Jeans woes
Jul. 18th, 2007 01:12 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
valis2I'm going to attempt a regular entry, but I kind of feel like I'm taking cover under a table and shouting nonsense at someone across the room under another table while air raid sirens wail in the distance.
Most of you know I am a big girl. I shop at Lane Bryant. I buy nearly all of my clothes from them. I generally like their clothing, except for their weird obsession with replicating every single current fashion trend for big girls...sometimes they're just not meant for big girls, I'm sorry to say. I will never wear a tube top, for example.
Anyway, I usually like their jeans. Every two years or so they bring out a new line of their signature jeans, and they usually make a few crazy pairs on the side, as well. Last year, for example, they had a lot of ripped jeans, jeans with embroidery, and jeans with rhinestones. While I do not want to sparkle, I did appreciate the embroidered jeans, and I always love patterned jeans.
Their new signature line has debuted. They've completely overhauled everything...even the sizes. These jeans are sized 1 to 8. You have to be measured for them. Measuring involves a single waist measurement, which is translated into 1 to 8, and then you choose a color; yellow for straight waist through hip, red for slight curve from waist to hip, and blue for big curve from waist to hip. I was sized at 2 (or maybe 1, she thought), and I picked blue.
I tried on a few pairs, and 2 was definitely the size for me. I might have fit into size 1, except for a problem which I feel is rather insane; the zippers are just over half the size of a regular zipper. Why is this a problem? Well, I am trying on the blue pairs for a reason; I have a big, curvy ass. I literally could not get the 1 over my ass. The 2 was a real struggle, though when I finally zipped them up they looked fabulous. I have never had a pair of jeans fit so beautifully; there was no gap at the waistband!! I have never had that happen before. I always have to wear a belt. With these jeans I wouldn't have to.
I bought three pairs, and the fun manager who works there seemed stressed; I inquired, and she responded that she had to sell 53 pairs that day in order to meet plan. Well, I remember that sort of pressure from Waldenhell, and I commiserated. At least she was three pairs closer.
Well, that night I tried them on at home, and suddenly became distinctly aware of the other problem that a short zipper contributes to.
They ride up in front.
Whoa, Nelly, do they ride up in front. On the lighter-colored pair it was incredibly noticeable and extremely unflattering. On the darker-colored pairs it wasn't as noticeable, but it was very uncomfortable. I would have been rubbed raw within hours. No, thanks.
I returned them, and it was a bit embarrassing to explain why. I always feel guilty returning things, anyway, and I rarely do, but really, the truth is that I hadn't paid any attention to the front; the rear view is usually the more difficult of the two.
Even sadder, they have no other jeans available. No decorated jeans whatsoever. Everything is extremely plain and in the new sizes; they have some plain jeans left over in the regular sizing system, but I already have similar jeans and don't need more. I want fun jeans, with embroidery and patterns and stuff.
*growls*
Edit: I might not have been clear here. These are actually NOT low-rise jeans. The zipper is half the length, and the rest is just a seam. Seriously, I love low-rise jeans. They're so much more comfortable. But these new jeans aren't low-rise; they just have a half-size zipper, which is totally confusing.
Most of you know I am a big girl. I shop at Lane Bryant. I buy nearly all of my clothes from them. I generally like their clothing, except for their weird obsession with replicating every single current fashion trend for big girls...sometimes they're just not meant for big girls, I'm sorry to say. I will never wear a tube top, for example.
Anyway, I usually like their jeans. Every two years or so they bring out a new line of their signature jeans, and they usually make a few crazy pairs on the side, as well. Last year, for example, they had a lot of ripped jeans, jeans with embroidery, and jeans with rhinestones. While I do not want to sparkle, I did appreciate the embroidered jeans, and I always love patterned jeans.
Their new signature line has debuted. They've completely overhauled everything...even the sizes. These jeans are sized 1 to 8. You have to be measured for them. Measuring involves a single waist measurement, which is translated into 1 to 8, and then you choose a color; yellow for straight waist through hip, red for slight curve from waist to hip, and blue for big curve from waist to hip. I was sized at 2 (or maybe 1, she thought), and I picked blue.
