What do you look for in bjd clothing?

I think it would be very rare for me to buy clothes for my dolls. Once i get my dolls i plan on making and possibly selling clothes one day.
If i were to buy a garment for them it would have to stand out allot or something about it that i wouldnt be able to make (or have something on the garment i couldnt get, like the little accessories) . I'm in my 2nd year of fashion design. So i have very high sewing quality expectation. If i have made it i know if it could break, delicate or you could bash it arond a bit. I'm someone that has an obsession to detail. So simple garments dont always do it fo me. Also if i make them i can get the fit perfect and not worry about spending money on a garment that wont fit. I dont think i would ever buy tops like T-Shirts etc for them as most of them i find are very over priced for the tiny piece of fabric used.
I think i would just buy jackets and possibly pants if something really caught my eye or was cheap. Though in saying this sometimes its nice to just having something you havnt made.
The only thing i dont think i can make are the shoes XD They are a must buy.

 

I am sort of in the same boat as Kentarin D'Ley. Though I am not a fashion student, I am a design student. I have very high expectations for quality as well as handling and usage.
I am also very meticulous and have an obsession with details.

For me, I need to feel the clothing, examine it through and through. If the quality of the item(s) is shoddy or "lazy", I will not buy it. I would much rather make an outfit myself, then deal with something of crappy quality. You only get what you pay for.

The ONLY exception to this, is if an item was made for my doll, in a swap. I join swaps where beginner-intermediate sewers are welcome. If I know the person tried very hard to make the outfit, and if they fell a little short, I would still love the outfit. I may have to make an adjustment or two...but I'm fine with that.

I sort of feel that basic shirts and pants are marked too high. By basic, I mean plain/beginner basic. No pockets, no designs or embellishments, etc. Sure it's difficult to sew for a very small scale...but if you want a $30 price tag, it better be $30 work and quality work at that.

I have seen some excellent quality items that I would LOVE to have and would pay for, since my skill in sewing is not that amazing. Plus I sew by hand, so it's damn near impossible for me to pull off all the little details in some of the clothes I have seen.

Fantasy/Unique/ ye olde rennaisance-some-time-long-ago type clothing would be right up my alley. I am sure if it was a confusing outfit, I would figure it out just by trying again and again until I got the hang of it.

Shoes would probably be the only thing I'd buy almost without a second thought. I can't make those! So I would definitely invest in at least two pairs of shoes. (One fancy pair, one casual pair)

I guess that is it, really.

 

I want my dolls clothing to look neat and professionally done with intense attention to detail. I want their clothing and shoes to look as close to a human item shrunk down as possible. This means my doll clothing is all purchased either from a company or a tailor/seamstress I admire. My skills are rubbish beyond very basic repairs and I have neither patience or time to try. I don't want to.

 

These parts, I agree with.

I've owned a lot of dolls before I owned my first BJD. Since then, I have a standard about the clothes I bought for any of them. So far, I have not been disappointed in anything I bought from a company. I know they're only doll clothes, but I still expect things to last a decent amount of time if I'm paying good money for them. If I wanted something that would fall apart quite fast, I'd sew my own doll clothes.

I've got hold-ups when it comes to swaps and why I don't want to join them, but one of them is quality of what I send out. I still don't have things down when sewing for my own doll, so I'd be worried about things suddenly falling apart, or being too small - and something I might've made for someone becomes totally useless to them, while I may get to enjoy their items.

I also agree that price needs to match the item's true worth. I am not going to buy a blank, white, short-sleeve t-shirt for my doll - from anywhere - if it costs more than $7 - and, really, that number is a little generous. I don't care where it comes from, or how long it took to sew it - no basic piece like a simple t-shirt is worth $30.

When I shop, I pay attention to prices. I don't have a strong desire to get $100 outfit sets, or even one piece that costs that much. I'm not opposed to outfit sets, and I know they cost more because they're sets and not separates, but there's plenty of choices, and not all of them cost around $100. My dolls usually wear casual clothes, so this isn't really a big deal for me. All that being said, if I ever get to a point where I can splurge, I might buy an outfit set that's priced a little higher.

