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2016 Update: See our newer post on the best work clothes for different body types!
Reader S wonders which are the best stores and brands for different body types, which is an excellent question:
Could you do a run down of what different shops work for different people? I just started as a summer associate, and a few of us were talking today about what works for us and what doesn’t. For example, I’m straight as a stick, so Ann Taylor and Express always stick out in the wrong places and look bizarre. On the other hand, they fit my curvier friends beautifully. I end up buying a lot of my work clothes at Banana Republic and Talbots. And when the commenters complain about clothes being boxy and short – well, those are the ones that fit me perfectly.
Could you do some sort of massive reader poll on suggestions for stores based on body type? It’d be nice to have an idea instead of personally scouring every mall in the tri-county area (which I’ve started doing).
Such a great question, and I can’t wait to see what the readers say. Please identify your body type in your comment. Pictured: Mall of America, originally uploaded to Flickr by Matti Mattila.
For my $.02, as a curvy/hourglassy girl (5’4″ with long legs), the following department store brands have always been favorites of mine:
– For pants: Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Trina Turk, Armani
– For fitted blouses: Brooks Brothers, Thomas Pink
– For suits: Ann Taylor, Tahari petites (for skirt suits), AK Anne Klein / Anne Klein
– For casual pants: Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, DKNY
Some brands never quite look right on me — Theory suits, Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren pants, etc. Others seem to require on the particular garment — Rebecca Taylor, Nanette Lepore, etc. All dresses need to be tried on for me. Most off-the-rack brands fit me fine in terms of knee length; I can occasionally wear petite skirts also (but never petite pants, for some reason).
Readers — what is your body type, and what are your favorite brands and stores?
KLN
fun post and great site! new reader and poster here … i’m 5’4, pretty thin with a 34C chest and broader shoulders. my office is pretty creative/casual, so I can get away with more, sartorially speaking, than the lawyers in the community.
Some favorite lines: Theory, Vince (for pants), Elie Tahari, BCBG (although some of their fabrics can look really cheap), Classiques Entier, Marc New York (they have some great day-to-night dresses). Banana Republic is hit or miss .. a lot of their clothes seem to look fine in the morning and then look like crap a few hours later (wrinkled, sagging, losing their shape). Ann Taylor never looks good on me, and I find their fits a little too mom-ish, but it’s possible that I’m just not wearing the right sizes. J Crew does not fit well. Brooks Brothers has pretty boxy cuts, so I have heard .. that might help with the OP here.
I know this has been mentioned before, but I wanted to add my love for the Nordstrom personal stylist service. Recently tried it for the first time, cannot recommend it enough. Totally free, no minimum purchases, and I have never had so much fun shopping (and I shop a lot). The stylists will really help you with your body type and what fits/doesn’t fit, run and fetch sizes, accessories, different pieces .. I really think it’s worth a try, even just once, as you learn a lot about what works for your body/personal style and then can take that knowledge with you on your own shopping excursions. And of course .. find a good tailor, no matter what your size.
Eponine
If someone is feeling geeky, it would be great to put this together into a SurveyMonkey or something and aggregate all the data to make a definitive guide to brands by body type.
TKA
I was about to suggest that, too! Actually, I was going to be even more geeky and suggest some sort of regression of store/brand preference vs. height, size, torso length, leg length, etc. There are so many different possible combinations, and it’s hard to keep track. My job involves statistical analysis for retail…so this is partly personal and partly professional curiosity!
Eponine
Yeah, I think it would be great to collect as much data like this as possible. I don’t have the slightest inclination toward math or data collection, or I’d set up a survey myself. Do you know the website myshape.com? It recommends clothing based on your measurements. They must be sitting on a gold mine of data.
Jennifer
I work with statistics, but the problem is that even within clothing companies, different cuts of pants, made of different fabrics, from different years, etc., vary widely. Also women’s bodies have so many different proportions (height, shape, bust size, proportion of top to bottom) which are also constantly changing with slight weight fluctuations. Add to that budget constraints, and this is a nightmare to model.
I think several stores/brands have come up again and again in a variety of posts, and these are usually the stores that have petites, plus sizes, tall, and a variety of different cuts/styles for each article of clothing. I’ve also had luck in department stores, sales associates usually have a good idea of which brands the store has now and if they tend to be cut loose or long or whatever your criteria is. I guess my point is that even with data, style and (to a certain extent) fit are subjective and most of us will still spend a lot of time in fitting rooms and at the tailors.
Diana Barry
I am 5.8, straightish figure, longer legs, 8 on top, 6-8 on bottom, 33″ inseam, 34D bust. I wear a lot of J crew (8 jacket, 6 pants/skirt, 8 dress, but only the longer dresses) and BR (8, tall in dresses). Have several jackets and dresses from Boden (their jackets tend boxy) and Tulle (L, their sizing is junior). I used to wear BCBG suits but now find them too trendy/young (I am 32).
I don’t like ann taylor or talbots – too short/boxy cut for me.
Emily
I have been buying most of my work pants at Banana Republic these days.
On the flip side, if you are curvy, I find that the Loft does NOT work for shirts. Every single one pulls at the bust. That is, unless I buy the largest possible size; then it hangs on me like a sack. Not good! Their “curvy bootcut” jeans do, however, work well for me.
AN
5″4 & curvy hourglass…
– shirts & pants: Brooks Bros + BR (martin fit?)
– dresses: David Meister, Lafayette 148
– tees: Lafayette
– tanks: three dots
helenshkie
Are there any other Australians reading this? Surely I can’t be the only one. Does anyone know of a resource like Corporette that covers the Australian shops?
