Fit beats brand every time
Short answer: A cheap garment that fits looks better than an expensive one that does not. Nobody sees the label at the neck, but the shoulder seam is visible from across the room. So fit, not the name, should decide your choice.
What fit means
Fit means the shoulder seam sits on the shoulder, the sleeve ends in the right place, and the garment neither pulls nor hangs. These three things can be read from three metres away and set the tone for the whole look. A garment that gets all three right looks well chosen, whatever it cost.
The shoulder seam gives it away
The shoulder seam is the first thing the eye catches. If it hangs past the shoulder the garment looks too big, and if it sits too far in, it pulls across the chest and sleeve. It is also the part that is hardest to change afterwards, so it should be right when you first try the garment on.
Sleeve length
The sleeve should end at the wrist on a long sleeve top and halfway down the upper arm on a short sleeve one. If it is too long it folds at the elbow, and if it is too short the whole garment looks too small. Check it with your arms hanging, then lift them to see whether the fabric pulls.
The shape of the garment
Length and width must suit how you wear the piece. A polo or t-shirt worn outside the trousers should end around the hip, while one tucked in should be longer. The width should not pull into creases across the stomach or back, and you should be able to move freely without the garment shifting.
What the brand means
The brand means you know the quality in advance if you have worn it before. Otherwise the name says nothing about how the garment sits on your own body. Two garments in the same size from two brands can fit very differently, so the number on the label is only a guide. See bamboo polos for men.
When the brand still helps
A brand you know gives consistency between garments. If you have found a model that fits, you can order it again with fair confidence that the next piece will sit the same. That saves time and avoids returns. But it is the fit on your body that counts, not advertising or the name on the hang tag.
How to prioritise
Rank things in this order: shoulder width, sleeve length, garment length, and finally brand and colour. If the first three are right, most other small flaws are easy to live with. If they are wrong, no price or name will help. See bamboo t-shirt for women and bamboo footies for women.
Alterations at the tailor
A tailor can often shorten sleeves and length at a low price, and it is a simple way to make a good garment fit perfectly. It pays off most for pieces you wear often. Ask for an estimate before you hand it in, and try the garment on with the shoes you plan to wear.
Measure before you buy
Measure yourself instead of guessing. Shoulder width is measured from the outer shoulder point to the outer shoulder point across the back, and length from the neck downwards. Compare the numbers with a garment you already like. Buy only what fits, and do not hope that the fabric will give or shrink.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have clothes altered?
Yes. A tailor can often shorten sleeves and length at a low price. Shoulders and width are harder to change, so choose them right from the start and always try the garment on first.
Does the brand mean nothing at all?
It says something about consistency between garments if you have worn the brand before. Whether a garment fits your body is not decided by the brand, so always try it on before you decide.
What is the most important measurement?
Shoulder width. It can rarely be changed afterwards, while sleeves and length can often be adjusted. So measure the shoulders first and compare with a garment that already fits you well.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