Of course, it has to fit the doll. I've heard of some places where the clothes they sell don't fit the dolls they produce. I understand that a company isn't going to have clothes that fit every doll on the market, but they should be able to fit the dolls they're selling.

It also has to be easy to maintain; that's also a reason why I'm not going to buy a $100 dress. I simply do not have the means to store it properly.

 

writerm I really agree with

To me id never buy a set, well unless it was just pure amazingness. But i dont think id ever go out of my way to buy a set or garment for a doll for tht price.
I think id rather miss match also. A set means your doll isnt the only one with the item. Thats one of the reasons i want to make allot of my clothes. One of a kind.
I also look at it as the amount of fabric used. For $100 it would have to be pretty impresive fabric to. As from what i see they arnt always using a huge amount of it.( this is just my point of view x.x i tend to look at these type of things being around them everyday) $30 Dollfie top, you could buy 1 if not 2 human sized tops for $30 iswell.
But also i guess the Labeled dollfie clothing would be more expensive to.

 

What I like about this hobby is that, it gives another breathe to fashion. When I buy clothes and shoes for my dolls, I look for quality, design and choice of fabric-- because each factors are very important to me. Price also reflects its value, is what I believe.

I also sew clothes for my dolls because it isn't always guaranteed that I will find what I'm looking for in the marketplace, and for design-wise. I've studied fashion design for four years, so I have basic knowledge of draping and drafting patterns- but been getting pretty rusty because I'm currently studying as an fashion illustrator. And its enjoyable when you have interesting fabric to work with, and create an outfit that no one will have.

I enjoy both casual and unique clothing and always set different sort of style for my dolls, mainly because I myself like to jump around in fashion; one day I can be very 'pretty-in-pink' to 'retro grunge' the next.

 

I can sew so I won't buy easy to make things like straight skirts etc., but I will buy a pleated skirt or pants if the price is good because it saves a lot of time. I also buy things that are beyond my current sewing know-how. But a lot of things I won't buy because I know I can make it. Quality is important, more than fit, because I can always adjust the fit myself.

 

For me I look for the interesting designs and a decent fit,as well as being well made,although the top deciding factor will always be price. XD The fit isn't too big of a deal as long as it isn't small;if something is too big I can always learn to either work around it or fix it. The design can be the same way for the most part. Since I'm an artist by nature if something is bland or not quite what I'm looking for I mod it to what I want. As someone else said,if it's easy to make those are the things I try to stay away from. ^^ (Unless it's dirt cheap,then laziness kicks in. XD )

 

I look for clothing that fits my oddly sized doll. I also look for clothing that is well made and can produce the illusion of the doll being a real person when I photograph her.

 

What I look for:

Style: All of my dolls are humans living in the current world, so I look for practical clothes that you would likely see on real people, whether at the office, at a club, out to dinner, shopping, etc. No frilly dresses or fantasy wear or old fashioned stuff here! I don't care if the clothing isn't absolutely unique and one of a kind. I strive for realism with my dolls, and unless a real person is a fashion designer or has the money hire somebody to create ooak clothing, people are going to have the same clothes as others. Same with my dolls. With the exception of Sixx, he likes the craziest stuff he can design. Think Manson meets Gaga. lol So while some of his casual wear might be duplicated, I'll be creating his stagewear myself.

Fit: It has to fit! It doesn't have to fit like a glove, but if it's falling off or too tight to fasten or pose in, it's not good.

Usefulness: I try to get separate pieces than can be used often, like jeans, pants, tshirts, button ups, etc. I've seen some really good looking outfits that my dolls might wear for an event and never wear again. That's a waste to me.

Quality: It HAS to be well made! serged or zigagged seams, hemmed, jeans must have real pockets and fly, no elastic pants. It has to be sewed, not glued together. Has to be able to withstand years of clothing changes and washes, preferably able to go through the washing machine. The only exceptions are really delicate pieces, pants that need to appear so tight they can't actually have a fly and need to stretch or fabrics that don't ravel and therefor don't require serging.

