Body Shaming and Normalizing Altering Your Clothing

Dealing with inevitable body fluctuations while making historic costumes isn't easy. Many garments will go years between wears, leading to frustration when we discover they no longer fit. I've been amassing self-made costumes and clothing for almost 20 years at this point, and many of my favorite pieces never see the light of day for this reason!

As I've started to pull older garments out to use as examples in my videos, I've seen a number of comments about their poor fit. As ideal as it would be that they fit me like they did 5 or 10 years ago, it's just not feasible. Even with as fast as I sew, I can't make a whole new ensemble every time I need something. And nor should I! I do try to alter my garments when I am able to, but again, I'm fortunate enough to have the time, knowledge, and extra fabric to do so! But alterations aren't always a possibility and certainly aren't always a "perfect" fix. Antique clothing often shows evidence of hasty or unskilled alterations. Or of times where clothing wasn't altered and was pulled and stressed to the point of busting seams or closures! If it's so normal that their clothing wasn't a "perfect fit", then why do we always expect ours to be? I see alteration as a way to care for my clothing and myself, but it's not done with the expectation of having a perfect wardrobe. My body is a living thing, and my clothing can't change that fast!

So, let's take a step back and look at forms of commentary that come along with issues like body changes or skill growth. It's important to understand that, even under the most helpful of intentions, these sorts of comments can be damaging. Sharing advice and knowledge is essential in this community. However, there is a time and place for learning and a time and place for celebration! So let's ask for advice and be open to it when we're struggling, when we are ready to learn and grow. And let's all share in celebrations together, without needing to point out imperfections. Without needing to draw attention away from the triumph that is Making. Perhaps we'll learn something new when we stop and listen, rather than just trying to teach. We should all be students!

Socials
Instagram:   / silk_and_buckram  
Tiktok:   / cloche_call  


🎶Music via Epidemic Sound (https://www.epidemicsound.com)