Shopping In Store Post Pandemic for the Petite and Plus Size Woman
Happy Fall, Y’all (yes, I really say y’all, several times a day in fact!). For the next two days, I am going to take you shopping with me and my friend, Iris. As petite and borderline plus-size ladies, we discovered the in-store experience post pandemic to be a bit …hmmmm, challenging.
First off, I am wearing one of my “uniforms” for shopping. I love a traditional blazer over denim. These pieces are an Eileen Fisher V Neck tank and blazer; Soft Surroundings Jeans, Via Spiga leather slip on sneakers from Nordstrom Rack, and a leopard cross body from Chico’s.
SIZE ISSUES: Because sizes are not standard and I am currently on the borderline, it helps if I can try on clothing. In some places, I am a true Misses 16, in others an XL, in others a Woman’s Size 1X, in others a size 18. It just depends. Of course, I like to stay out of the 1X area because pricing goes up.
Iris wore to the mall a typical San Antonio look with vibrant color, linen skirt, and fun sandals.
SIZE ISSUES: She is a petite and really needs clothes made for petites to get a proper fit.
FIRST STOP: WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET
We quickly discovered that there was very little in many stores for either petite or larger ladies like me. I was told in order to find sizes 16 and 18, I would need to shop online. (that doesn’t really help!). The pandemic has drastically changed the shopping experience for several retailers.
However, Iris had luck at the sales racks and loved this faux suede skirt and ombre top so much, that she wore it out of the store. The skirt did look as if it were made to go with her sandals!
I went ahead and tried on a couple of tops in Large. They were oversized, so I thought perhaps they would work since they did not have XL options. The leopard is not the style I am looking for at this time, similar garments to the black already hang in my closet.
White House Black Market did have great accessories and good pricing on sale pieces. I wish there had been more in store for me to try. I really wanted to try on their faux suede leggings….no larger sizes in store.
NEXT STOP
You saw our next stop in last week’s post about Johnny Was. Again, there was very little we could try on…the boutique was filled with smaller sizes and no petites. At this point, Iris. looked at me and said, “I need to go somewhere I know we will both find clothing to try on.” So I followed her….
Tomorrow I will show you where we landed and where we both made purchases. I am hoping this post might encourage retailers to return more size varieties to their stores.
I understand the issues the pandemic brought to their doorsteps, however, there are many of us that need inventory in order to see proper fit. Please open the dressing rooms and bring back the sizes you carry online!
Well, this first day of fall blows away any “shopping frustrations” I might have. Love that we still have a little cool breeze going in San Antonio and, yesterday, the Tropical Storm Beta brought a touch of rain our way.
I made a bucket list for the season. In case. you wonder about #8, I started a little series of Children’s Books a couple of years ago, and I am thinking I might pull it out and keep working on them.
What would your own list look like? I will report to you in November just how I am doing! With number 6 in mind, I had my toes painted burnt orange yesterday…love it…though no one really sees them but me and Mr. B!
Hope to see you tomorrow for more shopping with me and Iris! Until then, here is a slideshow for you to enjoy!
KEEP SMILING, EVERYONE!!
JUST A NOTE:
There are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income. Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering Juice Plus+ whole food capsules. Please read my story and information HERE.
For everyone who agrees with me that Apple Cider Vinegar is great for the metabolism and other health benefits, then order your GOLI today. Just go to my page at GOLI HERE.
MY COMPLEXION LOVES CHAMONIX…KEEPING ME YOUTHFUL!
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By Pamela Lutrell
Even though the selection of sizes was a bust, you and Iris looked like y’all had a great time! On that note, isn’t it strange that in America the average sized woman over 20 years old, (according to the CDC, no less! ) weighs 170.6 lbs and is 5′ 3.7″ with an average waist size of 38. 2 inches, yet the stores do not carry in stock sizes 16 and 18 and suggest that you will have to shop online!!!! At 5′ 10′ and 185 it’s dang aggravating! With that being said, I actually DO shop online quite a bit – especially since the Covid has had us locked down. Went to Belk on Saturday and of course the dressing rooms are still closed. In the grand scheme of things, this is a minor thing, I know ….. but I’m so ready for some normalcy! I’m really getting into the season as well – got out my candles and looking at mums for the front porch! Love this time of year!
I agree with you Shirley that we are all ready for some normalcy! You are correct…Iris and I had fun and went home with some treasures…make sure you return for tomorrow’s post.
