Let’s face it – there are many reasons why maintaining a consistent weight and body shape can be challenging, especially as you age. Hormones, metabolism, health conditions, medications, diet, and even temperature fluctuations can impact your overall weight or where you carry your weight.
It’s fashion month at GoHorseShow, and one of the most-used mantras is dressing to look your best. Judges and designers repeatedly emphasize that it is essential that exhibitors accentuate their personal body type in something that is properly fitted and makes them feel their best, so they can show their best. But how can you do this if you struggle to maintain a consistent weight or body shape throughout the year? What looks great at one show might look less significant at the next.
The most cited reasons people choose to avoid custom-made show outfits are the cost and the concern over the impact of weight fluctuation on the ability to get the full use out of the garment.
We spoke with leading designer Kevin Garcia of Kevin Garcia Originals to get his tips for designing show outfits to accommodate weight fluctuations throughout the show season.
Normalize Self-Love with a Comfortable Fit
First, Garcia emphasizes that he wants his clients to feel good about themselves regardless of their weight or body shape.
“So much of showing horses is in our heads – we are paying someone to judge us. Therefore, many people are too critical of their bodies while being so much more forgiving of others’ bodies.”
He continues, “We live in a digital age where so many photos are altered, which gives us an unrealistic expectation of what clothing looks like on a real body, especially one seated on a horse in motion. Bodies have folds and curves, and I wish people would be comfortable celebrating that.”
“That said, I understand clients want to smooth out wrinkles and have a crisp look in their profile when they show. Therefore, I advise clients who are worried about weight fluctuation throughout the season to be okay with a ‘comfortable fit.’”
He explains, “A super tight fit in show clothing has been a trend of late, and it isn’t always reasonable for everyone. This isn’t to say you can’t have a super tight fit if you want it, but if you are more self-conscious and concerned about weight fluctuations impacting fit, make sure you design an outfit with some give to it, without it becoming baggy. If you design an outfit with a very tight fit, you limit your ability to wear it over time. If you design with literal wiggle room, you’ll likely be happier in the long term.”
Garcia reminds us, “It is important to remember: the outfit doesn’t make your body, your body makes the outfit! So, embrace your body and design accordingly. While designers cannot accommodate for extreme changes (like major weight loss or gain), they can design to be forgiving of less extreme fluctuations.”
Be Open with Your Designer
“Regardless of whether you want to design to accommodate weight changes, you need to be open and honest with your designer,” Garcia advises.
“If you are self-conscious about aspects of your body or if you are dreaming of a certain overall look, you need to highlight that.”
“There are so many great show designers out there, and all want to make their customers look and feel their best. Therefore, I’ve found that my customers tend to be happiest when they tell me general goals for their design instead of an exact design. This way, I can use my experience to make recommendations for them that will best accomplish what they are looking to achieve.”
Ultimately, Garcia chuckles, “Tell the designer if you want to snatch your waist in. If you want to minimize your shoulders, tell the designer. If your weight fluctuates between sizes throughout the year… Tell. The. Designer.”
Fabric Choice is Critical
Garcia emphasizes that fabric choice can majorly impact overall fit, especially when the client is concerned about weight changes.
“I will always recommend a more forgiving fabric for clients concerned about weight fluctuation. In these cases, the more stretch the fabric has, the better. I like to work with high-quality spandex or good stretch cotton because they have structure to look fashionable without being too stiff.”
“Generally, I will advise clients who struggle to maintain a consistent weight to avoid fabrics without stretch, like wool and polyester. I also have them avoid silks and satins because they have minimal stretch and show everything.”
Choose a Flattering Color
Garcia laughs, “I love working with color, and if a client wants to be bold with colors, I’m happy to go there. Clients should choose a color they love that complements their coloring and horse. However, for those who are more self-conscious, it is important to consider the impact of color on the overall picture.”
“Generally speaking, weight fluctuations will be less obvious in a deeper color. For example, navy blue will show fewer creases or bulges than baby blue.”
Garcia also recommends matte fabrics for those wanting to hide weight changes.
“Fabrics that shine and reflect more light tend to show more ripples. Again, if you prefer shiny and comfortable fabrics, that’s fantastic. But if you are concerned about how you look in profile, darker matte colors will help disguise your insecurities.”
Choose Undergarments Wisely
Garcia believes a good undergarment can make the outfit.
“I know they can be hot, but foundation garments are your friend if you want to help smooth everything out for you. A good body-contouring undergarment will help soften you up and make creases and bulges less noticeable.”
“I also tell my clients to choose a good supportive bra that lifts and doesn’t smash their chest. A sports bra, for example, tends to flatten you out and make the distinction between your bust and your stomach less clear.”
He continues, “If you have a good bra on, it will give you a better shape in profile. Regardless of weight, everyone’s smallest area is usually right beneath their bustline. Dressing to emphasize that area highlights your curves and gives you a more flattering overall figure.”
Prepare for Alterations
Finally, Garcia recommends you design a garment that can be easily altered.
“Generally, every outfit we make can go down two sizes with an alteration. If you know you are prone to weight fluctuations or are trying to lose weight, let your designer know so they can make a garment that could be altered easily if necessary.”
“I also advise clients who think they may need alterations at some point to avoid stretch taffeta despite its popularity because it is less forgiving of changes. If you need to let it out, the sewing holes from the smaller size may show and become an issue when stretched.”
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Our bodies are incredible, and regardless of your body type, make sure you celebrate looking and feeling your best by planning an outfit that accentuates your assets, downplays your insecurities, and makes you want to show off – you deserve it!
CLICK HERE to see KGO’s ad in this month’s Fashion Issue of GoMag.
