You don’t have to be a trained professional in fashion to notice when a garment does not fit well.
Bad fit is distracting to wear. Moving strains the garment against the body making it uncomfortable to wear. It is distracting to look at, too. It takes away from the person and draws negative attention to the ill fit of the garment.
Good fit, though, becomes invisible and highlights the person wearing the piece.
You may see someone’s outfit and think they look great, but can’t quite put your finger on why. The person wearing the garment may feel more confident and focused on the day without being preoccupied by the clothes. When a garment fits well, the individual elements that make it so blend harmoniously in the overall balance of the garment. Good fit in and of itself becomes unnoticeable.
As designers, patternmakers, and makers of clothing, it is our job to still notice these details of good fit so that the people who wear the clothes don’t have to.