Price: I'll spend more on doll clothes than human clothes.....but not more than the doll is worth. I'm not going to pay $50 for jeans just because they are a certain brand when I can get nice jeans for $15. I'm not paying $20 for a tshirt I can make myself. But some things, like full suits....I'd rather pay $70 for a 3 piece suit than deal with the frustration of making it myself.

Shipping: I won't pay higher shipping than an outfit is worth. I like to shop on the MP because I often find good deals, and shipping is often $2-3. But sometimes I'll think I found a great deal and then find out shipping is $10 plus fees, when the shirt itself was only $8...ummmmm...no thanks.

 

Usually I'm willing to give a little in terms of fit, if the style is something I really like. But one of the reasons that I generally don't look at unusually sized dolls (grr Zaoll! Then again, there are resources for that possible future dilemma) is because I like being able to trust that something will definitely at least fit. Obviously if it's falling off or something then that's not okay either...

Depending on the price, usually the same or higher, seeing as I've paid more for some items that are for a doll than I have for my own clothing. I'd hope that the item was functional and durable (read: not falling apart at the seams).

I like both unique pieces and casual pieces, it really depends on the character of the doll and I think even if the character were a sort of laid back, t-shirt and jeans type of person I'd look at unique outfits just because in my mind it'd be all "think of the photoshoots!" Most of my characters live in a modern or post-modern era though so I guess casual would be the way to go.

As far as buying an intricate piece despite difficulties with actually getting it on the doll, I'm not sure about that. It really depends on the intricacy of the piece then, but I'd probably be too afraid of breaking it trying to get it on to buy it.

I love clothing that's easy to work with and care for, but sometimes those crazy detailed outfits are just so pretty

At the risk of sounding cheap, price is of pretty high importance here, but so is quality and craftsmanship, so I'm willing to pay more for some pieces for that reason. Being underaged and jobless though, my budget's extremely limited so if I can get a nice, similar piece (for example, jeans) somewhere for $25-30 instead of $45, I will.

 

Happy to find this discussion. I'm finally getting to this stage in my collecting and appreciate the thoughtful answers here. It will be interesting to see if I follow through with what I have dreamed of doing. I want to try out design, along the lines of deconstruction/re-construct. So I go on the unique side, but certain basic items would serve as the ground floor for a lot of outfits with embellishment. I'm a full time artist and it is almost part of my job to be a little flamboyant in my taste, so my own clothes have tended to be a little outside the norm.
Because I don't want to do the exhibit--opening night--dress up scene--and all that-- anymore, my clothing ideas and energy I hope to pour into my doll world. And they can be wilder than I ever was, plus age factors have no bearing. I'm also interested in creating some fantasy worlds for them, which will require some interesting sets and clothes. UNIQUE mostly for me.
Difficult or confusing wouldn't bother me. Priced? Probably a super good price would tempt me to try things outside of any planned decision. I might consider a higher price than I normally spend on myself if I fell in love with something. Fit? Too small wouldn't be very useful, but too big I could deal with. In some cases that is probably what they will wear, as a style statement. A good fit would be lovely and time saving, and add to what I'd be willing to pay. Easy to-get-on and to-care-for would go on the plus side of a decision, of course. But I would look at delicate, antique, and complex outfits with plenty of interest. The character of the doll is one factor you didn't mention and that has a lot to do with what kind of wardrobe I'd look for. I currently have many dolls...craft is of great value. A lack of it should be reflected in price = should be cheap if cheaply made and not able to last long.

 

I go for quality, well sewn, good fabric etc. Details and scale are another important thing, most clothes they have a huge zipper or huge buttons and they look out of proportion. also that they could fit several brands bodes, and maybe that they are not ridiculously high priced.

