tricky to know where the hem should hit for a work outfit.

With the examples below, I think it’s very easy to see how the “too short” and “too long” examples are just that… but finding the correct hem length can be a bit more difficult. I’ve finally decided to use these Spanx pants, which I think showcase a lot of the things I would say is the correct length for flared pants with heels — the pants are not dragging on the floor, there is no huge break, and you can’t see the entire shoe… still, I might like to see these a smidge shorter, such as a quarter of an inch.

(These Gap pants also look good, but I think you can see too much of the heel and forefoot… but it’s a tricky question!)

What say you, readers?

Flared pants for work outfits, below: 1) Almost Just Right 2) Too Short 3) Too Long

Our Latest Favorite Flared Pants for Work Outfits

Stay tuned for our latest favorite office-appropriate flared pants for women! In general in 2024, check out Spanx, Hugo Boss, Theory, Amazon seller Rekucci, Anthropologie’s Maeve line, and Eloquii.

The Correct Length for Bootcut Pants with Heels

Bootcut pants are some of the most forgiving, I think, because a lot of the lengths look OK. I think ultimately the Good American ones below look just right because there is no break in the pant, but the hem is not dragging on the floor — and I like how it hits the forefoot right at the point where the metatarsals meet the phalanges. (I’ll admit, I just Googled “toe bones” for that description…)

Meanwhile, the middle pair look too short — there’s way too much of the shoe heel showing — and the gray pair (McQueen) is going to be dragging on the ground.

Bootcut pants for work, below: 1) Just Right 2) Too Short 3) Too Long

Our Latest Favorite Bootcut Pants for Work

There are a bunch of great bootcut dress pants — some of our favorites include Good American and the very affordable Tapata brand (with tall, petite, and regular lengths). Alexander McQueen also has a bunch right now. On the more casual side, check out KUT from the Kloth cords, Wit & Wisdom jeans, and Betabrand “dress yoga pants.”

The Correct Length for Straight-Cut Trousers with Heels

Getting the hem correct on straight-cut trousers is the hardest, I think… Looking through some of the options, though, that may be because it can be more a matter of personal style compared with the others. For example, of the three pants below, I think all of them could be a good hem length, even though Option A is just below the ankle bone, Option B hits at the top of your foot (but without a break), and Option C is hemmed to just above the ankle bone (but feels a bit longer to me than “ankle pants” or cropped pants).

What say you, readers?

Straight leg pants below, all “just right”: Options A, B, and C

Our Latest Favorite Straight-Cut Dress Pants for Women

Straight pants can be a bit tricky get the hem correct, and have a slight potential to be frumpy… That said, they are a classic because they tend to be immune from trends. Some great options in 2024 include reader favorites Nic & Zoe pants, NYDJ, J.Crew, these “perfect” pants from Spanx, and the very affordable Amazon seller Tapata (with petite, regular, and tall sizes).

Some Of Our Latest Favorite Trousers for Women

We’ve noted specific styles above… but in general, these are our latest favorite trousers for women…

The Best Dress Pants for Women in General

The best dress pants for women as of 2024: one / two / three / four / five / six (not pictured but also and also!) — also check out our roundup of the best pull-on pants for the office!

The Best Plus-Size Pants for Work

The Best Pull-On Pants for Work

The post Open Thread: Trouser Lengths for Women appeared first on Corporette.com.

For those of you returning to the office after more than a year WFH and realizing that a lot of your workwear doesn’t really fit anymore (who can blame anyone for gaining weight during a global crisis?), an excellent solution is made-to-measure clothing. Of course, you don’t need a specific reason for buying bespoke clothing — clothes that fit you perfectly always feels great (and look professional).

We’ve talked in the past about where to find clothes if you’re drastically different sizes on the top and bottom, clothing for curvy professionals, and the best dress shirts for women with larger breasts, but it’s been a LONG time since we recommended companies that offer made-to-measure clothing. So today we’ve rounded up seven brands that feature workwear and much more. Please share your own recs in the comments!

