Find Your Fit | M.G. Ballard Designs

It's About Fit, Not Size

...and only you know how you want your garments to fit!

With Essential Elements it's not about the size in the label, it's about a customer's desired fit. So we developed a system that uses seven (7) Fit Numbers. Because garments in the collection are made from knit fabrics, each Fit Number will fit a range of body measurements depending on how a customer wants their garments to fit their body. Do you like for your knit garments to hug your body, skim your body or fit loosely over your body? This is a personal decision based on many factors, including how positive you feel about your body. Fashion is more inclusive than ever, and we are way past the point where fuller figures are hiding under clothing that hangs loose and hides their curves.

With the exception of scarves and other accessories and our one-size -fit-all garments, the sizing of our garments are all developed around the pattern for our basic knit dress. The tops and tunics are developed with the same base patterns and carry the same fit. Coats and jackets are designed to be worn over the dress and have just a little additional wearing ease built in. Once you know your correct Fit Number and Silhouette in the basic dress, you can order comfortably online for all of the other pieces in the collection.

So Let's Find Your Fit!

Before you begin, we recommend you download the document below to record your Fit, Style and Color Notes. It contains all of the fitting information below, plus a place to record your measurements, Fit Number, silhouette and all of your style and color notes so you'll have them at hand when placing an order.

Step 1 - Take Your Body Measurements

Before you take your measurements make sure to wear undergarments that you would normally wear under a knit garment.

Take your body measurements at the bust, waist and hip. We also recommend taking them at the tummy because that measurement may actually be larger than the hip.

Your waist measurement should be taken at the natural waistline. Bend to the side and measure at the spot where you bend.

Measure approximately 4" below your waist for your Tummy measurement.
Measure around the hip at the widest point. Make sure the measuring tape also goes around the fullest point of the butt.

Step 3 - Find Your Fit Number

The Fit Number you select will be based on how you want your garment to fit. Because the garments are knits, they will stretch over the body. With each Fit Number there is an associated range of measurements given for the bust, waist and hips. Each range of measurements starts with the actual measurement of the garment without it being stretched. The fabrics we select to use will stretch approximately 4” beyond the actual measurement of the garment.

Please note: The chart above also gives associated ranges of approximate letter and numerical sizes. Size measurements today are as varied as the manufacturers that use them. So, use this only to give you a general idea of where to start.