 

Does fit matter more than style? vice versa?
Fit is paramount imo- there's nothing worse than your doll looking like it is wearing ill fitting clothes meant for a different type of doll, or worse, a teddy bear :/
My dolls wear lots of different styles, mostly casual.

Do you have lower/same/higher expectations for craftmanship of doll clothing compared to human clothing?
My expectations are higher, because I like everything to be in scale- fabric weave, pattern & buttons, pockets, hems & even the fly on jeans I'm fussy about what my doll's wear, not so much for myself- though I do care about fit with my own clothes.

Do you prefer very unique pieces vs. casual pieces or vice versa?
Both, but mainly casual as my dolls get more use out of them.

Would you buy an intricate piece of bjd clothing even if it is difficult/confusing to put on the doll?
No. eg. I don't buy clothing that needs head removal.

Do you prefer clothing that is easy to put on and easy to care for?
Easy to put on yes, easy to care for, no- I am quite happy to take extra care of delicate fabrics.

How much does price matter?
As I am on a budget, a lot! I do spend more than usual for special items but if so, it needs to get all the 'ticks' in the above criteria

 

Does fit matter more than style? vice versa?

I look for fit more than anything else. Things like attention to details are a bonus for me. Style is also important but unless I think I will be able to alter the garment, then I won't purchase it solely for the style. On the other hand sometimes I see some styles I didn't think I would like fitted on the doll and that may persuade me to buy it if it fits right on the body.

Do you have lower/same/higher expectations for craftmanship of doll clothing compared to human clothing?

I have lower expectations when it comes down to clothing for dolls. This is since I collect mainly tinies and its hard to sew at a small scale. I do expect it to be well made but I don't expect double stitching and those sort of things.

Do you prefer very unique pieces vs. casual pieces or vice versa?

I like both but then again it depends on the image I have in my mind.

Would you buy an intricate piece of bjd clothing even if it is difficult/confusing to put on the doll?

Yes, I especially like some lace dresses with sleeves that are very fragile but look great on the doll.

Do you prefer clothing that is easy to put on and easy to care for?

Yes, but I do look for the style rather than ease to put on. As long as it is possible to put on its fine with me.

How much does price matter?

Price does matter for me because the cost of my outfits add up as I often try to buy more to save on shipping and soon after I realize that with all the money spent on clothing I could have bought another doll!! So yes price does matter. Its important to set boundaries for yourself and buy within your range.

 

I agree with much that other people have said about prices, quality and such. I usually buy from DollHeart or Dollmore, and then I know I have to pay more but I know I'll get fantastic quality!
And since my PW girl is a bit smaller than most dolls, most dresses tend to be a bit big on her, but I can overlook that if I really like the design.

I often choose doll clothes based on colour. One of my girls wears stripes in purple and pink, one wears light blue and one wears lots of light greens and floral patterns.
But how often can I find a green dress? Very rarely! Which means that that doll has to wear something else. Lots of colours are rare or absent from the community, which I find a bit sad.
Sure, some sell better than others, like pink sweet loli dresses, but there are already tons and tons of pink dresses!

And also I would love to see more victorian (like some of DollHearts dresses and Iplehouse's LE opera girls) dresses and fantasy/fairy dresses (like on Little Monica and the Fairyland FePle 65 Elf Chloe outfit).

 

One of the things that had always bothered me about BJDs over the years, and put me off buying one, was the fact that the initial outlay on the doll was probably nothing compared to what people generally spent on clothes/accessories etc and I couldn't get my head around that concept, so when I eventually got my first doll I made an unconscious decision to be very selective over clothes and use it as motivation to improve my sewing skills. After two years in the hobby, this has served me very well, and although I now spend more on clothes, I have ended up with a small collection of really nice outfits that are a mix of company-bought, DoA seamstress and self-made. My tastes have changed over time, as was inevitable, so I have a fair few outfits from a well-known company that, if it comes to it, I know I could make back my money on in a heartbeat if I wanted to.