Update: Our Latest Favorite Made-to-Measure Workwear

Hunting for the best made-to-measure work clothes? As of 2024, the best options we know of are Brooks Brothers, Sumissura, Etsy sellers Heart My Closet, VigilanteLabs, and CelesteLilou, as well as smaller brands like Loud Bodies, Sharpe Suiting, IGIGI, and Rita Phil (pencil skirts only), plus eShakti.

Some of our favorite stores that offer free alterations for members include Nordstrom, J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Uniqlo (select styles). If you’re crafty, you may also want to check out our roundup of sewing patterns for workwear outfits.

Made-to-Measure Clothing for Women: Workwear & Beyond

Sumissura

white poplin dress shirt, $65

Sumissura offers lots of choices for custom-made clothing: blazers, coats, dresses, tuxedos, evening dresses, skirt suits, and blouses. The company is based in Zürich and has offices and factories in Barcelona and Shanghai.

Fabrics for suits, pants, and jackets include wool, merino wool, linen, and cotton; shirt fabrics include cotton, fil coupè, linen, flannel, and so on (including easy-care and wrinkle-free options); and if you order a coat, you can choose from cashmere, wool, and cotton. You can personalize features like collar style and color, button thread color, cuff style and color, sleeve type, and monogramming.

Custom items arrive in 18 days, including tailoring and shipping time. If the piece doesn’t fit, the company will cover some of the alteration costs (up to 25% of the garment’s value) or will make you a new one. (You can also order fabric samples before buying.)

Heartmycloset

Elise vintage-inspired dress, $98+

Heartmycloset has both an Etsy shop and website. The Etsy shop’s three categories are “celeb-inspired dress” (e.g., Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton), “modern & vintage styles” (rockabilly, 1950s A-line), and “TV-show inspired” (Agent Carter, Suits, Scandal). Yes, dressing like a 1940s secret agent isn’t going to fly at most offices, but several of Heartmycloset’s styles are work-appropriate.

You can order a standard size (here’s their size chart) or have something made to your measurements; custom pieces take about three weeks. (The shop will send you detailed measurement instructions when you order.) Items usually are unlined, but you can add lining (many fabric choices are available) for $9. Returns are available within 15 days if the item is in its original condition and unworn and unwashed.

Loud Bodies

“Olympe” Dress, $170+

Loud Bodies is an ethical, sustainable, inclusive brand — and not only do they offer sizes XS–10XL (size chart here), they customize their styles free of charge. Here’s their Facebook post describing one of the eco-friendly fabrics they use, Cupro. If you’re looking for tailored, classic workwear, you should probably look elsewhere, but if you’re seeking something more along the lines of floral and/or flowy, Loud Bodies is a good bet.

The company describes their customization options as “sizing up/down what we currently offer and customising in case you are in between sizing, the sizes for chest/waist/hips differ, length for petite/tall and if you have certain special requests for accessibility/mobility.” Also … POCKETS! (Note: None of the clothing has zippers, as part of the company’s goal of reducing consumption and waste.)

P.S. The pictured dress is named after playwright, feminist, and activist Olympe de Gouges; other styles are named after women like Michelle Obama and Lilly Ledbetter.

{related: what alterations to ask for to look more polished}

Sharpe Suiting

wedding suits! (image from Lookbook)

Sharpe Suiting‘s website explains that its “Andropometrics” formula “revolutionizes how one measures the body based on an individuals’ gender identity and queer style” and that its clothing flatters all gender identities and body shapes. (Check out their Lookbook.)

It takes eight weeks from initial design to delivery (three months for wedding items), and prices are listed on the company’s FAQ page. A dress shirt is $185, and suits start at $1,550. Tons of fabric options are available — 400 for suits and 300 for shirts (!). Also featured in the FAQ is a lot of info on sustainability, social enterprise (e.g., the company donates hundreds of suits to LGBTQ youth centers), and worker conditions.

Sharpe Suiting has locations in L.A., Chicago, Houston, Tampa, and Charlotte, NC, but they currently offer virtual design sessions. You can return items within 14 days in new, unworn, unwashed condition with tags still on.

IGIGI

Dominique dress, $198

Custom-made clothing is a new option for IGIGI as of 2019, when the company was reacquired by its founder, Yuliya Raquel. In fact, as their About page notes, they “believe that off-the-rack clothing is an archaic way to sell fashion, dictated by a single designer’s view and one-style-fits-all attitude, while hurting our environment in an unimaginable way.” (The company still sells standard sizes as well — but customized to customers’ height.)

