Does it make the cut? Tips for buying the appropriate fitting suit

Finding the perfect suit can be a challenge.  Finding the perfect FITTING suit can be even more challenging.  Here are some tips you can use when shopping alone for the perfect suit.

First Look -
First you see it on the hanger and if you don't love it, don't even bother trying it on!  

"Well, one thing I know about shopping is that if you don't absolutely love it in the store, you won't wear it.  The store is where you like it the best.  So before you choose something, think of yourself wearing it and to yourself: Is this me" - Leigh Anne Tuohy (The Blind Side)

So you like the suit enough that passed the "first look" now onto the dressing room.

I try to bring a pair of nylons and a camisole when I plan (key word, plan) on going suit shopping so I can have a better understanding of how the suit will look at the show.

I have a few requirement the meet in order to be a winner.  I am trying two sizes of the same Tahari suit. Here is the tag for reference.

Front Exam - 

* Must be able to move and bend over with the girls being exposed

*Pockets are a plus, but not a requirement for me

Pull your arms back to see how the jacket opens up

Next pull your arms in front of you to see how the jacket bunches and folds

 Bend over and look at yourself in the mirror to check the girls, too much = no bueno!

This size is tight fitting around my chest.  The one button is making the top portion open up more than I'd like and cause the girls to be shown too much.

A better fit in the larger size looked like this

This one did fit better.  However, I have NEVER been a fan of one button jackets/blazer.  I dislike them for me because the top porting always seems to bunch, rise and move too much making the top half of me look like all boobs.  There doesn't seem to be enough control when I'm stacking dogs and especially while grooming dogs in a one button jacket/blazer.  Perhaps you're different.

Rear Examination - 

* Must be loose enough so I can move and run in it.

Jump up and down and do the twist (but don't shout) then look at your skirt WITHOUT the jacket on in the mirror

This skirt is WAY to tight.  It bunches over my butt in the back and across my hips in the front.  We're not trying to make the skirt's seams scream for help! 

A proper fitting skirt should be able to go back to it's original place on your body after jumping up and down and doing the twist, like this.

See, there is no bunching in the front or in the back.

Also, bend over in front of the mirror to check how the kick pleat looks from behind

Movement - 

To test the movement of the suit you can run up and down the aisle of the dressing room.  People may think you're weird, but I rather look weird to strangers than have people I know talking poorly about my skirt being too short or I'm running weird today.

You can also, see how far a stride you can take in the skirt by stepping into a light lunge while looking at the mirror.

If the suit passes the First Look, Front Examination, Rear Examination and Movement looks like you've got a winner!  I will do this same Exam with various suits from different designers.  Maybe I can get others to help me with this project too!



Up Next: Where to buy great show clothes

I'm a clothes fanatic. There! I admit it!

My name is Adrienne Owen, and I'm a clothes fanatic.  There!  I admit it!

I also am a professional dog handler and it's my job to make the dogs look good and stand out in a crowd.  With that being said what I wear to show these dogs does matter because I am the backdrop or background of the picture the judge sees when looking at the dogs.  This blog was started to help and encourage your inner fashionista to come out and shine!  I want as much feedback, tips, stories, successes, and ideas as possible!  So please share and comment!  

Starting with the basics:
Every profession has a "uniform" or dress code. Dog shows are no different. While football players wear pads and helmets and race car drivers are covered in advertising, dog handlers have a uniform of a suit or "Sunday best." Proper body coverage will gain respect and impressed attention by judges, fellow exhibitors, clients and potential clients and the public. Dog shows have an old tradition of being a classy event, they are not a sporting event where spectators use body paint to show their support!

Professionally Dressed 

Due to this being a handlers job, they really should be the best dressed at the shows.  Shoes should be shined and hair should be tidy and everything in between should read I'm a professional. Different seasons and shows will call for a more relaxed attire while other shows call for everyone to dress up more than usual. 

Proper Menswear

If you want to play is safe, wear a suit. Sport coats and slacks will work as well, so long as they go together enough to not look sloppy. Tailored, pressed shirts will add to the overall look. Men can show flair with interesting ties or bow ties and colorful socks. Oh yes, check out the socks! Spice things up with different tie knots such as the Elder or Trinity (tie knot link). 

Winter months it may be necessary to wear a sweater under a jacket, or a nice, warm coat. Casual looks for summer months may be slacks and a polo or Hawaiian-type shirt. Some men will also wear short sleeve button up shirts with a tie that also keep them looking professional and cool during hot summer months. 

Proper Womenswear

Women have a much wider array of proper attire than men from dresses to tailored suits. The key to looking professional in the show ring is keeping it simple. Suits can make that job easy because they are already a complete ensemble.  Some do not like to see women in pants or pant suits at shows, I however think a pant suit is perfectly acceptable IF it is properly fitted like anything else.  You can spice it up with separates or sweaters with skirts or over dresses during winter months.  Summer generally means showing more skin to stay cool, so bring out the dresses and short sleeve tops.  However, summer does not mean mini skirts at dog shows!  

Have fun with your clothes and think about what dog(s) you show.  If you show large, fast moving dogs make sure you can move appropriately.  If you need to bend over to pick up to stack your dog make sure skirt, dress, or pants allow you to do so - and you top!  Then finally think about shapes and cuts and colors of your clothes and make sure they're not hindering or distracting from your dog.

If your clothes are the same color of the dog you're showing more often than not you'll make your dog invisible if not very hard to see.  

If your clothes are too flamboyant it may be hard to watch your dog instead of you.

Finding that middle ground of standing out, but not being a distraction to your dog is the key and we will look into that as we go along.



Up next: Does it make the cut?  Tips for buying the appropriate fitting suit