FWIW, I’m 5’5″ and a definite pear shape. When I lived in the UK I used to shop in the US a bit, and Ann Taylor and Express worked well, particularly Express’s Editor pants.
Here in Australia I find that Cue is great – they tend to do lots of structured tops which detract attention from the lower half of the body really well. Their occasional A-line skirts and wide leg pants are great for me, but all of the figure-hugging dresses are right out. All of my suits are from Cue. Apart from that I like Sportscraft for blouses.
During my pregnancy I lived in Target’s maternity pants with the wide/foldover waistband, along with a couple of Sportscraft silk blouses, up a size, with elastic threaded through the bottom hem to keep things from billowing out everywhere.
L from Oz
Hi Helenshkie! I’m Australian, but I don’t live there right now – I’m based in Europe. Not aware of any resources for Oz, alas.
I have a fair bit of Sportscraft stuff, but I find Cue is too small in the bust for tops (I’m more apple than pear). I also love Jigsaw – I swear half my wardrobe is from there, including suits (either the Oz or UK shops). I have a gorgeous winter coat from Veronika Maine, but most of their other stuff is too edgy for my daily life. And I think nearly all my trousers are David Lawrence.
Thighs for Days
Great post, I’m just starting my post-education career, so this is really helpful for when I need to find appropriate work clothes.
I’m 5’0″, 29″ inseam, 34DD, measurements of 38-29-41, with very thick thighs. My waist is always too small for my hips/thighs, usually the thighs. Banana Republic, forget about it. My waist is size 10, hips are somewhere between 14 and 16. I was desperate before an interview, so I bought their button-down “fitted” work shirt, but it only fit in the bust, size 12P I think. The waist and arms are huge, even buying the Petite version.
I don’t know if other people have found this to be true, but even the “curvy fit” pants in most mall stores are too small in the thigh for me. It’s been so hard to find pants that smooth over my butt and thighs without looking like two giant tree trunks (wide leg, terrible on my short self), or that I’ve stuffed my legs into something far too small and inappropriate (most other pants).
The one thing that I love love loved when I was a little bit thinner (pre-wedding, 38-29-38) was Calvin Klein sheath dresses. I bought one in size 8 that fit my still-substantial curves like a glove. It was sexy and professional at the same time. Too bad my thighs have struck again and I’m now about 10 pounds away from being able to wear it.
emily
This is completely off-topic but still relevant to fit! I’ve been reading Corporette for a few months, and loving it, of course. On the advice of many women here, today I finally lost it with my ill-fitting Victoria’s Secret bras (no matter the adjustments, the cups never, never, never fit my boobs) and went to Nordstrom to get measured. I’ve been wearing a 34A my entire life, and I about laughed the associate out of the store when she told me I was a 32C. I am NOT a C-cup, ladies. I thought I could barely fill out an A-cup. But she brought me about fifteen 32 Cs and they FIT! THEY FIT THEY FIT THEY FIT! And none of them were the molded, padded push-up cups I’d been wearing from VS – but ALL of them made my boobs look the same size as they did with all that padding. I’m still in shock and I had to share. If you’re like me and sick of your bra gaping off your chest, get thee to a fitting!
32C! Suck on that, every boy who ever made fun of me in middle and high school!
KLN
absolutely second the bra fitting ideas! anyone who might be in NYC … the Town Shop (i think it was featured on S&TC, but whatever) and La Petite Coquette are great, fun places to get fitted.
Molestered by bra fitter at Nordstrom - but worth it
I felt so violated while being fitted for a bra at Nordstrom! Be prepared! You will be exposed, and shaken, and shimmied, and asked to “pull your breast tissue into the cup!” *GASP!* But once I got over my initial embarassment, I realized that it was the best thing for me. I am not very pleased with the fact that I walked around for 35 years of my life thinking I was a 38DD when I was actually a whooping 36 GG (or H, depending on the bra) but I am glad to be buying bras that actually fit (less jiggling up on top when I walk, better lift and less back pain) despite the steep price tag! If you don’t mind being felt up by a stranger, it’s worth it! LOL!
AJD
Went to Linda’s in NYC 2 weeks ago. Was molested but also agree it was worth it and a must for anybody with a narrow back and/or large cup. I thought I was a 36D/DD my whole life but turned out to be a 32F. I got a strapless, yes strapless, bathing suit that supports better than a speedo. The bra I got was expensive but if you just buy two or three expensive bras that fit it is more valuable than 7 that don’t.
Cup of Ambition
Trousers: Classique Entier in the Individualist department at Nordstrom.
Suits: ditto above, occasionally Tahari – but only in the rarely found size 14.
Dresses: do not wear. My proportions are way off for dresses to work well.
Shirts: Carissa Rose. I had sworn away button-down shirts until they were mentioned here. Now I love them and they are the majority of my work wardrobe.
ybm
I am 6′ tall and wear a size 4. I also have a 36 inch inseam, so need to be able to alter slacks to fit, especially when I am wearing heels. I am small chested and wide shouldered.
Jeans – Lucky Brand XL are the only ones that consistently fit me.
Slacks – D&G have been the best. In general, higher end slacks are the only ones that truly fit me properly. The rest are too short for heels or have a short rise.
Blouses – I haven’t had much luck with blouses, at least long sleeved ones. I’ve found a few at the Limited and BR or Gap tall sizes
Knits – I just look for knits with longer lengths and can find those fairly easily.
Skirts – I am a pencil skirt girl. Again, I look for skirts with longer hems and as long as I can find one long enough, I am good.
Dresses – I need to try dresses on. I end up altering the hip area on many of them because my waist is long and the hip areas sits too high.