I tried on a few pairs, and 2 was definitely the size for me. I might have fit into size 1, except for a problem which I feel is rather insane; the zippers are just over half the size of a regular zipper. Why is this a problem? Well, I am trying on the blue pairs for a reason; I have a big, curvy ass. I literally could not get the 1 over my ass. The 2 was a real struggle, though when I finally zipped them up they looked fabulous. I have never had a pair of jeans fit so beautifully; there was no gap at the waistband!! I have never had that happen before. I always have to wear a belt. With these jeans I wouldn't have to.
I bought three pairs, and the fun manager who works there seemed stressed; I inquired, and she responded that she had to sell 53 pairs that day in order to meet plan. Well, I remember that sort of pressure from Waldenhell, and I commiserated. At least she was three pairs closer.
Well, that night I tried them on at home, and suddenly became distinctly aware of the other problem that a short zipper contributes to.
They ride up in front.
Whoa, Nelly, do they ride up in front. On the lighter-colored pair it was incredibly noticeable and extremely unflattering. On the darker-colored pairs it wasn't as noticeable, but it was very uncomfortable. I would have been rubbed raw within hours. No, thanks.
I returned them, and it was a bit embarrassing to explain why. I always feel guilty returning things, anyway, and I rarely do, but really, the truth is that I hadn't paid any attention to the front; the rear view is usually the more difficult of the two.
Even sadder, they have no other jeans available. No decorated jeans whatsoever. Everything is extremely plain and in the new sizes; they have some plain jeans left over in the regular sizing system, but I already have similar jeans and don't need more. I want fun jeans, with embroidery and patterns and stuff.
*growls*
Edit: I might not have been clear here. These are actually NOT low-rise jeans. The zipper is half the length, and the rest is just a seam. Seriously, I love low-rise jeans. They're so much more comfortable. But these new jeans aren't low-rise; they just have a half-size zipper, which is totally confusing.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:18 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:25 pm (UTC)*hugs*
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:29 pm (UTC)You also hit on the other thing I don't like about LB besides their prices: their insistence on replicating fashion trends that look great on smaller people, but not so fantastic on larger ones. Low-slung hipster jeans, for example? Wonder how quickly they will ditch this stupid idea when it flops badly.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:35 pm (UTC)As far as low-slung jeans...I actually prefer them! They feel much nicer and much more comfortable. I'm dreading the return to high-waisted jeans...I hope it never happens. Lee jeans came out with this "riveted/copperwash" series of lowrise jeans a few years ago, and I adore them.
As far as this 1 through 8 thing, it's supposedly based on a ton of research they did about jeans and reg'lar women like ourselves. Apparently they did no research about the camel-toe problem, however. *rolls eyes*
I'm still wondering how one can possibly have jeans for "curvy" women and make the zipper so short it won't fit over their curves! I mean, seriously! The jeans fit perfectly. Someone had to notice that the distance between the zipper and the back of the jeans was more than the diameter of the opening of the jeans, right?
I understand that they're trying to make people feel better, but I cannot believe that their research did not show that curvy women have a bit of padding on them...and that translates to needing more room in the...er...region of the zipper, as well!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 07:49 pm (UTC)It's funny you haven't bought anything at Avenue, I buy almost all my clothes there. We're directly opposite on store preferences, ha.
I find that with the low slung jeans, I'm always hitching them up, feeling like they're hanging far too low. I have two pairs of shorts from Avenue that are low rise and they drive me nuts.
Next time I'm at the mall I'll have to go wander through LB and take a look at what's available. That's the other good thing about Avenue - not in the mall, I don't have to trouble with the mall mess to go there.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 09:48 pm (UTC)And for me, the Avenue is in the mall, and the LB is in the strip mall outside...makes it very easy.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:30 pm (UTC)I hate trying to find clothes that fit properly AND that I like. It's rare that I find both. I do like Torrid, and yet their sizes can be inconsistent at times, and much of the stuff I've ordered from them is not wash-n-wear; it requires at the very least a mild touch up with the iron, and in some cases, MAJOR ironing work. I'm by no means a freak about a little wrinkle here or there, but this stuff just doesn't come out nicely, even when you pull it still hot from the dryer and hang it up hoping that will do the trick. GRRR! I hate ironing!
