ShopSmart Puts Fast Clothing Fixes to the Test

Not all TV gadgets solve fashion jams.  One gadget worth a go; four products to skip

YONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Many TV products claim to be quick-fix solutions for wardrobe malfunctions – but will they really bail shoppers out of last-minute fashion jams?  The October 2013 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, highlights findings from its test of five fast clothing fixes –  finding only one worth a try – and other pro tricks to try in a pinch that can combat lint, blouse gaps, hems and more.

"Many of these clothing gadgets didn't work any better than a needle or thread or other cheaper fixes," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. "You'll almost always have a reliable fix for a fashion crisis with our pro tricks."  

While four of the five TV gadgets ShopSmart tested were letdowns, Style Snaps, $10, Band-Aid-like strips designed to change the hem length on pants without sewing, ironing or gluing was a winner, especially on straight-leg pants.  ShopSmart's testers found the Buttoneer, $14 plus $6.95 S&H, a device that claims to attach buttons in seconds without sewing, difficult to use, and it was only effective on small buttons.  The Stretch Genie, $10 plus $6.95 S&H, claims to stretch too-tight leather shoes – and it does – but the product left ugly bumps in the shoes in the process. 

Three Tricks to Try in a Pinch

No matter what the occasion, always be prepared for a possible fashion jam.  Here are some pro tips that can tame unruly fabric, hold a button in place and more:

1. Wig Tape: This double-sided tape can tack up a fallen hem, be put under a wayward lapel to make it lie flat, and be used to make belts with excess fabric stay in place.
2. Safety Pins: Always carry safety pins in different sizes as they can troubleshoot a variety of clothing snafus.  While tricky to conceal, they can be used to pin up a hem, close a blouse gap, and even hold a button in place.
3. Lint Sheets: These work like lint rollers, but are easier to carry in a purse.

For more findings from ShopSmart's tests of fast clothing fixes, check out the October 2013 issue of the magazine on newsstands now.

About Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually.

Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon the publication's celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. ShopSmart features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and "best of the best" lists. It's ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

ShopSmart is available 10 times a year. Subscribe at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

SOURCE ShopSmart