The Valène top is a fairly fitted top. Or at least, it’s about as fitted as it can be without having to add fasteners like buttonholes or zippers, which would make it harder to sew.
So, not all adaptations are possible, and we'll look at most of the cases here.
In any case, keep in mind that when choosing a top, you should always base your size selection on your bust measurement first, and then adjust the rest accordingly.
Note: In response to a few messages we’ve received, we’d like to clarify: For Version A of the Valène pattern, you can indeed cut the pattern one size smaller for the bust and waist.
Especially if you have a smaller bust, or if you prefer clothes that fit more snugly.
Why is that possible?
Thanks to the generous opening created by the top’s asymmetrical design, this is possible; however, doing so reduces the ease in the chest area. It is this ease that makes the garment comfortable and allows you to bend over—for example, to pick up your bag or a pen that has fallen on the floor—without the top straining. This isn’t an alteration we particularly recommend, since our patterns are meant to be accessible to as many people as possible, but of course you can make this change if you’d like—after all, the whole point of sewing is to wear clothes that we love!
Case #1: My height is shorter than my bust measurement.
For Version B: There’s nothing you need to do. If you go down a size, you might not be able to get the top on. This style isn’t meant to be any more fitted than it already is. For Version A: Thanks to the wide opening created by the top’s asymmetrical design, you can go down one size. It’s easy to do: on the pattern, 3–4 cm below the bust dart, start connecting to the side seam of the next smaller size up to the “Adjust / Lengthen / Shorten” mark on the pattern, which indicates the waistline.
Case #2: My height is greater than my bust measurement.
- There's a difference of 1 or 2 sizes between my bust and waist measurements (e.g., 38 at the bust and 42 at the waist)
You can cut everything to fit your bust measurement (here, size 38). Note that this will give you a slightly defined waistline. So you're in luck!
- There's a difference of more than two sizes between my bust and waist measurements (e.g., 38 at the bust and 44 at the waist)
You’ll need to modify the pattern here: 3–4 cm below the bust dart, start sewing along the side seam of size 44 until you reach the “Adjust / Lengthen / Shorten” mark on the pattern, which indicates the waistline. For a more fitted look, you can sew along the line for size 42, which is one size smaller.
Case #3: My hip circumference is different from my waist circumference.
A quick reminder: hip circumference is more commonly referred to as buttocks circumference or pelvic circumference. It’s very simple: just start at the waistline (“Adjust / lengthen / shorten /”) and draw a freehand line down to the bottom of the top, stopping at the line that corresponds to your hip circumference. If you have any questions about adjusting the Valène top, or if you’re unsure which size to choose, feel free to contact our customer service team at help@mounasew.com: we’ll be happy to help!
