Ready to wear

Types of ready to wear

The term ready to wear refers to clothing that is made in various sizes and is therefore ready to be sold without further tailoring. Here are some types of ready to wear clothes.

• Day dresses: These are dresses that are suitable for wearing during the day. They are usually knee-length and can be worn for office work, casual walks, or even shopping. They come in different forms, such as A-line, sheath, or shirt dresses. They are made of cotton, polyester, or silk blends and are comfortable and versatile.
• Evening gowns: These are formal long dresses worn during evening occasions such as galas, weddings, or black tie events. They are floor-length and elaborately made with luxurious fabrics such as satin, velvet, or chiffon. They are beaded, sequined, or embroidered and make a statement.
• Maxi dresses: These are long, flowing dresses that reach the ankle or floor. They are casual and can be worn for summer, beach, or casual parties. They are made of lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, or rayon and are loose and relaxed.
• Midi dresses: These are dresses that are mid-calf length. They are versatile and can be worn for work, casual, or semi-formal occasions. They are made of various fabrics and styles, such as A-line, sheath, or wrap dresses.
• Wrap dresses: These are dresses that are designed to wrap around the body and tie at the waist. They are adjustable and flattering for different body types. They are made of jersey, cotton, or silk and are casual to semi-formal.
• Shirt dresses: These are dresses that are styled like a man's shirt. They are button-down, collared, and can be belted at the waist. They are made of cotton, linen, or denim and are casual to semi-formal.
• Bodycon dresses: These are tight-fitting dresses that hug the body. They are stretchy and made of fabrics such as spandex, polyester, or cotton blends. They are casual to club wear.
• Holter dresses:> These are sleeveless dresses with Holter necks. They are informal and suitable for summer, beach, or parties. They are made of cotton, linen, or chiffon and are loose and flowing.
• Off the shoulder dresses:> These are dresses with an off-the-shoulder neckline. They are romantic and suitable for summer, beach, or weddings. They are made of cotton, chiffon, or lace and are structured and draped.
• Peplum dresses: These are dresses with a peplum ruffle at the waist. They are flattering and suitable for work or semi-formal. They are made of various fabrics and structured and tailored.

Design of ready to wear

Ready-to-wear dresses and outfits come in different designs, and each design has unique features. Here are some of the designs of these clothes:

• Fit and Flare

  This design comes with a fitted top and a flared bottom part, which is usually a skirt or pants. The design is a classic and can be used for casual and formal events. The fit and flare style can be created using different materials. For the top part, stretchy materials are used, while the bottom part can be made from tulle or any other material that can add volume.

• A-Line

  The A-line design is another common design used in ready-to-wear dresses. The design has an equal width for the dress or skirt from the shoulders to the hemline, forming an 'A' shape. It is ideal for all body types because it accentuates the waist and hips. The A-line design is versatile for casual and formal occasions. It can be made of different materials, including cotton, silk, and satin.

• Sheath

  The sheath design is a slim-fitting dress that is straight and has no flare. The design accentuates the body's natural shape and is ideal for women with an hourglass figure. The sheath design is mostly used for formal wear like business meetings or evening gowns. It is mostly made from stretchy materials like spandex or elastane.

• Wrap

  The wrap design features a dress that looks like it was wrapped around the body and tied at the front. It has an adjustable fit, which can be adjusted to fit different body sizes. The design is versatile and used for both casual and formal events. The wrap design can be made from any material, but the most popular are cotton, silk, and jersey.

• Pegged

  This style of dress is fitted at the hips and narrows down to a small hemline, which is called pegging. The design is modern and ideal for women who want to achieve a fashionable look. The pegged design is mostly used for formal wear. It is made from stretchy materials like spandex or elastane.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of ready-to-wear

Here are some ideas for wearing and combining ready-to-wear clothing.

• Wearing suggestions

  Wear ready-to-wear clothing when buyers want convenience and style. They are perfect for daily activities, work, and casual outings. Choose pieces that fit well and feel comfortable. For instance, a casual dress or a tailored jumpsuit is ideal for a quick, stylish option. Pair it with flats or sneakers for a relaxed look. Opt for a structured handbag and minimal jewelry to keep the vibe effortless. For a work setting, a ready-to-wear blazer and trousers can be a game changer. Choose neutral colors like black, navy, or beige. Combine them with a simple blouse and classic pumps. A sleek briefcase or tote bag will complete the professional appearance.

• Matching suggestions

  Matching ready-to-wear outfits can be simple yet effective. First, consider the color wheel. Complementary colors like blue and orange or red and green can create a striking look. For a subtle contrast, pair a pastel top with darker bottoms. Next, think about textures. Combine smooth fabrics like silk with rougher ones like denim. This adds depth to the outfit. Layering is another key matching strategy. A tailored blazer over a casual t-shirt can elevate the look. Similarly, a cardigan can soften a structured dress. Accessories also play a vital role in matching. A statement necklace can draw attention to a simple blouse. A bold watch can add character to a plain dress.

Q&A

Q1: What does “ready to wear” mean?

A1: It refers to clothing manufactured in standard sizes and sold in finished condition, eliminating the need for custom tailoring. These garments are mass-produced and designed to be worn immediately after purchase, offering convenience and accessibility in fashion.

Q2: What is the difference between made to measure and ready to wear?

A2: Made-to-measure involves customizing a garment based on an individual's measurements, providing a tailored fit, whereas, it is pre-manufactured in standard sizes, designed to fit a broad range of body types without personalization.

Q3: What are the advantages of ready to wear dresses?

A3: Some advantages include convenience, affordability, consistency in quality, and a wide variety of available styles. They save time and offer accessibility in contemporary fashion.

Q4: How to identify real ready to wear from fake?

A4: Authentic garments often feature consistent quality, standardized sizing, and branded labeling, while counterfeit ones may exhibit inconsistent quality, poor craftsmanship, and lack of proper labeling.

Q5: What is another term for ready to wear?

A5: Another term often used is “pret-a-porter,” which is French for “ready to carry” or “ready to wear.” It signifies the same concept of mass-produced, finished clothing.