IGIGI offers several types of dresses in sizes 12 and up, including wedding gowns, dresses for semi-formal events, LBDs, and dresses for daytime. Some are work-appropriate. Each dress can be customized in many ways, including sleeve length and hemline, and you’ll receive made-to-measure styles in 4–6 weeks.

The clothing is designed in the U.S. and sewn by hand in Ukraine in fair working conditions, and the fabrics are printed on demand to reduce waste.

IGIGI accepts returns within 30 days for clothing that is unworn, unwashed, unsoiled, unaltered, and fragrance-free with tags and labels attached.

eShakti

Floral print crepe pleated empire dress, $49.95

eShakti is probably one of the first brands you think of when you think of made-to-measure clothes. Dresses are its main focus, and there are hundreds of styles available, including sheaths, shirtdresses, LBDs, and wrap dresses, as well as bridesmaid, wedding guest, and MOB styles. Other options include tops, pants, skirts, jackets, and cardigans.

When you order, you can choose from standard sizes 0–36W or provide your measurements for a custom fit; made-to-measure items take 13–17 days to arrive. Change the neckline (six options), hemline (six options), and sleeve length (three options) if you like.

Note that eShakti offers a Fit Guarantee. For your first three orders, the company will remake your item if you aren’t happy with the fit — you’ll need to send photos showing the fit issues, then you’ll receive the new garment in two weeks — or you can request a free refund.

{related: A Guide to Suiting Alterations}

Rita Phil

Lillian pencil skirt, $145

Rita Phil exclusively makes skirts — pencil and A-line — and most are office-appropriate, especially because you can request a different length than what’s pictured online. The company has many choices for main fabrics and lining fabrics that you can mix and match, and you have four options for fit: sheath, relaxed, contoured, and slim.

You can take measurements by yourself or a representative can join you on a video call to guide you — and you’ll receive your custom skirt in 5–8 days (pretty quick for a custom item!).

If you’re not happy with your custom item, you can (1) have the item remade, (2) receive a full refund (they’ll pay return shipping), or (3) receive a $30 credit for local alterations at a local tailor.

Workwear Stores That Offer Free Alterations for Women

Hunting for workwear stores that offer free alterations? Here’s our list…

As of 2023, these are the stores we know of that offer free alterations…

Nordstrom: free basic alterations for members of the Nordy Club, which is free to join (Nordstrom also offers alterations for clothing that customers have bought elsewhere.)

Banana Republic: free basic alterations for customers who use the Banana Republic Luxe credit card

Brooks Brothers: free alterations for pants bought online (4–6 weeks extra for delivery; no returns/exchanges) (Note: With a quick look around the site, I could only find the option available for men’s pants, not women’s, which, OK. Jacket alterations are only available in-store.)

Dillard’s: You can get free alterations in store on full-price tailored items and unfinished pant bottoms. There is a fee for sale tailored items and ready-to-wear items (for coats, sleeves, pant bottoms, skirts/dresses); contact your local store.

J.Crew: free standard alterations on on full-price clothing (pants, jackets, and skirts) purchased with a J.Crew Credit Card (no leather, suede, or beaded fabrics)

Lands’ End: Hemming (and cuffing) is free of charge (not just for men’s clothes, as the site makes it seem). Each product page will note if the service is available on that item.

Uniqlo: Some items on Uniqlo’s website can be altered (and some alterations are free); if so, you’ll see an “alterations” option underneath the size selection. (Add two business days to delivery times.) If the option is unavailable online, you can bring (select) pants to your local store to be altered, but it’s best to call first.

Lululemon: free hemming on tops and pants at all stores

Ralph Lauren: Free alterations are available at full-price stores, i.e., not outlets or factory stores.

{related: workwear stores that offer free alterations}

Note: As of 2023, stores that no longer offer free alterations include Athleta, Club Monaco, Madewell, and Saks.

In general, bear in mind that with some clothing items, such as jeans, it may be best to pass up the free alterations and wash/dry them before taking them to your own tailor, in case they shrink a bit.

