I was doing some research into clothes shopping. I confirmed something I've long suspected. Do you know what the difference is between a size 16 Misses and a size 16 Women's? The Women's size has an extra 2 inches in the bust and hips. In other words, Women's sizes are ideal for curvy women.
I went to Victoria's Secret today and got professionally measured. I'm currently a DD cup. I think everyone would agree that DD = curvy. So Women's size styles would look great on me.
The problem? I'm only 5'2" and have a small bone structure. So even though I'm 15 pounds overweight (and believe me, it shows) I'm still only a size 10. Women's sizes don't start until at least 14, usually 16. So I need to gain 40 pounds or so to be able to fit into a flattering style! Either that or learn to make my own clothes. (Without a pattern, because they don't make size 10W patterns, either!)
There have to be stores that sell clothes for small but curvy women. I wonder where movie stars with crazy implants shop. Of course, they're movie stars so it's probably somewhere out of my price range. *grumble*
11 comments:
That definitly is frusterating. I have a rather large bum and pants are hard to find that fit good around the waist. If you are looking for pants, Lucky brand makes my favorite b/c they are sized like men jeans, so 31' 30' for example. Simpler styles of skirts and tops would be fairly easy to alter if you want to take the time to try doing that or I know you can pay to get them done. I am sure you have tried this, but have you gone to the petite sizes?
I can definately identify with you Jen! As much as I love to shop, I detest both bra and swim suit shopping. (Which is why I wear my swim suits until they are falling apart!) Although, this past year one of my friends suggested I try Kohl's for a suit and lo and behold I found a suit I love! They sell most of their two piece suits as separates so I can buy the appropriate sizes for my top and bottom.
I would agree with Jessica to try petite sizes and hopefully those will work? Sorry I'm not more help. I hope you find something that works!
Thanks, girls. Just having someone who understands is a help. My problem is that my bust is a size 12 while my arms/shoulders/waist are size 8. I've actually tried on shirts that are both too big and too small! If I get the size that fits in the arms/shoulders, it's so tight across the chest that I can't breathe. If I get the size that fits across the chest, it's falling off the shoulders and bunching under the arms. I know most people don't notice, but I look ridiculous and feel stupid.
I just found a pattern-making kit that's supposed to get the perfect size every time. Since I'm comfortable sewing, I'm going to give it a try, but I'm still concerned that the "perfect" pattern will need lots of adjustments. If it works, maybe I'll start making clothes for everyone else who's so frustrated!
Jen,
Before I had grace I was a large D and a size 4 - shirts were impossible. My "goto" was always a blazer (I have them in short sleeves, long sleeves etc...) they can easily be altered (I fit the biggest part and go down from there). Since I have nursed I am a bit more in proportion so it is not such a problem. One thing to note since you are starting a running program is to "double bag" your sports bras. I have also found you often need to get a more expensive sports bra (Nike and Under Armor were really a great quality.). I bought one a size small and layered that with the correct size. Don't know if you are having a problem with that but if so it works like magic. Not always so comfortable but it makes running tolerable!
and to make it even more fun . . .once you figure out your size in one store - it's different in another!! : )
Definately heed Kirsten's advice for running - you can't skimp on normal bras when you're larger and more definately not while running.
My biggest piece of advice is always to find a good tailor. Stars always look great b/c clothers are tailored to their body. There's no way a store can make something across a large group of women. So pick your problematic area and fit that well . .and let a tailor do the rest. It can add some extra expense but I found when I take the time to do it, I wear items alot longer b/c I feel good in them (and that's worth lots!!). : )
the fun of being a woman - huh?!
the woes of big chests!!! we should start a club Jen! I know both my sisters would join in a heart beat!!! ha ha.
anyway, the thing that has helped me a little with tops is to buy very nice (unfortunately expensive), minimizer bras. I really like the Wacoal brand that you can get a Von Mauer. I will never buy a bra at Victoria's Secret...they are cute and all but they make me look so much bigger and i definitely cannot wear half my shirts when I'm wearing one of theirs'. The minimizers with Wacoal don't smash you...they just spread you out so it's easier to fit a shirt. You can just take a couple shirts with you to the dressing room and try them on with the different bras and see if that helps at all.
love ya and feel the pain!!
-bek
Amber, who do you go to for tailoring?
Jess - they just moved . . .but it was VG II. There is a VG Sew in the mall by Kohl's. This post was a good incentive . . .I've had some things I wanted to take but haven't and now I think I'm going to. : )
another side note - Jen. . . I'm barely taller (1/2 an inch) and wear and am back at a D cup as I'm about done nursing (nothing like shouting it out to the world on a blog? : )) . . .I've found petite clothes are worse as they assume smaller builds (and honestly, I'd have to wear flip flops with all the pants). I have better luck shopping misses and tailoring the length/width in the pants and tops!
You're still nursing and already back to normal??? It's been 3 months since Catie weaned and I haven't shrunk at all! I think something's wrong with me. I'll be facing another surgery after we're done having children.
it looks like you're one of the few that grow with every baby . . .you know - some would consider you lucky! : ) But i know it gets frustrating.
maybe for your fifteen anniversary instead of crystal brett can get you reduction surgery?!?! : )
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I have hypertrophy. I heard about a woman who started out a B cup, grew 2 cups with each child, and had 10 children. By the time she was done she was a V cup!
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