Times like that I appreciate all of my double-knit poly vintage clothes, I tells ya. No ironing required and covers a multitude of sins.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:37 pm (UTC)And I loathe ironing with a bitter and deathless loathing. Ugh. I'm with you on that.
I'm just hoping that I can find some fun jeans. I think I'll take
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:39 pm (UTC)Honestly! Low-rise jeans, cammies...these sorts of things aren't necessarily flattering to larger figures. A bigger cammie doesn't translate into a more attractive cammie. Have a little mercy!
Interesting that there are sales quotas at LB and other stores. I've never worked retail, so selling a certain number of items per month is a new concept for me. What happens if the quotas aren't met?
PS: Sorry about the jeans. I commiserate. I'm hard to fit, as welll
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:48 pm (UTC)There are sales quotas everywhere, honestly. Once a store begins to get successful, people have to come up with ways to keep it successful, and quotas are one of the first rounds. First they tie bonuses into it; then they tie disciplinary actions into it. That's why I was fired from Waldenhell; my staff didn't sell enough Preferred Reader cards.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 05:59 pm (UTC)My only choice is to lose more pounds and fit into the bazillion pairs I already have in sizes too small for me. : )
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:38 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:52 pm (UTC)Also, I'm just speaking from the blue side of the spectrum; the red/yellow jeans might be just fine!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:00 pm (UTC)My condolences on the jeans woes, I've known many girls with that problem. I tend to buy mine in batches, too, because you can't rely on sizing between brands.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:56 pm (UTC)If I find anything that fits and is nice, I try to buy it in batches, as well. If it's available in other colors, I'll buy the most flattering versions.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:48 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:57 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 06:49 pm (UTC)I gain weight around my belly, so that is where I have to get jeans a size larger and then the thighs and butt are too roomy! I like the mid waist jeans, but they always move down to my hips anyway. If I had low-rise jeans, they end up on my butt and that is really not attractive. lol I never wear a belt, because they always dig in too far and make me very unhappy.
I've also looked at Avenue, and nothing they have really works for me price-wise or style-wise. What I wear most of the time is a combo of Lane Bryant, Kohl's, Target camis, and some old Old Navy work pants (I've had them for at least 3-4 years now and worn them 2-3 times a week, and they're still holding strong!). I get pretty much all of my stuff on sale or clearance, because who can afford a $35 t-shirt? *scoff*
I love a lot of Lane Bryant things, but some things like tube tops and booty shorts are not for bigger girls.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 07:09 pm (UTC)It's just one measurement, around the waist. And what's bizarre is that my sister, who wears two sizes smaller than me in jeans, measured higher than me. This is a completely different sizing system than the traditional sizing system; it's more...fit your waist, and then adjust for the size differential between the waist/hips.
I actually approve entirely, but the problem is the zipper length!
I've also looked at Avenue, and nothing they have really works for me price-wise or style-wise.
Yeah, I've never bought anything there. I've never found anything I liked enough to buy.
Kohl's frustrates the hell out of me, because I love some of their clothes (Apt 9 rocks) but almost NONE of them are available in the plus section, which is full of really unflattering clothes. Tents and giant sweaters and horrid pants, oh my! I have found lots of cute things in their regular women section, but they're always just too small.
I love a lot of Lane Bryant things, but some things like tube tops and booty shorts are not for bigger girls.
I once received a postcard from LB showing a fantastically cute shirt. It was red, with a muted paisley print, an Empire-style ribbing right under the bust, and a cute square neckline and short sleeves.
I'd never done this before, but I actually got right in the car and drove directly there, because it was so cute that I knew it would sell out immediately.
So I find it, and it's made from that stupid cheapo thin cottony see-through material they love to inflict upon us, and I still was going to buy it.
UNTIL I TURNED IT AROUND.
It was backless. There was a little tiny string to tie the back together.
I nearly lost it in the store. Seriously. My bra strap--and I always buy all of my bras from LB, too--is at least 2 1/2 inches wide. The string? Maybe 1/4 inch wide. How the fuck is ANYONE supposed to wear this without a bra?
This was also just after they filled a quarter of the store (not kidding) with HALTER TOPS. A few months later, and their clearance section was STUFFED with those very same halter tops, of course.
Thank god they've started to get it together in the past few years, and they've started to put together more realistic clothing, but even so, I still find things there that would not look flattering on big girls.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 08:03 pm (UTC)Ooh, I see! I just tried the sizing thing online and it looks pretty cool (I think I'm yellow 2). I may have to go by and see if they look good. Too bad the zippers are so short, though. :(
I am just at the top end of the Kohl's size range in misses. Or at least I was when I bought these stretch courdoroys a year or more ago! At that time, they were just a little loose and now they're a little snug. But usually the tops fit me fine, if they're knit and they have XL or XXL. Old Navy is bad about poor fits, so I have't bought things there in ages. But I can amazingly still fit into those old pants I have, and they are not going until they fall apart. Kohl's plus size section is sad. Luckily, there's not one near my house so I only go there when I visit my parents sometimes. I guess that's how I save money on clothes, by not shopping for them. lol
I once received a postcard from LB showing a fantastically cute shirt. It was red, with a muted paisley print, an Empire-style ribbing right under the bust, and a cute square neckline and short sleeves.
That shirt sounds so cute, except the back!! My bra straps are also that wide and I really can't go without the bra. Are you just not supposed to care that your bra is showing, or let your breasts just wander around? I can't believe they sold that in a plus size store. Sometimes I think they just don't get it. We can be sexy without having to give up bras or self-respect and can look good in more fabric.
However, I love their kimono tops. LOVE them. they always have lots of things that look awful on me, but I yearn to wear. Like this top. Totally wrong color (I don't wear white, bad for fair skin, or red, bad for red hair) and the neckline and sleeves would make me look ridiculous. But damn, it's so cute!!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 09:55 pm (UTC)It is really cool, and I'm pretty excited about it; I've never had jeans that fit my ass AND my waist before!
In fact, I just went to Torrid and bought two pairs of jeans, but had to say no to the awesome pinstripe pants because they fit my butt, but the waistband was gaping like crazy. Even with a belt it would have been difficult.
That shirt sounds so cute, except the back!!
It was ADORABLE, and it had little flouncy sleeves, and it was so cute and casual...argh! I'm still not over it, and it's been years.
And that kimono top rocks!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-19 01:36 am (UTC)Yeah, their tops are so cute. Sometimes I wish I looked better in some colors/trends. That top would never go on me, but the kimono/tunic ones definitely seem to work out.
I love pinstripe pants! Maybe they'll make some in the new size line at LB soon. That would be awesome, if the zippers are right. lol
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 07:40 pm (UTC)I get my jeans from QVC. www.qvc.com I like the denum and company jeans. They have embroidered ones too I hae some with daisies I love. Good luck. One of my plus sized friends likes roamans. www.roamans.com She says their jeans are good. I've gotten other stuff from them. Their sizing is odd so pay attention to that. QVC goes up to a 3X in most things.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 09:55 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 08:02 pm (UTC)Also...I'm so with you on the halter tops and tube tops. I refuse to wear a top without a bra. Frankly I need the support! And after having kids and breastfeeding...let's just say not everything is as...perky...as they once were. *sigh* Not even with that built in bra would I wear a tank or halter unless I use the tank for sleeping. Blech.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 09:58 pm (UTC)As far as pricey, I've bought $90 jeans before...if the fit is right, I want them! (Unfortunately someone shrank them for me by drying them on the wrong cycle...grrrr!)