Readers, what are your favorite sources for made-to-measure clothing and workwear? Have you tried any of the brands above?

The post The Best Made-to-Measure Clothing for Women: Workwear & Beyond appeared first on Corporette.com.

If you’re slim with a small frame but too tall for petite sizes, where do you shop for XXS work clothes? If your clothes don’t fit you well, when is it worth it to pay for them to be tailored — and when is it time to look for better-fitting replacements instead? We kind of got into this in our post on how to find suits for short women, but we haven’t discussed in a while. Reader K wonders…

I’m interested in learning more about when alterations are worth it. I’m very thin and having a harder and harder time finding clothes off the rack that fit me — even a 00 from J. Crew is frequently too big, I can’t shop in the petite section because I’m too tall.

I also have a hard time with dresses and some structured pieces because even though most of my measurements are a 00 or smaller, my natural waist is often closer to a 2. I have a bunch of work pieces that I really like — or would really like if I was not swimming in them and constantly ending up with my skirt on backwards after my walk from the subway.

Am I better off getting my existing wardrobe altered or trying to sell my better stuff on consignment to fund replacement pieces? I can’t afford a full wardrobe from Theory or another designer that actually makes small clothes for women who are not 5’4″ or shorter.

Great question! We’ve talked about the most common alterations, how to tailor a suit, and the perfect pants fit, but we haven’t discussed tailoring in a while.

Update: Workwear Stores with XXS Work Clothes (XXS, 00, and More)

Hunting for very small women’s work clothes for your slender build? Check out our list of 0P suiting sizes, but for regular sizes (as of 2023), take a look at Aritzia (3XS!), Club Monaco (00), Nanette Lepore, Nora Gardiner (00-16), Reiss (XXS), and Theory (00). Nordstrom also has a bunch of work clothes in XXS sizes; readers have had particular luck with Rebecca Taylor, but note that Cinq à Sept, Favorite Daughter, Nordstrom Signature, Rag & Bone, Veronica Beard, and Vince all come in 00 sizes..

(Psst: We love these petite hangers at Amazon!)

Where to Find Workwear and Suits for Teen Girls

If you’re hunting for XXS work clothes, you might want to consider clothing for children. Options that might have suits are in bold… (The listed measurements are for the largest size noted by the brand… compare to Aritzia XXS/00 sizing with 30.5 bust, 22.5 waist, 32.5 hip)

• Grace Karin (Amazon) – reader favorite in regular sizes for vintage-style dresses (chest 32.5, waist 26)
• J.Crew Factory – sizes as large as 36 waist and 36 chest, max height 68″
• Lands’ End – particularly their ponte dresses and skirts (62-63″ tall, 33.5 chest, 30 waist, 29.5 inseam)
• Milumia (Amazon) – reader favorite in regular sizes; some two-piece sets are suitlike (30.3 bust, 23.6 waist, 30.7 hip)
• Nordstrom – store branded basics; height 65, chest 34.5, waist 28, hip 37.
• Rocco Clothing (UK) (size 37 chest, max waist 33)
• Soly Hux (Amazon) – possibly some acceptable dresses — size 29 bust, 31 waist
• Un Deux Trois (at Neiman Marcus and Dillards) – Sophisticated girls’ clothes up to size 20
• Wdirara (Amazon) – some acceptable options up to size 16 (bust size 29.9 inch)

You might also want to take a look at spots that sell school uniforms for basic shirts, skirts, and sometimes dresses — Amazon has a good selection from a lot of brands.

{related: wearing kids’ clothes when you’re petite}

Made-to-Measure Work Clothes

Hunting for the best made-to-measure work clothes? As of 2024, the best options we know of are Brooks Brothers, Sumissura, Etsy sellers Heart My Closet, VigilanteLabs, and CelesteLilou, as well as smaller brands like Loud Bodies, Sharpe Suiting, IGIGI, and Rita Phil (pencil skirts only), plus eShakti.

Some of our favorite stores that offer free alterations for members include Nordstrom, J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Uniqlo (select styles). If you’re crafty, you may also want to check out our roundup of sewing patterns for workwear outfits.

