Feb 20 2006
Short and Squat
I purchased some new clothes to accompany my new job. And whenever I buy new clothes, it means another trip to the tailor. Even items found in the petite section don’t quite fit, so I always end up having to get my pants and suit jackets altered. I am cursed with short extremities, I guess. Someone needs to create a clothing line for the “short and squat.” Petite tries to cater to that crowd, but it often falls short (har har) of really meeting our needs.
Anyway…
The store recommended a tailor in downtown who specializes in formal wear, so I went to see her on Saturday. She had a constant flow of women, filtering in and out of the dressing room, standing on the podium, getting their garments pinned up.
I brought in three lined pants and two jackets for alterations. The pants are pretty simple, just shorten the length. However, the suit jackets are a bit more problematic. Since I have broad shoulders, my jackets fit around the shoulders, but end up being long in the arm and baggy around the sides. She’ll be tailoring a better fit to accentuate the waistline and shortening the sleeves. When she pinned it up, I was pleased with how much better it looked.
When her assistant wrote up the sales tag, however, I experienced a bit of sticker shock.
It’s expensive to be “short and squat.”
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
Wow! I can see why you had “sticker shock”. That might be enough for another pair of pants and maybe a jacket, too, depending on the brand!
Guys are luckier in that respect, I guess. First, many of us really don’t care all that much how we look. If it (mostly) fits, then, we’re good. Second, sizing for men is simpler (probably reflecting our general tendencies I mentioned in my first point) and usually fit okay. Though, I have to say, that my waist/inseam combination for pants is harder to find, unless I go to Macy’s.
Well, in the end, at least, you’ll have some nicely fitting clothes…even if you had to pay a good bit for that good fit. ^^
Ouch! That’s my entire wardrobe budget for this year right there. Thankfully mom-wear is cheap and has elastic waists
I can’t picture you as squat. I’m sure you will look gorgeous in your new clothes- take pictures when you get them back!!
I have to comment again.
I agree with lisa, in that since I’ve actually seen you (if only by accident, as you might recall) and I would hardly call you short and squat!
More to the point, most clothes we buy here are not designed with Asians in mind, so, unless you’re among the fashion-challenged like myself (which, clearly, you are not) and don’t really care that the cut is not quite right, we will always have to pay extra to have it look as good on us as it would “off the rack” on many non-Asians.
Niche marketing - Asian sized clothes. There’s a big market here in Hawaii for it. Ever since the demise of Sato Clothiers at Ala Moana, there is no place to buy clothes off-da-rack for us Asians. Especially us Okinawans!
Anyone know where I can get 32 x 28 pants?
Hey, you’re not short and squat. If you are then what are those who are shorter and squater(?) than you? =)
And “holy crap” on that sticker shock!
ah….i know exactly what you’re talking about D. at least you’re more proportioned than i am. but i need to shorten every pair of pants bought. unless of course i get them at lands’ end where they hem everything for you free of charge.
Wow, I didn’t realise that you need to add an extra $30 for each piece of altered clothes you buy. It kind of takes the fun out of shopping huh?