I recently tried online retailer eShakti for the first time. This is an India-based company that sells moderately priced clothing of all different styles. The unique feature is that they will customize any garment to your measurements for a fee of only $7.50. I’ve honestly read more bad reviews than good ones complaining that things turned out huge and not fitted to the provided measurements. So I was really on the fence about trying them. But when they sent me a $40 credit for joining their newsletter and then had a huge sale (they constantly have huge sales, by the way), I decided to finally give it a try.
I ordered a chambray dress with custom measurements and a button-up shirt without customization.
First up, the dress. I chose this dress because I had been looking for a chambray piece for the summer, and I know this particular style can be boob-friendly (I already own two Lindy Bop dresses with similar bodice construction). I was having a bit of a heavy day when I measured myself, so my bust and hips came out an inch bigger than usual (though still the same at my waist), but I stuck with that anyway because it’s not a stretch fabric and I figured it’d be better to have a little extra room than not enough.
The measurements I provided were upper arm circumference 12”, hip 42”, waist 29”, underbust 29”, bust 38”, chest (above the bust at the armhole) 36”, shoulder (across your upper back from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other) 17”, and arm length “average.” If you create an account, there are several other measurements you can add as well.
When the dress arrived, it looked a little big at first and I was worried. But as soon as I put it on, I was really impressed by how well it fit!
The underbust is a little loose, but the waist is perfect. Additionally, considering how long my torso is and that there is no space to include that in your measurements, I was surprised to find that the length of the bodice was appropriate and the waist hit at my actual waist. I was also impressed that the underbust seam is actually under my bust instead of resting on breast tissue. Let’s see a few more photos, shall we?
In addition to the excellent fit, the quality is quite good. There is an invisible zipper up the left side that’s easy to open and close, plus a hook-and-eye, and there are no stray threads or wonky seams. Despite the lack of stretch, the cap sleeves are designed in such a way that I can move my arms freely yet there’s still no visible side-bra.
My only real complaint is that the opening across the chest is a little too wide for my frame. It’s possible I measured across my shoulders incorrectly, so I may decrease my measurement by an inch next time and see if there’s improvement.
As for the underbust being a little loose, well there are two seams up the front of the bodice that I could easily take in a smidge if I care that much:
Next up is the rabbit-print button-up tunic blouse. My bust matches size 10, which measures bust 37”, waist 30”, while my waist matches size 8 (36” bust, 29” waist). Since button gaping is such an issue with big boobs, I decided to play it safe and go with the 10. Plus I figured I’ll probably be wearing this top tucked into high-waist bottoms anyway, so a slightly too-big waist wouldn’t matter.
In hindsight, I think an 8 would have been better, but the 10 is still serviceable:
It’s quite loose in the waist, and the bust is surprisingly forgiving. Additionally, next time I’ll pay closer attention to the tailoring, because I didn’t even notice in photos that this shirt has princess seams up the front and back! Princess seams are a busty gal’s best friend, and they make tops so much more accommodating to big boobs. Had I noticed them, I definitely would have chosen the size 8.
Still, the print is adorable (I’m a sucker for bunnies), the sleeves are interesting, and the fabric is nice and light, so I definitely see myself getting a good amount of wear out of it. Finally, I’d like to note that this top came with three extra covered buttons. Most tops only come with one spare.
With the sale prices, my $40 off coupon, the $7.50 customization fee, and $12.95 shipping, the order came to a mere $35.85. EShakti has sales and coupons all the time, and they’ve sent me a $20 coupon twice since using up that first $40 one, so there are ample opportunities to score a good deal. Plus, in addition to the measurement customization, that $7.50 fee also allows you to change the style to different necklines, lengths, sleeve types, and more.
Where else can you get that level of customization for a mere $7.50??