Suits – D&G, Express (skirt suits) BR
shrink
Been waiting for a post that I thought the most readers would check out…a new mom sent this poem to me and I thought many might enjoy it. Thanks to all the mothers out there. You are often unsung heroines!
Mother, oh Mother,
come shake out your cloth,
empty the dustpan,
poison the moth,
hang out the washing
and butter the bread,
sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house
is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery,
blissfully rocking.
Oh, I’ve grown shiftless as Little
Boy Blue (lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping’s not done
and there’s nothing for stew
and out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
but I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
The cleaning and scrubbing
will wait till tomorrow,
for Children grow up,
as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs.
Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep……
Has anyone tried MyBestFit ?
The NYTimes wrote a good article on this problem about this company that has a full body scanner that matches it to brand-provided data to tell you which ones fit best, what size you are in that brand, etc. I know some people aren’t crazy about the body scanning, but I’d do it in a heartbeat just to avoid this problem (esp. re: jeans)
Anyway, here’s the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/business/25sizing.html
And here’s the website for the service:
http://www.mybestfit.com/
If anyone has tried that, PLEASE let me know how it worked! I’d love to live near enough to one to try it out myself, but no dice.
Legally Brunette
I live about 45 minutes away from the King of Prussia mall, and the body scanner is on my list to check out!! I’m so, so, so tired of not being able to find jeans that fit me or look flattering. I’ll give a full report once I go, probably in the next month or so.
Em
I am 5’9″, narrow shoulders and small chest, and narrow hips and long legs but a very curvy behind. I wear size 2-4 on top and 4-6 on bottom. My biggest challenge is finding a jacket that doesn’t look too boxy.
Theory fits me well. But my new absolute favorite is Judith & Charles, aka Teenflo. Their suits and trousers are a perfect fit for me (for suits, I usually have to go with a size 2 jacket and size 6 bottom). Unfortunately I have never been able to find their clothing online, and when one visits the boutique they may or may not have an office-appropriate suit or two in stock. (And I’m not sure if the brand is available in the U.S. – I’m from Canada). Many of their dresses are too short for the office, and shirts seem overpriced, but I LOVE the suits I’ve purchased there.
For jeans, I like Citizens, and just bought a brand called Tribute that fit nicely. Dresses, have had some success with Banana.
Anon
5’3″; 32DDD, size 2-4 in pants and dress, xs-s in shirts.
I like (for BOTH fit and aesthetic) J. Crew; Nanette Lepore; various anthropologie brands; See by Chloe; Ann Taylor (not LOFT); DVF; Boden; Kay Unger.
I used to like Banana, but lately, nothing fits properly lately.
My favorite jeans are J. Brand, Paige and DL1961.
Kath
I’m 5’7″ with 32E-25-36 measurements. Dressing is pretty difficult but the brands that work VERY well for me are the following:
Ann Taylor – Everything
Banana Republic – Skirts or tops. Some pants work (for some reason I am a petite length in some pants and regular in others – only the curvier fits ever seem to fit). Dresses don’t work unless it looks ok belted with a wide belt.
Brooks Brothers – Tailored fit tops fit me very well. I usually need to go up a size, but the cut of those shirts are perfect for me.
Brands that never work no matter how hard I try:
Express
Theory
GAP (odd, I know)
Talbots
Brooks Brothers – Any shirt which is not tailored fit. They all gap at the bust or would require so much tailoring that they become not worth it.
Limited
k-t
stats: 5’5″, 130-135 lbs, 32DDDD/34DDD, strong shoulders and arms, no waist, small hips, thin legs, 32″ inseam for mid-heel shoes: pretty much an apple shape with a shorter torso/longer legs (sometimes a petite in dresses b/c of the shorter torso).
Dresses: used to LOVE Ann Taylor and AT Loft. Haven’t been able to find anything there for the last two years though, as the fit has changed and the fabric and construction quality have gone downhill. Have had luck with Boden (for biz casual) and Tahari ASL.
Suits: recently bought a summer skirt suit from BR that fits well. The rest of my suits are AT Loft and J.Crew, but 5 years old. I had the hips taken in on the pants.
Pants: A lower rise makes my lack of waist less of an issue. Higher waisted pants that fit in the waist are WAY too big in the hips and rear. J.Crew city fit and sometimes the favorite fit; BR Martin fit (although I think this has changed in the 10 yrs that I’ve been wearing Martin fits). And surprisingly, the best fitting pants I have are from Victoria’s Secret. I think they are the Christie flare and they come in four different inseams, so no hemming required (hallelujah!). Not high quality fabric, but the fit is so great that they look better than more expensive pants. And they have worn better than expected. I have them in three different colors.
Jeans: Gap Real Straight and the Perfect Boot.
Button-front shirts: Lands End no-iron. They are the only ones I’ve found that are big enough in the chest, long enough to tuck in, yet not enormous through the shoulders. And the price is right.
Knit shirts and sweaters: Ann Taylor, Boden. I’ve sometimes found good shells and tanks at Chicos: modest enough for work and with plenty of bra strap coverage.
AJD
k-t, I have been reading the comments for about 30 minutes now waiting for someone remotely close to my body type. I also found Loft 4-5 year ago worked but now not much does and quality went down. BR works but takes a lot of trying on; agree on Martin fit. I am going to try Boden and the Land’s End shirts. I found some great Mavi jeans in a bootcut fit. Also, cannot say enough great things about Carissa Rose dress shirts (she uses hook and eye or zipper)!!! Anyone else with this body type please give suggestions. I recently lost a little over 20 lbs and especially need a suit for some depositions and a trial that are coming up.
