I decided to pursue this vision because I continued to have the same fit problems I always had regardless of size or weight. I won’t bore you with all of the details of how ready-to-wear garments do not fit me, but I decided it was time to take action. Four-way stretch fabric is “suppose” to be forgiving, but when it is not cut and sewn to represent your body shape, the “forgiving” fabric just doesn’t work.
At the onset, I just wanted shorts that fit my hips and had more than 4” inseam. Unfortunately, these two components didn’t exist. I then decided that maybe a skirt is the way to go … find a compression short and then wear something over it. Again, not very successful, stylish skirts exist, but most are too short for my liking. Then, I had to deal with the fit of the compression shorts. To date, I still don’t have a favorite compression short, and I probably own a dozen. Now that I am learning pattern making, I will be testing a custom fit for these.
I then realized that if I am not out for a long run, I should be able to walk out of the house and carry all of the essentials (lip balm, sunglasses, tissues, keys, phone) without having to put on a waist pack. I must give credit where credit is due … my favorite waist pack is the Amphipod AirFlow Lite Waistpack. Large enough for a small smartphone and keys but not large enough to carry everything. Thus the 3-pocket design was created - one pocket for phone, another for gels, tissues, sunglasses, etc., and yet another for keys, cash, and credit card.
After several prototypes, the Fitness Skirt was born (future blog on why the name). I now have a fitness skirt that not only provides the style and comfort I was looking for, but it also allows me to leave the waist pack at home. I wear the skirt over compression shorts, capris or leggings.
Give the skirt a try … I hope you find the skirts a nice addition to your collection of exercise clothes.
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A few years ago, as I was searching online, I came across the definition of the different body shapes. This was my “aha” moment. Each one of us has a UNIQUE body shape.
Given the rise of the “fast fashion” and “disposable” fashion, the mass retailers are busy driving quantity at the lowest prices possible. This business model does not have room to worry about fit variability due to height, body shape or size. The “high” fashion world is too focused on unrealistic small sizes to show off their design creations and to sell to a limit segment of the population that can afford their garments. There are a few retailers that attempt to differentiate their sizes based on height and body size but miss the body shape.
I was curious as to what is the body shape distribution for the mature female body, and I found some data from a study commissioned by Michaela Jedinak that focused on seven body types. I consolidated a couple labeled “lean” into their respective categories, and I also rounded the numbers to better look at the magnitude of the changes.
The hourglass is characterized as the ideal body shape in the western world, and it is the basis for the garment industry size grading. Given that 60% of us do not fit into the “hourglass,” it helps to explain the fit problem faced by many of us. Additionally, as we age, our body does change, and we may find ourselves in a different category than when we were younger.
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]]>The online shopping experience is not much different. After finding the style you think will fit your body type, you place an order and wait a few days or a week for it to arrive. Excited, you try it on and voilà … it does not fit. Now you must return one or several garments, and most likely you will pay shipping fees.
Unfortunately, this shopping experience is a reality for many of us. Yes, we know we are not model-thin. No, we do not starve ourselves. Yes, we do exercise for fitness and health.
The genetic profile is different for all of us. We are tall, short or average height. Our body symmetry is specific to each one us; no one is alike. The industry tries to accommodate the various heights with the petite, misses, and tall, which helps some. However, it does little to support our unique body shapes.
I decided that it's time we have choices and fit. I am introducing a made-to-measure fitness apparel line with the objective of offering garments that “fit” our unique body shapes. The first item in the Skirt Collection is the block Fitness Skirt. This skirt consists of color blocking panels. The fabric is a comfortable medium-weight 4-way stretch (10% spandex/ 90% polyester) easy-care fabric (wash in cold water and tumble dry low).
We adjust the Mont Blanc pattern to each customer's measurements. Our 2017 Skirt Collection will have additional styles.
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Remember, our garments come only in ONE size, YOURS!
Your feedback is always welcome. Share your experiences or make recommendations.
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