Hi kids!
This is just a word about FIT, the plague of the modern person who mistakenly believes that just because a garment buttons around the waist, doesn’t fall off the shoulder, and reaches the right point on their leg or shoe, they’re pretty much done.
Fit is intricate! You wanna know why PeaceBang has like 10 black shirts? Because they all fit differently. Some are tunic length. Some are waist length. Some have higher, more formal necklines, some are scoop-necked. Some fit loose around the waist and others are fitted. They all have their purpose. There is no such thing as “a black shirt.” What kind of black shirt? What fabric? How does it fall? Did you know that some people get their T-shirts tailored for a perfect fit? Did you know that there’s sometimes very good reason to spend $50 on a black T-shirt? Fit is everything, I say!
So this, clergy persons: you are very likely not the same size on top as you are on the bottom. This means that when you buy that suit, you must stand in front of a three-way mirror and MOVE. Squat. Turn around and walk. Raise your arms. The jacket may fit perfectly but the tushie of the pants or skirt be far too tight. If the company won’t let you buy different sizes, I’m afraid you’re going to have to make sure the bottom fits and get the jacket altered. Or go for another style entirely. The pants may fit like a dream, but the jacket pinch or pull in the shoulders. Please find something you love that works for your life, see what the tailoring options are, and make the investment.
I was styling a seminarian once and we found the most darling suit for her presentation at a conference. The jacket was beautiful with a peplum waist, a shawl collar and great buttons. We were so into the jacket that we first didnt’ notice that the skirt was pulling across her thighs and creasing. Sitting down, the problem would have been worse. Because the suit was sold as separates, it was easy enough to go up a size in the skirt and keep the jacket. This is much less common in menswear, but do try to look at separates to expand your fit options.
There are a lot of truly ill-fitting suits out there in Ministry Land. Please, please understand that a badly fitted suit can make you look sad and even foolish if it’s bad enough. Make sure the shoulder seams are where they need to be. Make sure the sleeves hit where they should hit, and don’t droop over your fingers or cut you off at the wrist. Make sure the pants hems don’t pool around your ankles. Know what you’re working toward: a slim-cut look, classic tailored business look, boxy on top and slim on the bottom, know your silhouettes.