Latecomer
I’m an hourglass shape, 32G with a smallish waist. I haven’t tried Carissa Rose yet but I will. I also recommend Triofit shirts at Shop in Style Essentials online. They fit the shirts by bra size and they come in two different lengths for different heights. They also do double buttons at the bust to help prevent gapping. Unfortunately, at the moment they only have white shirts but hopefully they’ll be getting colors soon.
Long and Winding Road
Fantastic topic and some wonderful comments. I am probably a little older than most of you and have dealt with the changes in pattern with my favorite brands for many years. I love that manufactures cut so differently. This increases everyone’s chances at a good fit. I recently went shopping for ‘nice’ clothes with my daughter , a college senior. She actually cried trying to find pants that fit. I showed her my trick of pulling one’s size and then the size above and below in about 5 different brands and she was shocked to see the difference. I keep saying, size is a suggestion not a mandate. If one brand is not your friend, ditch it and move on.
I have found for my hourglass figure ( 5’5″, 37-30-42) Loft is great for casual basics. Anne Taylor for suiting and dress pants, and I love Talbot’s re-engineered sizing. I can’t wear the sheath dresses ( junk in the trunk) but their fuller cut skirts and dresses are a dream come true.
My problem is modesty in shirts. I have a very short waist, in fact I need to take petite jackets and dresses because the distance from shoulder to waist is short. Too high a cut and I look like the prow of a ship, too low and I could be mistaken for The Wrong Type of Woman.
Deborah
I’m 5’8″ and mostly lean (sizes range from 4-10 depending on brand), although a little “rounder” now in the hip/belly/bottom (gotta love turning 40, NOT!).
I LOVE LOVE LOVE suits by Theory and Elie Tahari – those are my go-tos. I used to wear a lot of Anne Klein (black label, not the cheaper AK brand) – those also fit me perfectly right off the rack but I just haven’t dug their styles in the last few years.
Used to wear Ann Taylor almost exclusively but they really look frumpy on me.
I’ve got a long torso so dresses are usually a complete nightmare for me (although I love the concept), so I usually opt for skirts (BCBG, Theory, Elie Tahari).
I recently picked up a pair of Nine West stretchy jeans and they fit beautifully, and jeans are usually a complete nightmare for me (to be big enough to fit over my bottom they gap at the waist).
Anon Canadian
I’m 5′, 34GG, with big thighs, hips, and booty. Unfortunately, my waist and stomach circumference are catching up with with my booty, which means my hourglass shape is slowly turning apple. I have a short waist, maybe 6″ between the top of my booty and the band of my bra, and my inseam for flats is 30″ (ankle at Gap).
I work in a University Registrar’s Office and it’s pretty casual, so my work wear ranges from business casual (skirts, dress pants, cardigans and blouses) to casual (jeans, walking shorts, cardigans and tees). I normally buy my work clothes from Gap, Old Navy, Reitmans, Smart Set, RW & Co, and Jacob (last 4 are Canadian stores I believe). I’m usually an 8-12 in those stores, and normally stick to petite sizes.
I find it really hard to dress my body because my measurements length wise (height, inseam, rise) are usually petite but my measurements width wise (bra, shoulders, waist, hips) seem to be for a much taller woman. Button up shirts and jackets/blazers are a nightmare and I normally never buy them. Also, I look busty in almost everything and have a massive collection of camisoles to compensate. And anything with specific place for my breast is just won’t work, lol.
Maharani
Hi,
I am not a lawyer but a professional woman interested in the issues Corporette discusses. Upper level education admin. My office is moderately dressy. I am the Director so dress with that in mind. Dressy business separates mostly. On this issue, I’m 56, size 14, long legs, small waist, slightly shortwaisted, 5’6″, equally wide hips and shoulders, somewhat busty (38D). Clothes shopping is a nightmare-I loathe it.
I now shop with a wardrobe consultant who tailors and sews from scratch.
Here are my preferences:
Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger fits, and I have jeans hemmed for flats and heels.
Suits: Tahari, Lafayette 148, Ann Klein, various, BUT all suit jackets need to have sleeves shortened, unequally, as my arms are different lengths, skirts need hemming and the waist adjusted as my waist is lower in the front than in the back, and pants need the crotch dropped and hemming for flats and heels. My figure issue-crotch depth is too short on most commercially available pants-easy fix however-my tailor showed me-it takes 5 mins to recut and it gets rid of the dreaded camel toe!!
Dresses-various-need hemming and minor fixes.
Blouses: most of them gap-am considering ordering 2 custom shirts this year as a treat. Otherwise I ask my tailor to add extra buttons or never buy blouses alone. When she makes a blouse, she ascertains the point to place the first button to avoid gaps, and sets the other buttons relative to that.
Cardigans: Halogen, Ann Taylor. Even mailorder Halogen fits!
Tees: Ann Taylor-I buy multiples
Take home: tailoring is essential as commercially made clothes never fit anyone properly. It is well worth the expense-my clothes now fit so much better, I like them better and feel better about myself. Being Indian, I am used to tailoring and hate having to buy ready to wear-also I dont think the manufacturers have my figure type in mind.
JC
I’m 5’6″, 130-135lbs, 32D-32DD, 30″ inseam in flats, small shoulders and thin arms, narrow ribcage but hardly any waist, apple-shaped and carry any excess weight or weight fluctuation in my midsection.
I live in Theory pant suits, size 6. Every time I have tried on their pants and gone with the size 8, I have regretted it because the pants “grow” a size within an hour of wearing them. Their sheath dresses don’t fit me well and tend to accentuate any stomach bulging I may have at the moment, but I have a few skirts that will work as long as I’m wearing control-top hose.
