Curiously, I've never really needed to alter any of my dresses, in spite of the fact that I'm rather tall and broadshouldered. I put this down to the loose 1920s fit - the only alteration I've ever had to make was to let out the underneath seam on the short sleeves on an organza dress, as they were too tight. They can easily be resewn.
I agree with the general tenor of the comments in this thread - some alteration will almost be inevitable to fit certain types of women. The alternative would be to keep them as pristine pieces. Wearing them always entails some risk or damage, no matter how careful we are - the alternative is never to wear them and rather to exlusively collect and preserve (which does have its advocates, and I have some pieces I'd never wear for various reasons). I also agree that any alterations should preferably be in keeping with the original garment, and if at all possible should be reversable. Some pieces I'd never touch due to scarcity - I think it would be vanity to significantly alter, say, a rare couture gown simply because one had the money to purchase it in the first place and the desire to sear it.
We can't preserve every gown, vintage is a finite resource. At the same time, there's something rather lovely about a gown that is "living" again, clothing the form of a girl who loves it.
I agree with the general tenor of the comments in this thread - some alteration will almost be inevitable to fit certain types of women. The alternative would be to keep them as pristine pieces. Wearing them always entails some risk or damage, no matter how careful we are - the alternative is never to wear them and rather to exlusively collect and preserve (which does have its advocates, and I have some pieces I'd never wear for various reasons). I also agree that any alterations should preferably be in keeping with the original garment, and if at all possible should be reversable. Some pieces I'd never touch due to scarcity - I think it would be vanity to significantly alter, say, a rare couture gown simply because one had the money to purchase it in the first place and the desire to sear it.
We can't preserve every gown, vintage is a finite resource. At the same time, there's something rather lovely about a gown that is "living" again, clothing the form of a girl who loves it.
