At EasyStandard, we take pride in how great our clothes look and feel on a range of body types. From our classic fitted tees to our super-soft matching sets, everything looks amazing from size XS to 3X.
Of course, there’s a method behind the magic. Fit models play a big role in our design process. These professionals don’t just try on the clothes. They go through all the motions you might make in a typical day to ensure maximum comfort and provide informed feedback on what they love and what they’d love to see.
Jessica J., our lead designer, says the fit models come into the studio as soon as we get our first samples. When choosing which fit models to work with, she looks not only for certain body types but also industry expertise.
“The longer someone does this type of work the more perceptive they become about fit, thus their feedback becomes more nuanced,” she said. “I have learned over time how valuable the feedback of our models is. They give a voice to what the garment needs to be in regards to fit and comfort, which is so important to the quality of our product.”
Two is Better Than One
Many clothing brands do work with fit models during their design process, but they typically work with only one. To size up or down they use a technique called grading, which relies heavily on proportional adjustments to take a garment from, say, a size small to a size medium. But grading isn’t perfect.
“With some brands there is a noticeable jump in sizing from straight to plus sizes that we look to avoid,” Jessica said.
Which is why we employ two fit models.
“Being able to fit on more than one model allows us to see how we may need to adjust our patterns differently depending on the size,” Jessica said.
But we’re not just assessing how a particular item looks.
“I will ask the model if they feel comfortable in the styles, and if something feels off to them I ask for more details so that we can ensure a great fit,” Jessica said. “I will also ask for them to move their arms, bend, sit in a chair, et cetera to ensure that the clothes move comfortably with them.”
A Day in the Studio
Done right, working with fit models is a collaborative process.
“We study each piece top to bottom — over multiple fittings — for fit, functionality, balance, comfort, target specs and everything in between,” said Adrienne S., who helps us nail our fits for curvy figures. “I give feedback and get pinned, taped, chalked, measured, photographed — you name it. I’ve even been twirled on a giant lazy Susan.”
It’s a fast-paced work environment, and sometimes hilarity ensues.
“I've had both my bra strap snipped and my underwear cut through. Both made for very silly situations. Now I always come with a back up pair of everything,” said Michelle B., our straight-size fit model.
But both fit models appreciate the collaborative process and the opportunity to help real women love their clothes.
“Working with curves takes some finesse, so I speak to specific challenges and work-arounds, proportions and fabric selections and see that incorporated,” Adrienne said. “Basic wear tests go a long way, too. Can I reach and lift? Is it falling back or sliding down? Who wants fussy? Not me.”
And there’s something rewarding — empowering even — about knowing the clothes will be the very best they can be.
“It makes all the long, exhausting days totally worth it. Every woman deserves to feel comfortable in the clothes they wear and confident in the skin they’re in. If I can assist in making that happen in any way, I am a happy gal,” Michelle said.