General Tips on Where to Shop If You’re Slim but Too Tall for Petites

A few things come to mind for our reader:

Stop buying things that don’t fit. If you’re truly swimming in the pieces you mentioned, then they’re not doing you any favors.

Cull your wardrobe immediately. Figure out which things kind of fit you (or are supposed to be loose) — shift dresses, shirt dresses, sweaters, blousy tunics, etc. — and keep all those pieces. Pull out anything that you’re “swimming” in and put it into piles: tailor, sell, donate.

Assess the tailor pile — with the help of a tailor. A seasoned tailor will be able to tell you what’s an affordable alteration plan for a garment versus what is going to ruin its lines, or be prohibitively expensive. Don’t feel obligated to get everything tailored in that first visit. Pick two or three pieces to start (your favorites, the ones that fill your wardrobe holes, the ones that are most affordable to tailor) and hold the rest — you want to make sure you like the tailor’s work before you spend hundreds of dollars.

Look at the wardrobe you’re left with. Where are there holes? If you’re missing a blazer, sheath dress, pencil skirt, and trousers, you’re looking at a new suit, and I would just suggest looking for one from a brand that’s petite-friendly. Alterations Needed and Extra Petite are both great places to start for inspiration (although both bloggers are under 5’2″).

Call a personal shopper. A lot of stores offer these, but readers have raved about Nordstrom’s personal shopping service that offers a huge range of clothes. Tell the shopper you’re looking for budget-friendly pieces to buy as well as a few classic pieces to stalk. (If you don’t have a store nearby, Nordstrom’s online customer service is excellent — and the site offers free shipping and free returns.)

Educate yourself about which brands to stalk. I would guess that very high-end clothing is going to be better suited for a willowy frame, so make a trek to Bergdorf Goodman or Saks. A friend of mine who’s very slender says she’s had luck with Rebecca Taylor, Nanette Lepore, and (some) Theory, as well as blazers from Aritzia.

Finally: If you really find yourself in need of a last-minute blazer or dress or some such, consider stores designed for teenagers or even children. Watch the hemlines very carefully, as well as the general cuts.

I know readers have had mixed experiences, but I just had a good experience with thredUP — I sent in a bunch of old clothes of mine (and kids’ clothing as well), some new with tags, and wound up with a $41 credit.

That isn’t that impressive, admittedly, but you get a 40% off discount the first time you send something in, so I turned around and used the $41 credit and discount toward a black jersey David Meister dress and a Rag & Bone blazer, spending only an additional $44. So if you’re ready to part with a lot of your wardrobe, send it in and do your research on which brands to use the credit/discount on.

Readers who are extra small but not petite, where do you like to shop for XXS work clothes? What clothing have you had success with tailoring to make them smaller?

Psst: hunting for shoes in narrow sizes? Here’s our list of some of our favorites…

Social media images (flower) via Stencil. Original image: 267/365 Tailoring, originally uploaded to Flickr by Mykl Roventine.

This post was originally written in July 2015 but has been updated as noted in the text.

The post XXS Work Clothes: Shopping Tips When You’re Slim But Not Petite appeared first on Corporette.com.

Which are the best blazers if you’re small and busty? Where can you find interview suits if you’re curvy? Reader K wonders:

One of my biggest obstacles when it comes to finding business appropriate clothes are my breasts. I feel like it’s impossible to find a jacket or blouse that won’t either pull or else drown me. Either my jacket is so big that I can’t find my arms (and definitely not my waist) or I can’t close it over the girls. I’m a 32G (by nature, not by choice) and a size two everywhere except my chest.

I would like to look both professional and not like a child wearing her mom’s jacket. I work in banking, so jackets are a must. (And yet, I’m young enough that I don’t have the kind of funds to have tailor made clothes.)

Am I all alone in the world? Is there anyone out there who makes professional clothes for small women with large breasts?

Interesting. We’ve talked about whether jackets must button to “fit”, how to dress professionally with curves, where to get blouses for the busty, and even how to find such clothes on a budget — but not how to find blazers that fit an hourglass frame.

In our last thread on the best suits for small women, Theory seemed to be the winner, which you may want to try — but I’ve never found the brand to be particularly curve-friendly.

