Women's Clothing Guide

[I am an old Macy's employee, this information I am sharing we refer to as "product knowledge"]

DRESSES & SUITS

FABRICS

Matte Jersey	A stretch fabric of tricot with a dull surface made with a fine crepe yarn. Used in everyday dresses and less formal cocktail dresses.
Satin	A smooth-faced fabric usually made of silk, with a soft lustrous look and feel.
Taffeta	A crisp, smooth woven fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers. Used in formal day or evening wear.
Crepe	A woven or knitted fabric with a crinkly surface.

SIZES

1X = 16W—18W

2X = 20W—22W

3X = 24W—26W

DRESSES & SUITS — FAQ

What silhouettes would be the most flattering for me?

	Suggestion
Large Bust	Semi-fitted styles with open or square necklines, A-line or drop waist
Small Bust	Dresses with gathering or ruffles
Bottom Heavy	A-line, semi-fitted or empire styles
All Over Curvy	Wrap, A-line, sheath

What style dress would you suggest for a semi-formal event?

A short cocktail dress would be appropriate

What style dress would you suggest for a formal event?

A long cocktail dress would be best

What color dress is appropriate for either a semi-formal or formal event?

Any color is appropriate, with the exception of white for a wedding as it will compete with the bride.

How do I differentiate between misses, petites and women’s sizes?

All sizes followed by a “p” indicate petites, all sizes followed by a “w” indicate a women’s cut, sizes 0-16 or S-XL indicate misses.

I want to hide my arms. I don’t have shapely legs, so no short skirts. I’m round, not curvy, so what sort of clothing should I be looking for to hide my problem area?

When choosing clothing, look for simple, tailored pieces (no baggy clothes). Stick with monochromatic color schemes (all one color), preferably dark colors, like navy blue, black, dark brown, etc. Wear long sleeved tops with sweetheart, boat-necks, “U” or “V” shaped necks and off the shoulder styles to draw attention upward. Build a wardrobe of flat front, straight leg pants. You will look taller and slimmer. Tunics and cardigans also offer plenty of stylish, on-trend options in figure-flattering styles.

How do I measure to make sure I am trying on the right size?

The key in finding the right fitting item is to know your size in actual inches. Measuring tips:

            Chest — measure under the arms around fullest part of Bust (with bra on)

Waist — measure around the natural waistline (about 6” below your chest), keeping the tape comfortably loose

Hips — measure around the fullest part of your hips (about 8” below your waistline)

Tips for Petites:

-       Solid colors draw the eye up and down

-       Understated patterns or prints keep the focus on her

-       Smaller accessories are better proportioned a smaller frame

BRIDGE SPORTSWEAR — FAQs

What fabrics are used in this garment?

Read the sewn-in garment tag for fabrication details. If you cannot find the tag at neckline, look in the lower left or right side seam.

How do I launder this?

The chart below will help you find the right fit for you:

TRADITIONAL SPORTSWEAR

Silhouettes for Tops
Jackets & Blazers	Tailored jacket are often paired with trousers and skirts or worn over a dress
Knit Tops & Blouses	Available in a variety of sleeve length and patterns. They can be layered under a jacket or worn on their own.
Sweaters	Pull over sweaters are available in various neck lines and lengths, including longer tunic length. Cardigan sweaters are a great third piece that easily substitutes for a jacket or blazer

Silhouettes for Bottoms
Trousers	Offered in a variety of openings and fits from slim to wide, trousers can be paired with a blazer / jacket for a career look.
5-Pocket or Chino	Are offered in a variety of fabrics from denim to cotton.
Pull on Pants	Offers an elastic waist for comfort
A-Line Skirt	Narrow at the waist and gradually widening gradually to the hemline. Fits comfortably around the waist and thighs.
Straight or Slim Skirt	Narrow at the waist and fits tighter around the thighs and knees
Pleated or Full Skirt	Hem is much wider than the hipline and fits comfortable around the waist

TRADITIONAL SPORTSWEAR — FAQ

I’m not sure of what size to get. Can you help me determine the right size for me?

TOPS
Size	Bust (inches)
S	32 ½ - 33 ½
M	34 ½ - 35 ½
L	37 ½ - 38 ½
XL	40 ½ - 41 ½

BOTTOMS
Size	Waist (inches)
2	25 ½ - 26
4	26 ½ -27
6	27 ½ - 28
8	28 ½ - 29
10	30 – 30 ½
12	30 ½ - 32
14	33
16	35

What is the difference between regular, short and long pant sizes?

-       Short length is typically 28 – 29”

-       Regular length is typically 30 – 31”

-       Long length is typically 32 – 33”

CASUAL SPORTSWEAR & ACTIVE

Tips for masking figure flaws:

-       Darker tones, solid colors will give the illusion of longer legs

-       Avoid silhouettes that tend to bunch up or gather at the waist

-       A higher back rise is most flattering for an hourglass figure. Flare and bootcuts will balance your shape.

-       For ladies with a straighter figure and smaller rear, go for slim or straight legs

NECK AND NECK

DENIM STYLES

Waist Size	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31	32
US Conversion	0-1	2	3	4	6	7	9-10	10	12

DENIM — FAQ

Why are some jeans so expensive?

The denim has a higher thread count that allows the jeans to hold their shape better and maintain its color in the washing process. The construction of the denim has more stitching, allowing a better look and fit. Often, this denim will have more detail, such as beading on the pocket as well.

What type of jeans can I wear day to evening?

A dark wash will be your best bet for taking any outfit from day to night. You can always change the look by switching your top or accessories.

PETITES — FAQ

Jackets in other departments always look huge on me. What can I try in Petites that might fit?

Think of the following jacket rules:

-       Slimmer lapels feature higher notches to fit the scale of the garment on a petite jacket

-       Waistline definition and button placement is higher

-       Patterns may be in a smaller version to better fit the size of jacket

-       Sleeves are shorter and are cut smaller in circumference on the petite style

-       Shoulder width is up to 2” narrower on a petite jacket

I usually shop in the missy department but the skirts are too long. Do you have something shorter in the Petite department?

Consider the following skirt rules:

-       Skirts are cut proportionately shorter

-       Petite skirts have smaller waistbands

-       Skits should have 1-2” of “give” at the hipline

-       Knee length skirts tend to work well for petites

-       The suit length skirt should fall at the knee or approximately 2” below the knee

I have to shorten all of my pants because they are too long. What pants do you suggest I try in this department that I might not have to shorten?

-       Petite pants have similar waistbands and a shorter rise with a shortened zipper

-       The length and leg opening is scaled to proportion and cut with a slimmer leg

The sizes on the tags are confusing. Can you explain what the letters mean?

Label	What it Means	Size (Petite)
P/P	Petite / Petite	0 - 2
P/S	Petite/Small	4 – 6
P/M	Petite/Medium	8 – 10
P/L	Petite/Large	12 – 14
P/XL	Petite/Extra Large	16

General Information Regarding the Petite Look:

-       Solid colors draw the eye up and down

-       Understand patterns or prints keep the focus on her

-       Smaller accessories are better proportioned a smaller frame

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Cashmere — a soft fabric made from the wool of the Kashmir goat, renowned for tis silky undercoat

Aplaca — fine wool made from the long silky fleece of the domesticated llama

Organic Fibers — derived from nature. Made from parts of plants or animals without using harsh chemicals.

Weight — the lightness or heaviness of Denim fabric. Approximately 8 ounces is considered a lightweight cotton fabric; 14 ounces is a more dense, heavy weave.

Inseam — the length of the pant leg from crotch to hem

Rise — the length of fabric from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband