We’re all trying to buy better, waste less, and make thoughtful choices. But before you give up on a garment that doesn’t quite work, here’s the truth: you can repair it, alter it, or reshape it to fit you — and it’s far more sustainable than starting again.
The myths we've been sold
So many women quietly carry these beliefs:
“It’s my fault this doesn’t fit.”
“Alterations are expensive.”
“Only expensive clothes are worth altering.”
“If I buy my size, it should fit.”
None of these are true.
Clothes are made to fit a standardised body — and I’ve yet to meet anyone who has one of those. Real bodies are wonderfully varied in shape, proportion, posture, and movement. A size label can’t possibly account for all of that.
So, WHAT'S THE ANSWER?
1) MAKE YOUR OWN CLOTHES
If you know exactly what you want and how you want it to fit, making your own garments can be incredibly
satisfying. You can choose the fabric, colour, pattern, and style. Absolutely everything you want, and of course it will be unique.
2) ALTER THE PIECES YOU ALREADY LOVE
A small tweak can transform how something looks AND how you feel in it.
3) LEARN SIMPLE FIXES FOR RECURRING ISSUES
If sleeves are always too long or hems never quite right, a few basic skills can save you money and frustration, and your clothes will look right for you.
My Own sewing story
I'll be honest, sewing classes at school weren't my favourite, but only because I spent so much time waiting for the teacher to help me with the next bit. Today I could Google or watch YouTube for that instant help. But, I can sew buttons on, repair hems and have made curtains and a festoon blind in the past, so I could get the sewing machine out again. But, if I'm truthful, maybe time and confidence would send me to give my alterations to an expert. See below of how that transformed one of my new dresses...
I'm not alone. In my 2024 survey of women, 87% said they never made their own clothes; 12% said they occasionally did, and only 1% said they always or nearly always did.
When I repeated the survey in December 2025, the "occasional" figure rose by 6% but the 1% who regularly made their own clothes disappeared.
Sewing skills are undeniably reducing.
I took evening classes in my early 20s at a local college. Now those evening classes don't exist. So, what do you do if you want to learn (apart from use the Internet) - read on for that answer too...
a shift through the generations
My mother used to make clothes, and she was very good. Her generation grew up with a "make do and mend" mindset. After the second world war money was tight, choice was limited and making clothes was cheaper than buying them. Patterns and fabric were plentiful.
Then came mass production. Clothes became cheaper to buy than make, so no wonder sewing skills dropped off.
i think we're entering a new era
I think it's going to be a new hybrid era, a time where:
* we make clothes when we want something unique or perfect fitting
* we alter the pieces we love that don't quite work or need repair to keep them current or being useful for longer
* we stop expecting our bodies to conform to factory-made shapes.
this is why i think that
Have you ever worn something only to discover someone else wearing it too?
I once turned up at someone's 18th birthday party in the same dress as the birthday girl, just a different colour. I felt bad all night.
Another time I was giving a talk at a big ladies lunch event and another stylist who was there, tapped me on the shoulder and when I turned round I saw her in exactly the same Hobbs dress - and she looked better in it! That knocked my confidence a bit.
And, at my wedding, my sister turned up in the exact same dress as a cousin. We all laughed, but I wonder how each of them felt.
So, if you personalise your clothing there is less chance of that happening.
I promised my dress repair story
want to learn more?
If you're curious about altering garments and you live in Hampshire, UK, come along to my next CLIENT SOCIAL.
On 30th April 2026 7-9pm I'm opening up my home for a free session with a brilliant fashion designer, dressmaker and milliner called Ana Espina. Bring a garment for us to discuss. Places are limited so do let me know if you intend to come.
Ana also teaches her craft, and I have a one hour session with her as my free giveaway to one lucky Your Colour & Style newsletter reader. Why not sign up for my newsletter too, if you don't already get it? I normally give something away each month, just for reading it.
Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant
07469 246722
