Good Design vs. "Meh" design:

Yesterday I went shopping for a grey tank top. It was to replace one I bought at R.E.I. where I am frequently disappointed in their products. They give you a dividend to spend if you are a member, so I found this tank. Look at it for a moment:

After washing it and wearing it a few times, I became aware that when I put it on, it sort of pulls on the straps and rolls forward. I am sure this is caused by a fitting issue in the armhole area, being too tight. I am not particularly bulky in this area. Anyhow, I wore it for a while, because it IS a wardrobe staple and it was comfortable elsewhere in the garment. I kinda thought it was a cool thing that it was bias cut, although when you think about it from a design standpoint, it does waste more fabric. Well, there goes the green, low-waste concept in making clothes...ah well...

Here is the tank that made a world of difference in so many ways. I liked the darker color and that it had a wash (not completely solid). I immediately loved the looser fit. I don't want the clothes to be tight in hot weather, ugh. I liked a flattering fit. The back scoops lower than the front, but not in a super obvious way. The other design element that I love is the consideration of the width and shape of the straps. There isn't all THAT much difference in Tank Top #1 and #2 in strap width, but Tank Top #2 angles the strap at a wider angle to fit the looseness of the tank overall.

Hey, it's the German/Austrian/Hungarian in me, taking into account all these really picky differences. But differences they do make, because the Tank Top #1 is the one heading for the curb and Tank #2 is ready to be the new star of my wardrobe.

Leave me any comments, please! I like to hear what my astute readers would like to see in designs for clothing!!!