Stirling charity fashion project helps to find ‘right fit’ for trans and non-binary community

Stirling based charity Coorie Creative has launched a new fashion project to support the trans and non-binary community.

Nip & Tuck responds to the issues trans and non-binary people face with finding clothes that fit well, by empowering them to alter and adjust their own wardrobe.

Coorie Creative Director Mairi Breslin said: “We run a variety of creative workshops and many of the people attending these classes are young people who do not conform to gender norms.

“They are repeatedly telling us that they find it very difficult to find garments to wear that fit with their identities as well as their developing body shapes, especially as our local area has limited retail opportunities for specialist shopping.

“As well as learning sewing skills, Nip & Tuck is about giving socially isolated young people a chance to come together with others to form a community of like-minded individuals.”

The project is led by Sam, who shared his own experience of trying to find an outfit for a wedding: “I had a horrible experience getting a suit for my brother Glenn’s wedding where I was measured and made to try on suits on the shop floor.

“I knew that I didn’t want a feminine shape, but they altered the suit to match my physical dimensions rather than tailoring it the way I wanted leaving me with lots of extra fabric.

“Luckily we were able to change the overall look of the outfit just by moving some buttons.

“I know how much that small change boosted my self-confidence and I’m determined to share that joy as far as I can through these workshops.”

Six trans people aged 16-25 are currently attending the eight-week programme in Coorie’s Stirling city centre studio, where they are learning how to alter a variety of items of clothing from trousers and tops to dresses and skirts.

Sam added: “As well as addressing a very real issue for the trans community, the course has the potential to help all people with non-standard body types who want to feel good in their clothes.

“We already have a waiting list for our classes and are looking to expand our programme of sewing classes for people who for whatever reason find it difficult to find clothes that fit well.

“Whether it be someone recovering from breast cancer or someone who is gender transitioning. We want everyone to be happy with how they look.

“We’re also working on compiling a style guide with top tips on altering clothes at home.”

Nip & Tuck is currently open to all transgender/non-binary people aged 16-25 currently living in Stirling or Clackmannanshire.

The eight-week programme which will allow people to: know their true measurements and understand how to check them as their body develops; define their personal style, making a mood board of inspirations from celebrities and influencers; shortlist clothing shapes, brands and styles which define the body outlines they seek to achieve, in a flattering way; find contemporary and affordable garments which align with their identity within the shortlist; teach the skills to deconstruct and alter garments of their choice using the sewing machines in the studio; provide ongoing drop-in support to allow them to continue to develop their skills for the future; and develop an online community group where the group can keep in touch, share ideas and develop relationships with each other.

Stirling University student Matty, 23, said: “When shopping for clothes, I always find shirts are too baggy and jeans and t-shirts are too long; but going to a tailor is way too expensive.

“I’d never used a sewing machine before, but now I’m altering my own trousers and shirts. I’m feeling better in my clothes and am able to create the fit I’m looking for without breaking the bank.”