After a fitting, brands often send the manufacturer photos with brief notes such as “cup too big,” “straps are pulling,” or “fit is not right.” Comments like these make it difficult to understand exactly what needs to be changed in the pattern. Sometimes the problem is not with the sample at all: the wrong size may have been selected, the straps may be adjusted unevenly, or the garment may not have been put on correctly.
Before documenting fit changes, the fitting procedure itself should be checked. Otherwise, the next sample may be altered based on incorrect conclusions.
Check the Size First
The size used for the fitting should correspond to the measurements of the person trying on the garment. If a size S sample is fitted on someone whose measurements correspond to size M, the fabric tension and position of the construction lines will not accurately represent the fit of size S.
In the fitting report, specify the sample size and the key measurements of the person participating in the fitting. Also record the style name, date, and sample version number. This information allows the manufacturer to compare the sample with the measurement chart and determine whether the issue relates to the pattern or simply to the selected size.
Make Sure the Garment Is Worn Correctly
A bra or bikini top should be evaluated only after the breasts are properly positioned inside the cups, the band is sitting correctly, and the straps have been adjusted. Bra fitting guidelines specifically consider band position, cup fit, and strap adjustment.
Straps that are too short can pull the cups and band upward, create unnecessary tension, and alter the neckline. Straps that are too long can create the impression of insufficient support. Before taking photographs, adjust each strap and record the position of the sliders.
With a one-piece swimsuit, it is usually best to position the lower part of the garment first and smooth the body section into place before adjusting the straps. Check that the side seams are not twisted, the lining has not bunched up, and the gusset is correctly positioned. Otherwise, the manufacturer may receive comments about how the garment was put on rather than about its actual construction.
Describe the Problem, Not the Assumed Cause
The instruction “make the cup smaller” may sound specific, but it can lead to the wrong adjustment. It is better to describe exactly what you can see: the upper cup edge stands away from the body, a fold appears at the bottom of the cup, or the underwire does not follow the breast root correctly.
You do not need to determine which part of the pattern should be changed. That is the pattern maker’s job. The brand should clearly explain where the problem occurs, during which movement it becomes noticeable, and how the corrected style should fit.
Each comment should refer to a specific area of the garment. Instead of writing “the swimsuit is too tight,” specify: “the upper edge of the back digs into the body during movement” or “the body length is too short, causing the straps to pull down on the shoulders.”
Add Photos and Measurements
For an overall fit assessment, provide photographs from the front, back, and both sides. The person should stand straight with their arms relaxed at their sides. Separate close-up photos can show wrinkles, gaps, pressure from an edge, or seam displacement. Arrows and reference numbers can be added to the images and linked to individual comments.
If the problem appears during movement, include a short video. For swimwear, it can be useful to check bending, raising the arms, and normal walking.
Photos alone are often not enough. The sample should be measured using the same measurement points specified in the technical measurement chart, and the actual measurements should be compared with the required specifications.
Compile All Changes in One Document
Do not spread revisions across emails, messages, and photo captions. Prepare one document where each comment includes:
- Comment number and garment area
- Description of the problem
- Photo or link to a video
- Actual measurement, where applicable
- Desired result
- Status: revise, clarify, or leave unchanged
At the beginning of the document, include the style name, size, sample version, and fitting date. Once the changes have been approved, transfer the confirmed revisions to the tech pack. This ensures that both the brand and the manufacturer are working from one current version of the specifications.
If the fit issue is difficult to assess remotely, it can be discussed during an online fitting with the manufacturer’s pattern maker or designer.