J. Crew city fit pants are ok on me, but the favorite fit are way too small in the waist in size 4, and look like MC Hammer pants on me in size 6. Tahari is ok except tends to also be a bit small in the waist. I am a big fan of wrap dresses, including DVF, for work. But as far as suits/pants go, I pretty much just buy Theory and don’t look at anything else anymore. Luckily I have access to an outlet.
I also recently found a brand on bluefly — Suzi Chin — that makes great work shifts. The size 6 fit me well. They are cut large enough in the bust without the shoulders/arm holes being massive, and the stomach area usually has ruching or some sort of detail, which works for me. They almost make me look like I have an hourglass/mad men figure, which is new for me!
Glitterachi
As a similarly curvy, hourglass type, and one on a budget, I have had excellent success with the Worthington line carried at JCPennys, especially for pencil skirts.
Anon
This is a fabulous thread–thanks again for starting!
5’5, 135ish, long inseam & legs (33′), very straight figure, small 32C bust, broad athletic shoulders, no hips, thighs or butt.
Brands that work like a dream: Theory, Tory Burch
Brands that I want to make work but have to work for: Trina Turk, DVF, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Jigsaw
I wear about 90% pants, and over the years have replaced my older trousers entirely with Theory. Other than the bottom hem which sometimes needs to be brought up an inch, they fit perfectly off the rack through waist, crotch and hips, size 4/6 depending on fabric. Have the odd wide-leg pair from BDBG and old J. Crew, but wear only in winter.
Dresses and skirts are tough, since they are often too short for my legs. Dresses: DVF (wrap), Tory Burch, Theory (sheath and pencil skirts in an appropriate length). I love Trina Turk for colors and patterns but am still seeking a dress where the bust isn’t so big that I fall out of it. My Jigsaw stuff needs belts so it does not look like a potato sack. I love Nanette Lepore and Rebecca Taylor, but the fit is always off.
Jackets: BCBG, Theory, Hugo Boss, pre-2009 J.Crew (before they switched their sizing/cuts) all fit off the rack, size 4,6,8 depending on cut. I typically look better in a hip-length jacket with 2-3 buttons. Single button jackets look very masculine. Short jackets make me look unbalanced due to long legs.
Blouses: DVF, Trina Turk (needed tailoring for bust), J. Crew, Theory
Jeans: Adriano Goldschmied (love, love, love–super short rise), Paige, Rock and Republic
Brands that do not work: Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap, New J. Crew, Seven Jeans, Brooks Brothers, Talbots, Tahari, Jones New York, Robert Rodriguez, Classiques Entier. Some combination of bottom too big, waist too high, rise too long, and fit too boxy. I’ve given away far too much poorly chosen ill-fitting clothing that ‘seemed like a good idea at the time’.
Anon
Hi – I’m 5’2″, size 10 petite, curvy. Kat’s list matches mine. I’m surprised no one has mentioned Halogen pants or suit seperates from Nordstrom. They fit me great.
arbequina
5’4″ short waisted, curvy, and petite — anywhere from a 0-4 dress size. For those of you who are short waisted and/or those of you who have given up on pants.. I, too, had given up on pants until a similarly built friend of mine told me that almost all of her pants were Club Monaco. I finally went and their pants fit my butt so well I bought three pairs. They still had to be hemmed, but that’s always the case, so it’s not even a small price to pay… Anyway. Nothing else to contribute to this convo that hasn’t already been said. Just that.
Club Monaco pants for ladies with butts. That is all.
Maharani
Hi Again,
Evan Picone is another brand that fits me decently-jackets better than pants. Many Jones New York pieces fit well, with minor alterations. I just bought a JNY Signature tailored white shirt with French cuffs-it fits but gaps infinitesimally and will have double buttons added to fix the problem. In the meantime I use a piece of toupee tape to hold it closed…….
Sheath dresses never fit-waist in the wrong place-Id get a custom but can live without one.
To Anon: SO jealous you can wear Theory-they dont fit me at all-too curvy-but their styles are so attractive.
Again, find brands that fit well and have them altered to fit perfectly-I swear by this and buy less but am happier with it as a result.
s
This is fascinating.
I would say 90% of my wardrobe is from jcrew. It is getting harder to find knee length dresses there, though–often, a dress I think will be work-appropriate will end up mid-thigh on me (5’10”; long torso).
Marc Jacobs doesn’t work for me at all–I feel like an doll because the proportions are all wrong. DVF, with the right dress, is perfect-perfect-perfect, though most ends up at an awkward length. Those few perfect ones, though, I want to make my uniform.
TH
I’m 5’6″, a size 4 or 6 in most things, and have a bust and a butt, which means no matter how much I love Theory pants, they will never ever look right on me. What no one has mentioned yet is Alvin Valley for pants — a little pricey but SOOOO flattering and they last forever — I bought several pairs when I found them on sale a few years ago and always find myself defaulting to them.
Maharani
Inspired by this thread, and being on vacation this week, I spent the entire day a a large high-end mall looking for the perfect crisp shirt to wear with my skirts and pants, work appropriate but still pretty (my office is less formal than the norm in Big Law)-I had one in mind and was looking for shirts in white black and turquoise, a color I can wear well. I found ONE shirt that didnt gap and it was not available in my size. I scoured Macy’s Nordstrom, The Limited, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor. The shirt I like is made by the Limited but I will have to mail order it and even then it may need alteration. It is not available where I live-I called all the Limited stores to check. What is wring with this picture-I simply do not have time to waste like this and am increasingly considering custom clothing.
Maharani
I forgot-I also checked Chicos and J Crew. Nada-and the poor quality of the clothes is appalling. I DID find an Ellen Tracy pussycat bow blouse which fits correctly and works perfectly with my brown suit so the day was not entirely wasted…… I have a number of Ellen Tracy shirts that fit without gapping and look good. Obviously that brand works with my curvy figure.
