[Jane]

P is tall (90% for height). I have bought her a few sundresses for summer but in order to get them long enough I have to get her 6 or 6x. They are all too big around the chest, a lot too big. I have never done any alterations to a RTW garment, so before I start hacking at dresses I paid good money for, I’m looking for suggestions for the proper way to alter the dresses and potentially any other dresses I may purchase in the future. I’m assuming I just need to take in the side seam. Do I unpick the seam that is already there? Is there a way to alter and leave the extra seam allowance so I could let it out in the future but won’t make it bulky to wear for now (in case her growth spurt slows down). Thanks.

Jane

[Lightning McStitch]

Sadly I can’t see it being quite that easy. If the fit through the shoulders and upper chest is good then yes, you can take in side seams.
However, any changes involving or above the sleeve area would get messy.
Centre front or back seams that go full length would be easier places to play with removing width.
Sorry not to be more help. Sometimes it’s easier to make a garment than to alter one.

[Reeni]

If you already have them and can’t return, the changes for a sleeveless sundress could be as simple as running elastic through the neckline to gather it up, or adding a belt. If they have a full tailored bodice, hold up a shirt to it to see the proportions you’ll have to take in. Sometimes vertical tucks through the shoulders and down to the chest work well to adjust the shoulder/armscye area.
Myself I find it easier to buy dresses with tops that fit and adjust the length — like add a deep eyelet/cotton strip at the hem.

[Nicole]

@jesims, I alter a lot of ‘Light in the Box’ bridesmaid dresses and this is what works for me.

Place the dress on and pin out the excess in long French darts, take of the dress and tailors chalk the edges of the pinned section on the inside. Baste the darts in and try on again.

This can be very effective and means you have not cut away any fabric.
Just take care to dry your garment in the shade or you will have horrid fade marks.

I am sorry not to be more help.
~Nicole~

[Jane]

@motherof5 thank you. I have been looking at one of the dresses and thought darts might work. It’s a darling white eyelet sundress, so I’d really like for P to be able to get some wear put of it. I’ll have to be careful any chalk I use doesn’t show, but I’ll give it a go.

Jane