Approach #1: Shop for Blazers with Curve-Friendly Workwear Brands

This might be the easiest option — after all, if the brand is making curvy pants as an option, it stands to reason that they’re not necessarily designing for a Very Straight body type.

Hunting for work pants if you’re curvy ? As of 2024, you can find them at Ann Taylor (regular and petite sizes 00-18), Banana Republic Factory (00-20, 00P-14P, 00T-20T), Loft (regular, petite, and tall sizes 00-18), Express (regular, short and long sizes 0-18), and White House Black Market (00-18, regular, short, and long). Talbots also offers some options in sizes regular, petite, plus, and plus-size petites as does Lane Bryant. (Banana Republic seems to have temporarily stopped making them, unfortunately.)

The Best Plus-Size Pants for Work In General

Get to know specialty stores for the busty such as those we’ve featured in our roundup of the best dress shirts for women with large breasts.

London calling…  You need a vacation, right? The few times I’ve been to London I’ve marveled at how almost all of the shops seems to accommodate a small ribcage/large bust situation.

(While you’re over there, consider swinging by Paris – this Reddit thread suggests a number of French brands that are great for small but bust-friendly blazers.) 

Failing a trip, you may want to consider trying some British brands with small sizes, such as TopShop, Boden, Marks and Spencer, and Dorothy Perkins (all of which have petite sizes as well).

Approach #2: Look for Workwear Stores That Offer FREE Alterations

As of 2023, these are the stores we know of that offer free alterations…

Nordstrom: free basic alterations for members of the Nordy Club, which is free to join (Nordstrom also offers alterations for clothing that customers have bought elsewhere.)

Banana Republic: free basic alterations for customers who use the Banana Republic Luxe credit card

Brooks Brothers: free alterations for pants bought online (4–6 weeks extra for delivery; no returns/exchanges) (Note: With a quick look around the site, I could only find the option available for men’s pants, not women’s, which, OK. Jacket alterations are only available in-store.)

Dillard’s: You can get free alterations in store on full-price tailored items and unfinished pant bottoms. There is a fee for sale tailored items and ready-to-wear items (for coats, sleeves, pant bottoms, skirts/dresses); contact your local store.

J.Crew: free standard alterations on on full-price clothing (pants, jackets, and skirts) purchased with a J.Crew Credit Card (no leather, suede, or beaded fabrics)

Lands’ End: Hemming (and cuffing) is free of charge (not just for men’s clothes, as the site makes it seem). Each product page will note if the service is available on that item.

Uniqlo: Some items on Uniqlo’s website can be altered (and some alterations are free); if so, you’ll see an “alterations” option underneath the size selection. (Add two business days to delivery times.) If the option is unavailable online, you can bring (select) pants to your local store to be altered, but it’s best to call first.

Lululemon: free hemming on tops and pants at all stores

Ralph Lauren: Free alterations are available at full-price stores, i.e., not outlets or factory stores.

{related: workwear stores that offer free alterations}

Note: As of 2023, stores that no longer offer free alterations include Athleta, Club Monaco, Madewell, and Saks.

Approach #3: Go Custom — Buy Made to Measure Work Clothes (Including Busty Blazers)

Hunting for the best made-to-measure work clothes? As of 2024, the best options we know of are Brooks Brothers, Sumissura, Etsy sellers Heart My Closet, VigilanteLabs, and CelesteLilou, as well as smaller brands like Loud Bodies, Sharpe Suiting, IGIGI, and Rita Phil (pencil skirts only), plus eShakti.

Some of our favorite stores that offer free alterations for members include Nordstrom, J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Uniqlo (select styles). If you’re crafty, you may also want to check out our roundup of sewing patterns for workwear outfits.

Approach #4: Look for Stretchy Blazers to Fit Your Bust

If all else fails: look for blazers with a hint of stretch in them.  Knit blazers, even wool/lycra blends, are going to be your friends.

As of 2024, some of the brands we know of that have stretch in them include Brooks Brothers, White House Black Market (their “Comfort Stretch” line in particular) and shapewear brand Spanx (sizes XS-3X, and petite sizes too). You might also want to check out our roundup of sweater jackets for the office if you’re OK with a slightly more casual look. Nordstrom also has a lot of knit blazers for sale!