I hate to be picky about word choice, but… Unfortunately, the world is not “post pandemic” yet. I’m sure we all wish that were true! It would be more accurate to say something like “shopping during the pandemic.” That being said…thank you for going into the stores and telling us what’s available.
I appreciate that Jean. Post Pandemic just refers to all the changes that have occurred after the pandemic changed our worlds. It doesn’t mean that it is over. Thanks for being here.
Did the clerks say why petite and large sizes are missing from the stores? So curious. How I wish we were post pandemic here in Delaware where numbers are on the rise. The count in up in other states too, so stay safe out there, everyone!
Yes, of course, be safe…I never leave the house without my mask or hand sanitizer. I was told by one retailer at another location that the brands are reducing inventory and that meant that “specialty” sizing would be limited. I hope we see this turn around soon…as I said, some of us need to try the clothing on when we are between and around various sizes. I really did not mean to imply that the pandemic is over…just that changes had happened sine it hit.
I like the use of post-pandemic and will just leave it there. I have had issues at WH/BM also, due to the lack of petites. At 5’4″, I’m borderline and have to usually try both to find the perfect fit. Talbots does a great job with petites, and I always buy dresses in petites there, but do have to size up, usually. I can also wear misses, so it’s definitely a case of have to try on. I don’t understand the reference to larger and petite sizes as “specialty”. That’s just odd. When you are between sizes, it becomes more necessary to actually try on, something that you just can’t do online. I enjoyed your fall bucket list and will have to work on something myself that is less focused on home projects!! Getting outside is always on my list, regardless of season, but it’s much more enjoyable in fall with the gorgeous weather and colors. I’ll be traveling in a few weeks to stay with my grandsons while my son and daughter-in-law take a long weekend in Nashville, and where they live in NY the colors are already starting and it will be beautiful! Can’t wait! I’d have to put “shopping for fun” on my bucket list, just to try different things as my style continues to evolve. I’m leaving in a minute here to go visit my mom with my sister, then we’re heading to our favorite Italian coffee shop afterward for a treat. Wish you could join us – what fun we’d have!!
I so wish I could join you…have fun! I agree that those sizes should not be considered specialty and that is my frustration with some of the brands right now. Why they think petites and larger sized ladies would not need to try them on is beyond me But I know it is all about the bottom line and when running a business, there is nothing wrong with that. But, they might sell more if they returned to variety sizing in store. Thanks Karen…your future weekend in New York sounds amazing.
Jean, that hit me also. A beloved 47 year old teacher, wife and mother in my area died from Covid just days into the school year. Don’t mean to pile on. Everyone be careful out there.
I know it has been difficult for so many, Lily, and I am sad to hear that…I truly meant that this life after the pandemic struck..did not mean that it has ended yet. Glad others can see what I was saying.
I’ve thought for a number of years now, that some brands and designers don’t want women on either end of the size range being seen in their clothes. Also, a friend in the fashion industry told me one of the problems is, manufacturers have to completely remake the patterns for petites and women over about a size 16. Normally, to increase a size, they just have to add inches. Larger women usually carry their weight in different places and in different proportions than their slimmer sisters. How many blouses and dresses have you tried on where in order for the bust darts to fit, you’d have to move your girls up closer to your chin than halfway between your elbow and your shoulder? Petites have different proportions, too, other than the hem length. I’m looking forward to reading about your success tomorrow!
I’ve always thought of petite and plus sizing as chicken or egg. Retailers say they don’t sell enough plus sizes, but if there is nothing there to try on, how can someone buy it? I am also frustrated because I’m often in a no man’s land (no women’s :)) of sizes … misses xl too small, women’s 1x too large. I don’t understand this, but it’s a common problem across retailing. Also, when I see a big sale rack, the tiny unsold sizes take up the most room … so how is the strategy working for them, really? As for your “post pandemic” language … I knew what you meant, and I’m always grateful we don’t get political on this blog.
I used to think that petite sizes would be so easy. Just adjust the hem. Ha. Now that my granddaughter is 24 and 5ft.,I have been awakened. I thought I was the only one with sizing problems. (How self centered, I sound) I am 6 ft and take a size 12 skirt or pants but an l8, or a 16 in dresses. Oh how I wish I could go shopping in a store with an open dressing room. I do find variety on line, but it is a gamble. Food for thought. My granddaughter as CP and Lennox-Gestaut syndrome and I can actually buy some clothing for her at Old Navy in the Girls plus sizes sizes that still keep her age appropriate, if I look hard enough. This I have to do online or it is a very exciting challenge going shopping with her. Good luck, keep safe and smile with your eyes since our mouths are hidden . LOL
I am a petite 80 year old women. Finding suitable petite clothes in size 4 becomes the next problem. So enough about me. I enjoyed reading about your experience with Iris and looking for outfits. Sometimes when I am out shopping, it does turn out to be a looking only experience, but then I get to go again and see what I might find next time.
