How to Sew Clothes You’ll Actually Wear

Sewing your own clothes is a rewarding and creative hobby, but the true joy comes when you make garments that fit well, feel great, and—most importantly—are worn often. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating something from scratch, but if you want your handmade wardrobe to be practical and stylish, it’s essential to consider a few key factors when choosing patterns, fabrics, and techniques. Don't make the same mistake that I made when I started sewing! I used to skip everything that was too time-consuming and difficult or complicated which meant I didn't add nice details or pockets to my garments for example. The result was I didn't like the finished product most of the time, and they didn't get worn... 
Now I try to take my time, go slow, and focus on making the details beautiful!

Today, we’ll dive into how to sew garments that you’ll actually wear and love, ensuring that your sewing efforts don’t just gather dust in your closet but become go-to pieces in your everyday wardrobe.

1. Know Your Style

Before you even pull out your sewing machine, it's important to assess your personal style. What do you wear most often? Do you lean towards casual, comfortable pieces or more formal attire? Do you prefer knits or wovens? Large prints or solid colors? Identifying your preferences will guide your fabric choices, pattern selection, and overall design decisions. Look at the clothes you already own and love. What makes them work for you? Is it the fabric, the fit, the color, or how easily they can be dressed up or down?

Creating a "style board" on Pinterest or in a physical mood board can help clarify your vision. Focus on the colors, cuts, and types of garments you gravitate towards in both store-bought and self-made items. This way, you can tailor your sewing projects to create pieces that will seamlessly integrate into your existing wardrobe. 
I also find it super helpful to take pictures of your outfits (you don’t have to share them anywhere, they can just sit in your phone for reference). 

2. Start with Simple, Versatile Patterns

If you’re new to sewing or want to make sure your garments are wearable, start with simple, versatile patterns that can be worn in various ways. Think about basic wardrobe staples like a well-fitted T-shirt, a classic pair of pants, a cozy cardigan, or a timeless A-line skirt or dress. These kinds of garments are easy to dress up or down and will work with a variety of accessories, shoes, and other pieces.

Avoid overly complex designs or trends that might end up feeling impractical. While it’s tempting to sew a chic and intricate garment, like a fancy cocktail dress or a statement coat, consider how often you’ll actually wear it. Try to select patterns that you’ll get maximum use from in your daily life.

3. Choose the Right Fabric

The fabric you choose plays a huge role in how often you’ll actually wear the garment. Choose fabrics that you feel comfortable wearing and that work for your climate and lifestyle. For example, if you live in a hot, humid environment, choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or lightweight jersey. If you’re sewing a winter garment, consider cozy fabrics like wool. Have a look in your wardrobe and check what materials your most used garments are made of. That will give you a hint as to what you can look for at the fabric store. 

Also, think about how the fabric will handle wear and washing. Some fabrics, while beautiful, may require delicate care or wrinkle easily, making them less practical for regular wear. Make sure the fabric is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and durable for the kind of garments you want to create.

4. Prioritize Fit and Comfort

Fit is key when it comes to wearing your garments regularly. A piece that doesn’t fit well—whether too tight, too loose, or not shaped for your body—will end up hidden in the back of your closet. Spend time making sure your pattern fits your body shape and size. If necessary, make adjustments to accommodate any unique measurements, such as your bust, waist, and hips. If you want to learn more about pattern adjustments I have the perfect course for you! Learn more about Better Fit Academy here. 

Comfort is just as important as fit. A garment might look amazing on the hanger, but if it’s uncomfortable to wear for long periods, it will likely get little use. When sewing, consider adding features that enhance comfort, like soft linings, adjustable waistbands, enough ease, comfortable and breathable fabrics. 

5. Avoid Trends, Embrace Timelessness

While sewing is a fantastic way to express your creativity, try not to get too caught up in fleeting trends. Trendy garments might be fun to make but can quickly fall out of favor, making them harder to incorporate into your everyday life. Instead, focus on classic, timeless pieces that you can wear year after year. Simple dresses, well-fitting pants, button-down shirts, and cardigans are all timeless options that transcend seasons and trends.

If you do choose to make something trendier, think about how you can adapt it to your personal style so that it remains wearable for a long time. Subtle tweaks, like changing the color or fabric of a trendy pattern, can make it more unique and long-lasting.

6. Build a Capsule Wardrobe

If you’re serious about creating garments that you’ll wear consistently, consider building a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile, interchangeable pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. This can be especially helpful when you’re sewing your own clothes, as it ensures that the garments you make will work together, reducing the chances of them sitting unused in your closet.

Start by making a list of wardrobe essentials (like jeans, skirts, shirts, jackets, etc.), and then sew pieces that complement these essentials. Choose patterns and fabrics that work well together so you can easily create outfits without feeling overwhelmed by a closet full of mismatched pieces.

7. Incorporate Practical Details

Small details can make a big difference in whether you’ll actually wear a handmade garment. Add practical features that enhance the functionality of your clothes. For example, pockets are a must-have for many people (I always add pockets nowadays, even though it takes longer to finish the garment...). 

Also, consider the ease of care for your garments. Can they be machine-washed and dried, or will they need dry cleaning or handwashing? Practical details like easy maintenance will ensure that you wear your handmade pieces regularly without stressing over how to care for them.

8. Keep it Fun, But Keep it Practical

Ultimately, sewing should be a fun and fulfilling creative outlet, but the end result should be practical, if you want garments to be wearable for everyday use. Choose sewing projects that excite you and align with your lifestyle, and you’ll be more likely to wear what you create. Don’t get discouraged by occasional mistakes—sewing is a learning process. Over time, you’ll develop a better understanding of what works for you and what doesn’t.

By focusing on timeless styles, comfortable fits, and versatile fabrics, you’ll be well on your way to creating a wardrobe full of garments you love to wear. Happy sewing!

/Josefine