My favourite company for clothing is Souldoll atm. Contrary to the norm, I'm not bothered about historical accuracy/scale - the more ridiculous and impractical, the better. I'm a fan of unusual fabric choices and OTT accessories with just a dash of crazy, which they seem to deliver in spades. You could argue that Dollheart follow this philosophy, but whereas they stick to pretty standard cuts/fit, Souldoll are all like "lol, k, letz drape like three layers of random fabric over their shoulder here, ok, and make it attach again at the waist and cut it into little strips and sew like a bajillion ruffles there and stick some religious charms on it oh man that is badass"

Other companies I like, although I don't own anything from them, are TTYA, Ajumapama and Nine9style because they provide fashion-forward basics at reasonable prices, a kind of dolly H&M. Also if I had an EID I'd be all over Freedom Teller.

 

Does fit matter more than style? vice versa?
I generally go for style over fit-if I'm intrigued by the garment, I usually want it even if it's a little snug, a little loose etc. I actually tend to be that way with my own clothing as well.

Do you have lower/same/higher expectations for craftmanship of doll clothing compared to human clothing?
a bit higher maybe? Although I think part of that is because I'm buying it online etc and, since I'm not able to handle it in person, I expect it to be well made, (as niaeve as that is lol)

Do you prefer very unique pieces vs. casual pieces or vice versa?
Unique pieces. Almost without exception.

Would you buy an intricate piece of bjd clothing even if it is difficult/confusing to put on the doll?
Yup! I've never been able to not figure an article of clothing out, though.

Do you prefer clothing that is easy to put on and easy to care for?
not particularly

How much does price matter?
I won't lie...it matters. But that doesn't mean I won't save up for a special outfit now and then

 

While I don't have the experience or education about fashion design like many people here, I like to see my dolls well-dressed and I wouldn't mind paying a few $ more for a good quality outfit. I only tried to sew *by hand* an outfit for my first doll like 6 years ago, and it was very exhausting so I kind of know how difficult it is to sew for small sizes and why they cost almost the same or more than human clothing. And what I mean by good quality is that the clothes are made with high quality cloth, and it looks like clothing for human but in mini size.


Does fit matter more than style? vice versa?

The fit matters a lot to me, and of course style but if the fit of the most high quality outfit is not good then I don't want to know nothing about it. For example, I like -to see- Dollheart outfits only. I will not buy from them again after 2 not-so-good experiences. The outfits were expensive and very WELL made but the fit was a little bit big and the clothing was a little bit stiff and that made it uncomfortable, especially when I wanted to pose my dolls.

Do you have lower/same/higher expectations for craftmanship of doll clothing compared to human clothing?

It depends on the size. Pukis are very small and I understand that sewing for them is difficult so I have lower expectations for puki size clothes. I like ken clothes for my Yo-SD size dolls since they are just regular t-shirts and to my surprise, very well made (most of them) but when it comes to buying from companies such as Soom or Luts, I expect the same expectations. As for MSDs and SDs, I pay more care and attention to their clothes and depending on the price and place, I expect higher expectations.

I always mention this site and I always will: Sadol. That's one of the few places where I don't mind paying $200 for an outfit, it is worthy!!!! their clothing is amazing and very human-like in terms of quality.

Do you prefer very unique pieces vs. casual pieces or vice versa?
It depends on what do you mean by "unique". If you mean fantasy or Victorian Era outfits, I don't really care for them because my dolls are just regular boys. Unique for me is something well made whether it is fantasy, historic, casual or just a t-shirt. And I love casual clothes...

Would you buy an intricate piece of bjd clothing even if it is difficult/confusing to put on the doll?

I would buy anything that catches my eyes but more important, that suits my boys' styles.

Do you prefer clothing that is easy to put on and easy to care for?
Same answer as above =D

How much does price matter?

You get what you pay for. I'm willing to pay a lot for something well made. And if I pay like $10 for a SD t-shirt, I don't expect a good quality shirt (even though I have bought shirts for that price from great seam-mistress on this forum and they were great so there are some exceptions sometimes ).