Chini
I just found this blog via a search on which size I should order in a J Crew dress Im eyeing. Very cool.
I’m 5’2, 32A, maybe 27-28″ waist and 38″ inch hips. That hip measurement is all booty, my hips are more narrow than my shoulders.
Most of my work pants are Banana Republic. Martin fit in size 6 petite general provides the best fit, although some are too tight through the thighs and butt. Jackson fit makes my butt look nice but is too loose through the thighs. When I sit, the fabric billows out and makes my thighs looks three times larger than they actually are (and — compared to the rest of my frame — they are quite large enough without the help of too-baggy mom pants).
Express’s Editor pants in 6 short also work well for bloated days. On my “I’ve been to yoga every day this week and feel really great” days, they too are a bit baggy through the waist and crotch.
Tahari petite suits on sale at Macy’s look decent though rather bland. Most other suits sold as sets give me a porn-star butt outline while overwhelming my non-existant upper body.
I have a love-hate relationship with J. Crew. The last season that was a true hit was in 2008, when I stocked up on size 2 strapless beach dresses, a swimsuit (XS top, M bottom), and sizes 6 and 8P Super 120s trousers that would have been perfect had they been lined and not unbearably itchy with wool in direct contact with skin. Each season since then, nothing. Too casual, obviously poor quality, and designed for you lovely straight-figure ladies. Today, however, I found my first article of J. Crew clothing in three years–a Super 120s (lined!) pencil skirt. Pencil skirts in general look bad on me — gapping at the waist, riding up on the hips, while hugging my butt in the most non-work-appropriate way — and J. Crew pencil skirts are usually the worst culprits. But for some reason, this particular one fit, size 6. Regular length, hit my knee (most off-the-rack “knee-length” skirts hit me mid-calf). J. Crew has had issues with work-appropriate skirt lengths, so sucks for anyone over 5’3. Worked to my advantage with my stubby legs and non-petite butt.
So I was inspired to order more J. Crew stuff online. I had a befuddling chat session with an online personal shopper about which dress size I should order for the Town Hall Super 120s (which led to the search that led to this blog). I gave her my measurements, she came back with size 0. I said really, because the skirt I bought today was size 6. Then she said that yeah, I should order a 6 in the dress. I asked if I should order it to fit my chest or my hips. She said it should fit both. Which….told me all I needed to know. I did not order the dress.
Dresses in general I avoid. A-line skirts with cardigans or shawls get me through the summer months.
Maharani
Chini,
RE: Pencil skirts — gapping at the waist, riding up on the hips, while hugging my butt in the most non-work-appropriate way.
Much of this can be fixed by tailoring. On me, pencil skirts require adjustment at the waist, pulling up the front slightly so they fall smoothly in front, and hemming to fall at mid-knee. It is expensive, but boy, afterwards the skirts fit like a dream and I wear them to death. I recently lost over 20lbs and had to have nearly 2 inches taken off the back of my go-to black wool pencil skirt as my butt is now smaller (it was never huge, either). I couldnt have worn the skirt otherwise-it was way too long in the back. This is a Jones New York black wool pencil skirt that I though “fit” at the store, but after my tailor had done with it-wow, what a difference. I take her shopping with me-it costs but its worth it as I hate shopping. The fact is, with ready made clothing of such poor quality and all targeted to an 18-30 demographic, this is my only hope of getting stylish clothes that fit.
Chini
Yes, tailoring helps with a lot of stuff, even though I’m a fairly lazy shopper and will just keep searching until I find something that fits okay enough off the rack. But a lot of clothes are just not cut for certain body types, and pencil skirts really do emphasize the rear, regardless of your shape, and sometimes even properly tailored skirts can feel *too* sexy. When I see celebrities like Eva Mendes rock the style, I think “wow that looks GREAT!” while at the same time thinking I could never feel confident enough to highlight my assets in front of my boss.
All that said, I do own one other pencil skirt, from Banana Republic, that is generously-cut and skims over my butt. So I know they’re out there!
Another addition to my list — Benetton — bad for curvy bottoms.
s
J. Crew sizes are baffling in recent years–mostly, when I’m actually in the store, I just ignore the labels altogether.
I’m not surprised at all that the personal shopper saw a range from 0 to 6 as normal–I read somewhere that they responded to criticism that all of their clothes were made for small-breasted women by adding options suitable for a variety of chest sizes (I can’t find the article again). Some dresses and tops now make me look hollow-chested, since I’m not filling the space allotted. Unless the skirt is really, really narrow, this means I just size down considerably so that my upper half isn’t swimming.
Maharani
Not sure J Crew made as much effort as they could have done-when I went in last week, they told me to my face that their shirts would not fit me as I am too large in the bust! This, without benefit of trying on, as it were. As I am only a 38D it is exasperating. They have every right to do this but I wish it was posted on the doors of these stores-“WE TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC X, otherwise ENTER AT YOUR PERIL”-then I would not need to waste my time.
saidtheowl
This is kind of an unexpected one, but Modcloth always has exact measurements for garments (especially since they carry multiple brands) and vibrant review sections that focus heavily on fit.
A lot of their clothes don’t work for corporate/conservative work environments, but some do. Their range is pretty varied, from inexpensive synthetics to well-made silk dresses and nicer BB Dakota stuff.
