Clothing
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
When trying on pants or shorts, place your phone, keys, and wallet in the designated pockets to verify fit and comfort.
Pants may fit great until you try to wear them with items in the pockets.
- Be careful not to leave your items at the store.
- Remember to take them out afterwards.
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Set and stick to a budget when shopping for a wedding dress.
There is a perfect dress available for every budget.
- Allow for minor tweaking of the budget if necessary.
one person who lived it
Use the 'Would I Wear This Right Now?' test: if you would not wear the item immediately upon owning it, do not buy it.
If the answer is no, you likely only like the idea of the item rather than actually loving it.
- This logic does not apply if you live in a place with defined seasons and are buying seasonal clothing out of season.
- This logic does not apply if you are intentionally undergoing a style change where initial pieces lack matching pairs.
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Retrieve dry-cleaned clothes a week ahead of an event to check for damage.
To ensure there is time to address issues like busted buttons that might not be noticed until the day before.
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Consider thrift stores or eBay for suits if you are a student, expecting to pay little and make adjustments.
People have found high-quality items for very low prices.
- Items may require adjustments.
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- Buy a used suit from a thrift store that is slightly too big and then have it tailored.1
Use ox gall soap to remove sweat stains from shirts.
It's worth the money.
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Sit down while trying on a suit to ensure it is comfortable and correctly sized, as standing fit may differ from sitting fit.
A suit that feels smooth while standing may feel too small when sitting.
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Focus on buying fewer, higher-quality shirts rather than many average ones.
A few nice shirts make you look better than many average t-shirts.
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If you are tall and not curvy, buy jeans from the men's section instead of the women's section.
They offer a better fit, are more durable without being stretchy, and have pockets large enough for a phone and purse.
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Focus on working on skills and staying in shape year-round over flashy attire for sports tryouts.
Coaches look for skill and fitness, such as attending summer workouts.
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Wear items saved for special occasions now rather than waiting.
Bodies and styles change, so you may not want to wear them later.
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Dress nicer than expected when unsure about an event's formality.
It is easier to dress down by unbuttoning a shirt or removing a tie than to source smarter items later.
- Over-dressing at casual venues like breweries or ball games can make people uncomfortable.
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Wear Merino wool socks in summer heat for outdoor work instead of cotton.
Merino wool wicks moisture, breathes well, insulates feet from sun, and prevents the discomfort associated with cotton socks in heat.
- One dissenting view claims wool socks with work boots in summer heat are horrible.
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Wear a cap when shopping for t-shirts to avoid having to style your hair while trying them on.
You don't have to dress your hair.
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Repair stretched-out tank tops by sewing straight up the sides to restore fit.
They fit like new after this repair.
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Wear basic solid shirts and jeans or pants when clothes shopping.
This allows you to see how new items would look with typical outfits.
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Keep the bottom button of your suit jacket unfastened.
Modern suits are not built to be buttoned at the bottom.
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Wash new clothes before wearing them.
This removes loose dye, fabric preservatives, and germs from previous shoppers who may have tried the items on.
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Focus on shoulder fit when buying a premade suit, as it cannot be easily altered by a tailor.
Tailors can shorten sleeves but cannot simply correct shoulder fit.
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Buy a larger size than usual when purchasing cheap clothing due to questionable fit.
Cheap clothes often have inconsistent sizing.
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Keep one pair of new socks and underwear unworn to break out for important events for a confidence boost.
Wearing fresh, unworn garments provides a surprising confidence boost.
- Some people find not washing new clothes before wearing them gross.
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Try on suits and get measured professionally to ensure proper fit before buying.
You will feel better, look better, and avoid wasting money.
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- Try on suits periodically to ensure they still fit, especially if you do not wear them often.1
Contact clothing manufacturers to explain that you did not purchase an item due to small pockets.
Companies may increase pocket size in future production runs in response to feedback.
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Maintain snowboard jackets by cleaning and reapplying waterproofing to extend their lifespan.
It makes them look and feel brand new.
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Limit bridal fitting companions to those with valid, measured opinions and good taste.
Taking too many people makes the appointment feel like a party, and bringing people with questionable taste creates awkwardness.
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Trust sales assistants during bridal fittings.
They have extensive experience with body shapes and know which styles suit different figures.
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Invest in good wool socks, warm hats, and winter gloves with conductive fingertips for winter comfort.
Gloves with conductive fingertips allow phone use without removing them.
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Adopt a daily uniform of tank tops and hoodies for layering flexibility in varying indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Tank tops are inexpensive and hoodies provide warmth when going somewhere airconditioned.
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