I am a petite lower end plus size, & those are even harder to find. I was shopping today & found a good selection at Talbot’s. If they don’t have the color you’re looking for in your size, they encourage you to try a color they do have, & they will order it in your size. CJ Banks is another store where I have had some luck, & they also will order for you once you know your size. I love your autumn bucket list. Mine would include the smells & tastes of autumn, opening the windows & door, enjoying the changing colors & adding fall colors to my wardrobe. Happy Fall to you!
It’s very challenging to be at the short ( sadly now under 5’) and small end of the petite scale. The only clothing store in my town is Kohl’s. They do not carry 2 petites or petite xs. The manager told me they don’t receive them from corporate because our town doesn’t “need” them! And most of their brands aren’t even made in 0p or 2p. Maybe because it’s a lower price range store. And shoes! Try to find a nice pair of real leather shoes in a size 5! So I drive the 12 miles to shop at Nordstrom,( small petite dept but they order things and ship for free) Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Talbots. (Even Chicos petite 00p clothes are big.) No fun at all. I do some shopping online but I haven’t had any luck with fit…and I’m not skinny, just small.
Hope your shopping will get back to normal soon. It’s so much fun shopping with a good friend.
That is true about larger women who carry it in different places…very interesting. Thanks for sharing Susan.
Thanks for being here, Linda!
Hi Marilyn,
I shop mostly online, but often have to do returns. That is why I wish we could return to having more product in the stores. You are not the only the one with size issues by a long shot. If I had a special needs family member like you do, I would not complain about returns or anything else…just do what you are doing to help. Bless you!
It really is more fun to go with a friend…Iris and I had a good time. Looking only is fun too.
Yes…I should have included opening windows. I was able to do that last weekend. Thanks Becky!
You are very petite! I can see where there would be challenges. I hope you find a brand that will make it easier for you, Susan.
Hi Pam,
Great post! I am in total agreement with you and your friend Iris. Looking forward to tomorrow’s post and hearing about your successful shopping experience.
I truly appreciate you! Thank you for being you…
It’s been almost two years since this article was written. Things have gotten worse (at least for the petite folks). Not only are there no petites in the stores. Online clothing for petites is disappearing quickly. Yes, there is always Talbots. They are ok for the very conservative crowd but even at 58, I like to have a bit more style than Talbots offers. I’m very petite at just 4′ 10″. So I rarely wear a dress that is not a mini dress. Talbots just doesn’t have them. There are stores like the Loft and some others that still carry petites. And thank God for them. But I’m so disappointed in Nordstrom in particular. They were my “go to” for nearly everything but especially dressy dresses. I don’t believe they are ordering any new petite sizes. It’s difficult enough to shop when you’re my size but then add the added expense of shipping costs. Nordstrom was great, I could order 10 dresses and return 9 with no shipping charges. I’ve discovered Dillards, they seem to have some petites but not enough. And certainly not in the store. I just don’t understand why petites are not offered. I have a theory that most folks just don’t ask. I know women that are clearly petite sized but don’t know there is such a thing. I lived in Vermont for years. At one point we had an Ann Taylor and a Loft they had petites in the stores. There was a J Crew, J Jill and Banana Republic they would all order for you. Most of those stores have since closed in Vermont. So there is no shopping at all.
I’ll rant a bit more… I really don’t like shopping in the chain stores, I like to shop in boutiques to get something a little different from everyone else. But there are no more petite boutiques. When I was growing up in NYC there were a few petite shops. They carried only petite clothing and had brands no one else had. I loved it. But I assume the rents just got too high and they could not do it any more. Or the owners just aged out of the business. Very sad indeed. I find it extremely difficult to get dressed these days. Petite women need to start demanding more from designers. I’m not sure how. We can stop buying non-petite clothes or we will have to go out naked!! I do email customer service whenever I see brand I like but they don’t carry petites I ask that they consider carrying more sizes. So we can not just purchase their clothes but look good in them as well.
Keep asking for petites maybe together we can make a change