Haralee.Com sleepwear has a true plus size in 2X and 3X. Yeah so what you might ask? Good to know you might say? Who cares you might say? Well it is a big deal in the garment industry and for us and it was a fun time to get there.We received many requests from customers for a plus size, not just a bigger stretched - out size medium. Our customers wanted the rise in the pajama bottoms to fit and be comfortable. They wanted the shoulders on the nightgown and pajama tops to fit and be comfortable. They wanted comfort and we wanted to supply it. Who knew this journey would take us a year to complete!
Our designers and pattern makers had to start from square one in redesigning our patterns to the new sizing charts and requirements. Once we had a prototype for a pattern we had our sample maker sew up a few samples.
Our next step was to find plus size fit models to fit the new samples and patterns before we went into production. A fit model is a person of a specific height and measurements range. No pictures are taken that can be used for a modeling portfolio, it is just the fit. We advertised hoping to find 2 women that could work for about an hour during business hours. We were swamped by the AD. Most women who responded were hoping to add the pictures to their portfolio for acting and modeling careers. After we clarified our position we still had more than a dozen women wanting the job. We picked 4 women that had the closest to our specific measurements requirements.
We have used fit models before and know something that all of us know: People lie. They may not mean to, or mean just a bit of a fib, but the measuring tape tells the truth. 2 of our 4 models were great to meet but we had to send them on their way because they were not even close to be in range. Luckily the other 2 women worked out great and with a few adjustments we went into production and now have plus sizes to our product mix.
Have you lied on your driver’s license about your height or weight? Would you answer and AD for a modeling or acting job and fudge your measurements?
2 comments:
I am glad the last two women worked out for you and you can continue on your journey. Can't believe people lie! Isn't it just going to come out anyway? I guess they hope they will get some type of work anyway.
Congrats on adding plus sizes to your collection!
First thank you for acknowledging not all women are (or pretend to be) a size 2 or 0. Please put up a link when you have pics of the new models! While I'm not a fan of discussing my weight I would not lie about it, especially for an interview. Like you wouldn't notice?
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