Suit doesn't fit? Too big, too tight, or too short: here's what you can still do
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
The costume has arrived, the party is in a few days and it doesn't fit. Here's how to assess what exactly is wrong and what you can still salvage with accessories, tights, and a belt.
The package is open on the bed. You put on the costume, turn to the mirror, and immediately see what's wrong: the zipper won't go up, or the dress is an inch shorter than in the picture, or the suit hangs around you like a curtain. The party is on Saturday. Exchanging and re-delivering will be tight.
In most cases, you don't need to order again. Fancy dress costumes are made with generous tolerances and almost always fit differently than regular clothes of the same size. Below, you'll first check what exactly is going on, and then what you can still do about it.
First, check: is it the size or the style?
Put on the costume and ask yourself three questions. Do the shoulder seams sit on your shoulders, or do they hang halfway down your upper arm? Does the waist close at your narrowest point, or a bit higher or lower? And can you bring your arms forward without anything pulling?
If the shoulders fit well and it only pulls at the waist or hips, it's a size problem and a larger size is usually the solution. If the shoulders don't fit, the style is not cut for your physique, and a different size often won't help. This difference determines whether it makes sense to exchange it or if you'd better change something about the look itself.
Also pay attention to what's included in the set. With a Master Chef Fancy Dress Costume with Chef's Hat (€19.95, in M, L, and XL) or the Men's Cow Print Suit 3-piece (€19.95, in S, M, and L), there are multiple separate parts. It often happens that one part doesn't fit, but the rest fits perfectly — then you only need to replace or omit that one part.
Too tight: creating space without tearing
The biggest risk with a costume that's too tight is that you wear it for one evening, and then a seam comes undone. Prevent putting the fabric under constant tension.
Leave a fastening intentionally open. A blazer or jacket that you don't button up will drape better than one you force. Fill the opening with a T-shirt or top in a contrasting color.
Remove a layer. Many sets are meant to be worn over an underlayer. Leave that out, and you'll easily gain an inch or two.
If it's really stuck, don't wear it. A costume in which you can't sit or lift your arms won't last an evening.
Too big: bringing back shape with a belt and layers
Being baggy is easier to fix than being too tight. The main thing is to create a waist somewhere, so the garment gets a shape instead of hanging straight down.
An adjustable belt is most convenient for this; the Rainbow Belt Unisex with metal buckle (€14.95) works over a dress, a blouse, or an oversized suit. A scarf tied around the waist does the same with less fuss: the Rainbow Scarf with Fringes (€9.95) is long enough to tie, and the Rainbow Bandana (€7.95) can also be used on your wrist or in your hair.
If the top isn't cooperating, you can hide it. A Rainbow Flag Cape in one size (€12.95) falls over the shoulders and conceals exactly where an oversized item is most noticeable. For an oversized men's costume, a Rainbow Tie (€7.95) helps to cinch the neck and make the silhouette appear tighter.
Too short or too sheer: fix it underneath
This is the problem people most often struggle with, while it's the easiest to solve. A dress that turns out too short or a fabric that's sheer in bright light calls for a layer underneath rather than a different size.
Tights or leggings make the difference between tugging at your skirt once an evening and not thinking about it anymore. The Black Stockings (€9.95, in two sizes) are the neutral choice; the Tights with Leopard Print in S/M or L/XL (€9.95) match an animal theme, for example under the Leopard Fancy Dress Costume (€14.95). If you want an opaque layer with color, the Neon Green Leggings (€9.95) are opaque and available in two sizes. For a sporty or eighties theme, Rainbow Sports Socks (€4.95) do the same for pants that are too short.
Problem, quick solution, what you order
What's wrong
Quickest solution
What to consider
Waist too loose
Belt or tied scarf over it
Belt €14.95, scarf €9.95
Shoulders too wide
Cape or scarf over the shoulders
Cape one size €12.95
Skirt or dress too short
Tights, stockings or leggings underneath
From €9.95
Pants too short
High socks in the theme color
Sports socks €4.95
Top too tight
Opening open, attention to the head
Wig €4.95, hat from €9.95
Style doesn't fit
Another costume or a look with accessories
Costumes from €14.95
When you should exchange
Exchanging is the better choice if the costume restricts your freedom of movement, if the seams are already giving way when you put it on, or if you want to wear it more often after this party. For online orders, there is a legal cooling-off period, with exceptions—including for items delivered sealed for hygienic reasons where the seal has been broken. What applies in your case is stated in the return conditions of the webshop where you ordered; read them before cutting labels or throwing away packaging.
Practically: try on the costume over a clean surface, keep the packaging and tag together, and only put it on without makeup or deodorant on your skin. That saves discussion if it has to be returned.
Next time: ordering by measurement instead of by feel
Once, measure your bust, waist, and hip circumference and save them in your phone. Then, for each costume, check which sizes are offered and which parts are included. Sets available in multiple sizes, such as the Taxi Fancy Dress with Cap (€14.95, S/M/L), the S.W.A.T. Fancy Dress with Cap (€19.95, S/M/L), or the Super Hero Costume with Cape and Mask (€14.95, M/L/XL), give you more leeway than an item that only comes in one size.
And if in doubt, buy a size larger. You can make a loose fit work with a belt; you can't fix a tight fit.
Everything for your look at a glance
Complete sets can be found in Fancy Dress Clothing, individual components to adjust in Fancy Dress Accessories. Headwear is in Hats & Wigs, legs and feet in Socks, and seasonal themes in Halloween and Carnival. Not sure which size or which parts are included in a set? Email your question to info@verpakkingdeals.nl and we'll look up the set contents and available sizes for you before you order.
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