Dressing when you're "broad"

brokeinwales

Hiya, wondered if anyone here can help/ associate with a body/fashion gripe I've held for years!

I'm a naturally very skinny person - flat chested, flat stomach, stick insect arms and legs (!) but I'm also quite wide - in that I've got very broad shoulders, ribcage and hips. Most people think to look at me I must be a size 6-8, though because of my width, I'm actually closer to a 12. Consequently I have horrendous problems trying to find clothes to fit me.

Casual stuff is fine, because stretch fabric on t-shirts and fitted tops will accomodate my weird shape, but I do have trouble with more formal wear. I can't wear shirts and blouses for example, because my ribcage means the buttons won't fasten unless I wear one that's way too big and dangles shapelessly around the waist.

Any dress that fits me at the waist won't fit over my torso and shoulders, and anything big enough to zip up around my top half just leaves a conspicuous gap where my boobs would be if I had any! And don't even get me started on bras - my actual size is something like a 38A - which most places don't sell.

Does anyone know of any shops that might cater to my body shape? Or think of any smart dress styles that might work for me?!

Magpye

I have a similar problem, although I'm not skinny - during an exercise at textile college my cross-back measurement came out at a size 20, despite the fact that I wore a 12 at that point! Sorry to say I have never found a shirt retailer accommodating those with a broad back (I also have a large bust, so the problem is twofold.) For dresses, you could go for something in a stretch jersey or with a corset top which can be tied and adjusted to your shape.

Truthfully, I'd virtually give up on ready to wear and invest in a sewing machine and a pattern cutting book - Winifred Aldred's Metric Pattern Cutting being the go-to book for fashion students. Make a basic bodice block to your measurements and you'll be able to make all the clothes you can't find to fit you in the shops. It's a bit more work, but at least your clothes will fit!

jenniewb

Lycra and knitted fabrc is your best option as it stretches, fabrics which are woven or make not to stretch, I also have broad shoulders and a broad back, I don't help myself by going to the gym or maintaining good posture!!

I would also advise looking at sportswear. You don't mention what style your into, some sorts lines have designer type ranges, some can look quite chic or cute. Stella McCartney and the designer collaborations for Puma spring to mind where as Nike can have some nice peices in. Unfortunely they are expensive and do tend to sell out before a sale (the not so stunning stuff does make it to the sales though). Could be an idea?

Failing that, as the above suggests, altering your own items could be a good option, either by yourself with a sewing machine (invest in some classes at a college if you can) or take clothes to be altered at a dry cleaners as they can use machines you may not have access to like an overlocker and have also experience of making things look professional.

Are you also quite tall? there are a few stores which cater for taller people such as long-tall-sally and even Topshops Tall range can be a blessing. I would wonder if broader clothes are maybe listed under Tall ranges for some stores as its probably not good marketing to have a "broad" range and a bit more "sexy" to describe oneself as "tall"!