I just do not see why a store that caters to plus size women would fill their store with halter tops in every color and style...even for size 28. There is no way most larger women can wear something like that without a bra! Of course, this was about ten years ago, and they seem to have learned their lesson, but still...
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-24 07:54 pm (UTC)I rejoiced that I could get a halter top since I do wear them... even though my butt is huge, my top isn't. And I have halter-top convertible bras even.
I'm bringing sexy back, dammit.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-25 04:57 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 09:58 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 10:01 pm (UTC)I tried on a size smaller...ergh! Too tight! Obscene! And the waist still needed a couple inches.
*commiserates*
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 11:09 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-19 03:15 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 10:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-19 03:16 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 11:06 pm (UTC)I have gotten the most supportive and comfortable strapless bra I've ever worn there, though, and a beautiful long-sleeved shirt where the sleeves were all lace and it was cut full with a square peasant neckline XD
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-19 03:17 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 11:22 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-19 03:18 am (UTC)This is going to be a big con, I have a feeling, with a lot of LJers...I'm psyched!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-18 11:51 pm (UTC)And on the subject of shirts, they take popular styles, expand the waist to fit the large size, and then expand the bust proportionately, which means if you don't have a EEE chest, it doesn't look right. They don't make clothes for the large size figure, they just take regular clothes and cut them larger. The body shape gets all different when you get fat and a lot of cuts just don't work any more.
Okay, this is one of my pet peeves... I can totally commiserate. When you just have one or two places to go to get clothing, if they change something vital, you're out of luck.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-19 03:24 am (UTC)I am so with you on this one. I don't mind a very small sleeve, but there has to be something. Not only is it not attractive on some people, but I will never wear a sleeveless anything to work, and that's what I usually buy LB clothes for.
And on the subject of shirts, they take popular styles, expand the waist to fit the large size, and then expand the bust proportionately, which means if you don't have a EEE chest, it doesn't look right. They don't make clothes for the large size figure, they just take regular clothes and cut them larger. The body shape gets all different when you get fat and a lot of cuts just don't work any more.
Yes, absolutely! And forget it if you're a bit on the tall side. For about four or five years, ALL of their shirts were cropped. Okay, not drastically, and most regular height women would have no issues, but they were too short for me...if I reached for anything my tummy would show. Thank goodness they've finally gone to longer lengths, it was ridiculous. Oh, and not only were they short, but they were shaped like boxes, and the v-necks I bought were annoying because I would CONSTANTLY have to pull them down in front! I'm so happy with their new "modern fit" style because they're a tish longer and they fit a little closer.
When you just have one or two places to go to get clothing, if they change something vital, you're out of luck.
I used to have a friend who was a size 8. Once in a while we'd go to the mall, and she'd go into LB with me. And she'd say, "Aw, I wish they made clothing for me! Wah!" all the time.
One day I finally lost it and said, "How many women's clothing stores are there in this mall? Thirty? And how many of them sell up to a size 14? Twenty-eight? And how many of them sell above a size 14? Oh, yeah, that's right. TWO." She finally stopped after that.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-24 07:47 pm (UTC)But I didn't. I was afraid the manager wouldn't take both of my coupons. I did however, smile at the other girl.
I count on the sizing staying the same brand to brand. Changign the sizing makes me fear that I shall never find jeans that fit me again - which has happened! I had like two years in the mid-1990's where I wore only jeans that were too tight and too big in the waist because I could not for the life of me find a pair that fit. Goddess grant that never happens again.
That's a long way of saying, "I feel ya, sister."
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-25 05:01 pm (UTC)As far as changing sizes--well, they did a ton of research to back it up, and it's a great idea, but at the same time, there is obviously a logic disconnect somewhere when you make jeans for girls with big asses and smaller waists and then make the circumference of the opening too small for said big asses to squeeze through.
If they revamp them a little, I am all over it! I've never had a pair that fit so well before. If that damned zipper hadn't tripped me up I'd be wearing them right now!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-24 07:59 pm (UTC)Seriously. I'm here for you if you want. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-25 05:02 pm (UTC)