Readers, if you’re busty, where do you go for a blazer? Small statured ladies, which are your favorite blazers? In general, ladies, what are your biggest challenges for finding blazers that fit?

This post was originally written in August 2014, but updated substantially as noted throughout.

Updated images via Deposit Photos / NeonShot.

The post Busty Blazers: How to Find Interview Suits if You’re Curvy appeared first on Corporette.com.

Whether you’ve only recently picked up sewing or knitting as a hobby, have been doing it all your life, or are only CONSIDERING it, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best sewing patterns for workwear outfits (with a few knitting patterns as well!).

I can tell you from experience (i.e., the research for this post) that you need to be pretty specific when searching online for sewing patterns for workwear outfits. Otherwise, you’ll end up with search results that include dress patterns from the 1940s and patterns for doll clothing… For example, start your hunt with something like “sewing pattern women’s skirt -vintage.” (And scroll down to the bottom of this post to find some helpful online resources.) If you DO like vintage-inspired looks, though, Etsy seller The Good Witch Patterns has a ton of promising ones.

If you’re a sewist or a knitter, how did you get started with the hobby? Have you tried making your own workwear? What are your favorite sources for knitting or sewing patterns for workwear outfits?

Psst: if you’re interested in getting into sewing, readers recommend an entry level Babylock or Janome, warning “do not buy a sewing machine at JoAn or a big-box retailer from a brand like Singer or Brother. Those are garbage and will break right away.” Good to know!

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

{related: how to find fulfilling hobbies}

Here are some of the best sewing patterns for workwear outfits and knitting patterns for professional clothes — we’d love for you to share some of your favorites!

Kat recently came across this pattern is from Austrian designer Jutta von Hinterm Stein. It looks so comfortable! The pattern is available on Ravelry for €6.90 (about $8.00 as of Oct. 2021). It’s designed for worsted yarn (the site gives some specific suggestions), and the sizes are XS–XXL. Ravelry users can upload their own photos, so you can see the designs on people with different shapes and sizes.

You can buy the pattern for this blazer for a mere $16 — or pay $59 for the pattern plus a course on ClosetCore for “speed tailoring,” which could be really helpful if you want to adapt some older or thrifted clothes either to fit better, be more personal, or be more on trend. (ClosetCore’s Pauline dress also looks versatile enough to become a very bust-friendly sheath dress.)

{related: tips on thrifting for workwear — and where to recycle your work clothes}

This pattern for this classic A-line dress comes from The Avid Seamstress, based in London. It’s available for £16.50 (about $22 as of Oct. 2021) and is compatible with UK sizes 6–22 (equivalent to U.S. 2–18). The design has optional inner pockets and also includes short/long skirt variations. The site categorizes their patterns by skill level and has tops, pants, dresses, and more.

DG Patterns (aka Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz) is based in Canada and sells her sewing patterns on Etsy (as well as a big selection of fabric, from rayon to French terry to organic cotton). You’ll find lots of skirts, dresses, pants, jackets, and more, all downloadable as PDF patterns for $6. This one is the Dajana Dress, which is available sleeveless as pictured or with short sleeves, for sizes 4–22.

It looks like Etsy seller DressyTalk has a lot of great options for workwear, including complicated things (like the 4-in-1 jacket-skirt-coat-bolero pictured above) — as well as simple things, like basic blouses for work. Patterns range from $5–$22.

{related: how to shake things up when you’re bored with life}

This pattern ($19) is from Megan Nielsen Patterns in Australia — they offer designs for “contemporary wardrobe essentials” in sizes 0–30. The pictured skirt is for Curve sizes 14–30; there’s also a version for sizes 0–20. Not a big fan of midi length? The pattern variations include a skirt pleated above the knee, a skirt gathered below the knee, and a bias-cut skirt above the knee. And … they all have pockets!

Another great option for plus size sewing projects: Muna & Broad.

The pattern for these Slim-Fit Pants from the Russian Etsy shop EK Sewing Patterns (aka Elena Kleber) is currently on sale for only $3! The pants have waist darts and a zipper fly (but no pockets), and EK Sewing recommends that you be at least an intermediate sewist to give these a try. The shop also offers patterns for skirts, dresses, tops, and more.

