Ready-to-Wear Versus Custom Fit

Ready-To-Wear (RTW) Garments

Definition: Garments that are mass-produced, in standard sizes, using patterns created from a Standard Size Chart.

These "Standard Size Charts" were created for Manufacturers from research information gathered about consumers body measurement. The information gathered was compiled to create an average set of measurement charts for each particular age and gender group. Large Manufacturing Companies design and make their products based on those measurement charts. A great majority of clothing made today is Ready-to-wear(RTW).

No standard set of measurements will fit every consumer, which is why buyers complain that certain brands do not fit them properly. Every manufacturer, large or small, has their own standard set of measurements they use for every design. Their Charts are based on their target market average measurements.

To better understand "Why" manufacturers use Standard Sizes Charts, read the following.............

Imagine if every company had to to wait until they received the exact measurements from a buyer before producing that garment! Here is how that process would work:

• Each order would have a specific tracking number;
• Each order would have to have a pattern drafted for the perfect fit;
• Each order would be cut individually from that pattern (which may not exactly fit another customer, ever);
• Each order would be cut from fabric choice and color (large amounts of fabric waste and inventory);
• Each garment would have to be assembled one at a time (production would slow, time would be wasted);
• Each garment would have specific labels (very costly) and finally shipping the individual orders would be a nightmare.

All in all, we would not have mass production of garments, with low costs, if there was no standard size charts.

Annabelle Design Apparel

Annabelle Design Apparel makes "Ready to Wear" (RTW) and Custom Fit garments. You will notice that our RTW garments are priced lower than a Custom made garment. The reason is exactly as outlined above. We have our standard chart of measurements, we make our patterns based on them and then we cut & sew several sizes in one particular fabric and color. Our Custom Fit garments must have a pattern made before it can be cut and sewn. A pattern can take up to 10 hours to make depending on the complexity of the garment design. A Custom length does not require a special pattern but does require adjustments to the Standard Pattern, these adjustments increase the cost of a garment.

We have two distinct Target Markets:

• The first is any woman who has measurably smaller or larger busts, midriff, stomach, hip or thigh areas, who cannot buy ready-to-wear garments and need or want a custom fit.
• The second are the women that fit into our Standard Measurement Charts and therefore can purchase our RTW garments.

How To Choose RTW Garments That Fit

You will need four basic body measurements to ensure a comfortable fit for most of our "Ready to Wear" products. Measure your Bust, waist, hip (fullest part of your seat area) and your height.

When you have these measurements you can look up your size on our charts. View size Charts.

• First, find the chart that matches your height, or where your height measurement fits within. For example, if you are 5'5" (5 feet 5 inches) you will use Chart #2 for a Regular Size person who's height is between 5' 4" and 5'7".
• Once you have located the Chart for Height, you then can compare your body measurements to that section. Try to match as close as possible to all three, but using the largest of the three measurement as your guide. Example: (34, 27, 34 - Bust, Waist, Hip), the largest measurement being the bust at 34.
• Look for the Largest number on the chart first, that would be the bust at 34 inches. You will find that two of the three measurements fits under the Size M (8-10) column. However, the 34" hip falls under the Size S (4-6).

What does this mean?

Answer:

(1) If you are buying a garment that is loose fitting or drapes over the hip area like a Negligee, nightdress, or a chemise you would purchase a Size M so that it fits your bust and waist area but drapes off the hips. These garments are designed to fit this way.

(2) If you are buying a camisole and pants or shorts you would purchase a Size M Camisole and Size S or Size M pants or shorts depending on how snug or loose you like the waist. Again, these products are designed to fit at the waist and drape off the hips so you would likely want a Size M Pants or Shorts.

(3) If you are purchasing a fitted garment like a Teddy, Bustier, you should custom order it to fit your measurements. A custom order would make the hip area smaller and it will fit you better than the Ready to Wear Size M would.

If you have significant differences between your three measurements and the three measurements that fall under one size category on our chart, you will need to purchase a custom fit garment. Otherwise, you will find that in order to have the garment fit you in one area it will be too small or too large in other areas. This will make an outfit hang poorly from ones body, giving it an unbalanced look and an uncomfortable fit.

Just because you spent a thousand dollars on a designer dress, that was made from the finest silk in the world, does not mean it will look good on you. You will have to get the dress altered in several areas to fit your body unless it was Custom made to fit you.

Celebrities do it best, they spend thousands of dollars on every piece of designer clothing they wear. They are either Custom Fitted Designs or Custom Altered for a perfect fit. Everyone who loves to be in fashion with the latest styles and care about how they look, will have the majority of their wardrobe custom made or the off-the-rack RTW styles are Custom altered for a perfect fit.