Kelly
I’m 5’8″, curvy, size 12, 33″ inseam, C+-cup chest (thanks Mom), broad shoulders (thanks Dad). Ann Taylor Loft Julie pants fit fantastically – they’re actually CURVY – not just lower-waisted, or fuller-legged – and they seem to be making them a little longer now than they used to, which is good for me. Sometimes I can wear Gap Modern Trousers or Curvy pants, but I have to go up a size for my hips (in both) and the waist is a little too big, so nothing can get tucked in. For jeans, Gap Long and Leans or Curvy fit. DKNY makes the only skinny jeans (in a really dark wash, with a slightly higher/mid-rise waist) that don’t make me want to cry when I look in the mirror. Banana Republic pants used to fit me – like 5 years ago – in their Jackson(?) fit. Then they changed their sizes and cuts and now nothing in that store fits me. JCrew is a joke – I own one dress from that store and it was an accident (not that mad, though, as everything I’ve ever owned from there required almost immediate repair). Ralph Lauren’s stuff is mostly too short (it’s cut for him, I think; he’s tiny), but if it’s long enough, it’s not a terrible fit. Tahari often fits well, sometimes Tommy Hilfiger. Theory pants never fit (what about my size 12 butt makes them anticipate toothpick legs?), but the tops are usually ok. I have some cordoroys that are Jag (from Nordstrom), I think. Pencil skirts and blazers have no place in my wardrobe; I’ve never really been able to find any that work without a lot of alteration. Calvin Klein fits in the chest and the hips, but the waists are chronically too big for me (I don’t have much belly), so the pants gap and the dresses often fit weirdly. My solution is dresses, especially knit ones. The only thing I even bother to try them on for is to check the length and cleavage situation.
Chris C from the D
I have always had a horrible time finding pants that fit my short, pear-shaped frame. I am 5’2″ (38-29-44) and about 140lbs. Express’ Editor Pant (the orginal version) is the only one that works for me, but they never carry them in store during the summer. This summer they had a horrible high-waisted, wide band version with no belt loops. I looked like I was four months pregnant.
I can’t even think about getting pants out of the misses or petites section. I don’t know why designers think I want the waist of my pants two inches above my belly button. Talk about unflattering!
Kim
I am 5’8, 125 lbs, 34′-35′ inseam. So tallish, but sort of stuck between most stores’ regular and tall. I generally run size 2-4ish (but we all know how variable that is) and a size 27 in those brands that use the waist size instead.
I’ve never considered myself curvy (I’m *barely* a 34A, and my bras still gap), but I recently dropped about 10 pounds and it seems some of it came off my waist–I was shocked to find that I needed Levi’s ‘bold curve’ in order to avoid gapping in the back. The odd thing is that I don’t have much in the way of hips or butt, so the only thing I can guess is it has to do with the curve of my back (looking from the side, my back arches in more than is typical). Other than being on the slightly tall side, I’m fairly proportional.
Most people assume I have no trouble finding pants that fit. FALSE. Regular fit gaps in back; curvy nearly always concerns hips and thighs, not my odd back situation. So. Somewhere between 2 and 4, somewhere between regular and tall, and somewhere between regular and curvy. I was at the mall yesterday trying to find new (cheap) slacks for work while I have the old stuff tailored, and had absolutely no luck. I must have tried every slack in NY&Co. and Belk. Marshalls, Ross and the like only ever have vaguely barf-colored slacks in my size.
My current go-to suit, from Express, fit like a glove when I got it (without tailoring!), but the size 6 Editor slacks are pretty much falling off–way too low on the waist, baggy crotch, too-wide thighs, etc. Haven’t been back to try the 4 so I can’t speak to that, but the 6 is fantastic for 5’8 and 135 lbs. I still wear my size 6 jacket as I have slightly wider-than-average shoulders and ribcage.
For jeans, I swear by Levi’s Curve ID Bold Curve–I’ve only seen them at Levi’s stores and occasionally at Belk, if you’re unlucky enough to live in the South.
Related to fit issues, can anyone point me in the direction of either AA or ‘nearly A’ bras that don’t look like they’re for twelve-year-olds? The only bra I own that truly fits is one I bought in Japan…
Theresa
What a great thread. I am 5’7″, curvy, probably carrying 20 extra kid pounds, but working with it and exercising etc. 34/36F chest, hips, booty. Generally a 10 or a 12. Ditto what the other curvy ladies said about Tahari ASL suits! Also have done well with Calvin Klein (got a good one at Filene’s Basement before they closed) but they vary a lot.
Pants: They are cheap, but Rafaella Modern Fit – they’re available at Macys, Nordstrom, Neiman – they are comfortable and go with a lot of stuff.
I wear a lot of wrap dresses, including JB by Julie Brown.
I need more skirts so will be hitting up Ann Taylor clearance rack soon.
Shirts – I am liking the longer, tunic length, drapey things that are around now. Just got some great ones at Ann Taylor. Also do well with Classique Entier at Nordstrom. I don’t do buttons unless they are custom made.
LosAngelesGal
Lots of good pants info here – but shirts??! Regarding pants, I’m surprised nobody has mentioned the “Jackson” cut of pants at Banana Republic for curvy women. I am definitely hourglass, proportional but large breasted and long-waisted. The BR “jackson” cut is the only cut I will wear in an office setting. I’ve gradually gained weight (pregnancies), going from a 4 to a 6 to an 8 to… a 12. The only difference is that now I buy their 12S meaning “short”, which is different from petite.
And though I’m only 5’4″ I’ve had incredibly good luck with their “Tall” suit jackets. When I was thinner, I wore an 8 tall, and took in the sleeves, which accomodate large breasts and long waist perfectly…I’d never had a jacket fit so well before that! Now that I’m a little heavier, I can wear a 14 regular, and the jackets with a peplum fit my hourglass shape much better.