Resources

• Ravelry
• r/sewing on Reddit
• r/knitting on Reddit
• Sewing articles [The Spruce Crafts]
• Knitting articles [The Spruce Crafts]
• Here’s Where to Find Thousands of Sewing Patterns for Fashion-Forward DIY [My Modern Met]
• Sew a Workwear Capsule: 10 Must-Sew Patterns [Sew Daily]
• Top Tips for Sewing a Blazer [Craftsy]
• Pretty & Professional: Easy Knitting Projects for Office Wear [Stitch & Unwind]
• 9 Sewing Patterns for Wardrobe Classics [Sabrina Lee]

Sewists, and knitters: Do tell! What have been your favorite knitting and sewing patterns for workwear outfits or business casual clothes? Do you use new patterns, vintage, or both?

Pssst: looking for smaller projects?

Here are some easy kits and books to get you started on cross stitch for stress relief…

Stock photo (woman with sewing supplies and fuchsia tulle) via Stencil.

The post The Best Sewing Patterns for Workwear Outfits appeared first on Corporette.com.

Wondering which clothing stores offer free tailoring? For a spinoff post from our recent roundup of the best made-to-measure clothing for workwear and beyond, today we’re listing stores that offer free alterations. You may not even know that some of your favorite department stores and brands offer them!

As someone who’s only five feet tall and can’t always buy petite sizes, I know how frustrating it is to have to pay to get a lot of clothes altered (and it ain’t cheap). I don’t want to know how much I’ve spent over the years on getting pants hemmed, for example. (I really should learn to sew… but I probably won’t.)

{related: tips on wearing kids’ clothes when you’re petite}

Tips on Free Alterations on Workwear

Here are two important things to consider regarding free alterations:

(1) With some clothing items, such as 100% cotton garments, it may be best to pass up the free alterations and first wash/dry your purchase before taking it to your own tailor, in case it shrinks a bit. (However, the store might still alter your clothes for free — can’t hurt to ask!)

{related: the most common tailoring alterations for women}

(2) If you’re getting alterations done at a store on a new pair of pants, make sure that the heel height of the shoes you’re wearing is the same as the height of the shoes you’ll regularly wear with the pants.

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

{related: a guide to suiting alterations}

10 Clothing Stores That Offer Free Tailoring

Nordstrom: Nordstrom offers free basic alterations for members of The Nordy Club, which is free to join. (Nordstrom also offers paid alterations for clothing that customers have bought elsewhere.)

Lands’ End: Hemming (and cuffing) is free of charge (not just for men’s clothes, as the site makes it seem). Each product page will note if the service is available on that item.

Banana Republic: Free basic alteration are available for customers who use the Banana Republic Luxe credit card.

Brooks Brothers: Free alterations are provided for pants bought online (4–6 weeks extra for delivery; no returns/exchanges). (Note: With a quick look around the site, I could only find the option available for men’s pants, not women’s, which, OK. Jacket alterations are only available in-store.)

J.Crew: Free standard alterations are available on on full-price clothing (pants, jackets, and skirts) that are purchased with a J.Crew Credit Card (exceptions: leather, suede, beaded fabrics).

Uniqlo: Some items on Uniqlo’s website can be altered (and some alterations are free); if so, you’ll see an “alterations” option underneath the size selection. (Add two business days to delivery times.) If the option is unavailable online, you can bring (select) pants to your local store to be altered, but it’s best to call first.

Athleta: Free hemming is provided for pants at some locations; contact your local store.

Lululemon: Free hemming is available on tops and pants at all stores.

Dillard’s: You can get free alterations in store on full-price tailored items and unfinished pant bottoms. There is a fee for sale tailored items and ready-to-wear items (for coats, sleeves, pant bottoms, skirts/dresses); contact your local store.

Ralph Lauren: Free alterations are available at full-price stores, i.e., not outlets or factory stores.

Note: Stores that no longer offer free alterations include Athleta, Club Monaco, Madewell (temporarily), and Saks.

Readers, do you know of other clothing stores that offer free tailoring? Have you had good/bad experiences with stores’ tailoring services, including those above?

Stock photo via Stencil.

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