Take in the Waist

Taking in the waist of a girdle is not a trivial task, and I suggest you save it for the seamstress.

Preparing the girdle for the seamstress

To prepare the girdle for the seamstress, actually draw on the girdle the desired amount you want taken in. The seamstress at Frishman's recommends that you draw on the inside of the girdle. Also, the photo below only shows the tummy being taken in, but you could also project the line down so that the buttocks and legs could also be taken in. Make sure you use water soluble markers.

Notice that the girdle in the left photo is marked about one inch on each hip. Since the seamstress will be sewing on your line (double material), this actually represents a 2 inch reduction on each side (4 inches total). If you want a 2 inch waist reduction, mark 1/2 inch on each side.

Marked for "take in".	After "take in"	The same girdle

Determining how much to take in

There are at least three methods to determine how much to take in a girdle:

• Method 1, mathematics: After you purchase the girdle, use the table to the right to determine the hip size for which it was designed. If your hips are smaller than this size, subtract your hip size from that figure. The result is the amount the girdle should be taken in. For example: if you purchase a size XL, but your hips measure 38, you will need to take the girdle in 4 inches.
• Method 2, estimation: While wearing the girdle, pinch the fabric on both hips until the girdle is at the desired firmness. If the pinch is 1 inch on each side, then have the girdle taken in 4 inches (because the material is doubled in the pinch). If the pinch is 1/2 inch each side, have the girdle taken in 2 inches, etc.
• Method 3, trial: Let's say that you are trying on girdles at a retail shop, and you have found a girdle that fits your waist properly, but you need the tummy/hips taken in. What you can do is try the next one or two sizes smaller (if possible) until you find the one that offers the proper support across the tummy. Then, with the two girdles laying side by side, measure the difference between the two across the tummy area. This is the amount that needs to be taken in.