The real thing I’m curious about — and the reason I found this post — is shirts for women with large breasts. What is the right brand for button down suit shirts if you have large breasts? (Or large breasts, small waist and long torso?) Everything that fits in the breast is way too wide in the shoulders and waist, and most appropriately sized shirts won’t button over the bust. So… please weigh in on the shirts. I am desperate for a good brand for shirts.
Vancity
As someone who spends a LOT of money on tailoring, this is a great thread. Someone should consolidate the information into a thread or something as a shopping guide.
About me:
* I am 5’6″ and weigh approximately 120 lbs.
* I have a longer torso and shorter legs (comparatively) and relatively long arms.
* I am very flat chested and generally quite skinny in the abdomen area
* I have an “athletic” body-type which basically means that I have broad shoulders (for my size) and I carry most of my weight in my legs
* Despite my flat-chestedness, I do not consider myself to have a “straight” body-type as there is a significant difference between my natural waist and my hips.
* My butt is kind of flat – so I don’t really qualify as a “curvy” girl.
Difficulties I generally have with suits/other clothing:
JACKETS/SHIRTS
* I often have a hard time finding jackets that are small enough to fit me in the torso that are not too narrow in the shoulders or short in the arms/torso. Also, I find that a lot of jackets flare out too much for me.
* Essentially collared/button up shirts are out for me as most have darts designed for larger-chested women and are too short to be tucked
PANTS/SKIRTS
* I generally have to get the waist brought in somewhat in most clothes/skirts and do better with pants made for “curvy” girls (which tend to have more room in the thighs) or pants that have a lower rise.
* Skirts can sometimes be too long for me and make my legs look stumpy
* because I am pretty small, pants that flare too much can overwhelm me.
Brands that I like:
* Hands down – Judith & Charles (Canadian brand, formerly Teenflo) is the best brand that I have come across in terms of suiting. I have a three of their suits and the jackets have not required ANY tailoring and the pants/skirts have only required minor alterations (hemming the pants and bringing the waist in a small bit). I wear a size 2 jacket and skirt and a size 0-4 pants (depends on the style). The suits are of an excellent quality but unfortunately they are not cheap (price-wise, comparative to Theory) and their boutiques do not carry a lot of sizes in any particular style which means that I pay full price for everything.
* Banana Republic makes GREAT pants/skirts (I LOVE their Logan trouser – size 2) however unfortunately their jackets don’t work on me at all and so I as even the 0 is too wide in the arms/torso (which are very expensive alternations). In the past I have purchased jackets in a size 0 petite (which fit perfectly everywhere other than the arms which are way too short). I have successfully had the arms lengthened in one of the jackets however the style arms on their more recent jackets have precluded alterations and so I can only wear the most recent jacket I bought (on sale) with the sleeves rolled/pushed up. As such, I am unlikely to shop there again.
* Theory is okay but cost prohibitive given the alterations I need to have done.
* Talbots/Anne Klein/Brooks Brothers are way too big
* I have not tried JCrew yet but plan to once their new storefront opens in Vancouver
Katie
This thread is like finding water in the desert! I have such a hard time finding pants that fit, especially for work – it is so frustrating!!
I’m an apple shape – 5’4″, 110′ shorter waist / longer legs, 36A, narrow shoulders, skinny legs, flat bum, not much in the hips, not a very defined waist. When I gain weight it goes right on my tummy. I feel very out of proportion and am very envious of all the hourglass ladies on here.
Because my hips are not too much bigger than my waist, anything that fits in the waist is usually baggy and unflattering in the bum, hips & thighs. Anything cut for curvy ladies looks awful on me – balloon hips sticking out, ugh. And suit jackets, if they’re small enough to fit my narrow shoulders and lack of boobs, they’re too big in the waist. I feel like retailers make clothes for curvy women and stick-skinny women, but they really neglect the apples.
I have four pairs of dress pants that fit well, shape-wise. 1 from Mexx (don’t love the fabric though, it’s way high-maintenance), 1 from RW&Co., and two from Jacob. The Jacob pants are an absolute dream – the fit is perfect, they have functional pockets, the fabric is gorgeous – just the right weight, drapes beautifully, easy to care for, and they’ve lasted forever.
Which brings me to the problem – I bought these pants like, 6 years ago, and haven’t found anything like them since. And I’ve lost 30 lbs since buying them, so now they’re too big. My two pairs are size 8 and size 6, so one fits a little better than the other, but they are still both too big. But I still wear them because I can’t find any good pants to replace them! Ugh Jacob stop making cheap shitty pants and go back to the good ones! The RW&Co. are a size 6 I think, and same problem, too big now. It’s harder to keep wearing them because they have no belt loops so they just sag and I tug them up all day. Not so great.
I try to find pants in the petite section because then I don’t have to hem, but at 5’4″ I’m right on the cusp so they’re sometimes too short. Tried on some Banana Republic Sloan fit pants last week and the size 6 were too big in the waist/butt/hips, but length and rise were good, so i tried a size 4 and they were too short in the rise and legs. Sigh.
I found a perfectly fitting pair of jeans at Reitmans – the pull-on ones, straight leg, petite size 6 I think? Didn’t have to hem them, what a dream! But have struck out on their other pants. A lot of the fabrics are awful and cheap-looking, and they have the balloon hips problem.
Anonymous
Katie – If you find pants at Banana Republic that fit you right through the waist hips etc, then you can go online and order them in a “petite long”… Or get the regular (non petite) and order them “short”. Short leg is different than petite body. You can be petite with a long leg and you can have short legs without being petite.
geometryboy
Why must every women’s woven top have a side bust dart, it gives the item a real missy look. If you look at similar brands, they practice geometry to avoid using that side bust dart.
I suggest that Express hires a fit specialist that actually had geometry classes and not resort to a fit that was practice before geometry taught in grade school:)