Passing on three things I've learned about online shopping

As you may know, I am a newbie to ordering online. I didn't used to do it because I'm short and stuff tends to not fit right. But then you guys told me about a few stores that manufacture petite sizes as well as ship to Canada (score!) and I decided to be brave and give it a whirl. I ordered a silk blouse from jcrew back in June:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../37871.jsp

...and it was too big. Ridiculously too big. Despite the fact that I'd studied the size chart carefully. So I phoned their (toll-free) customer service line and begged for help.

I finally got the new blouse today, and it fits perfectly. And I learned three things:

1. J. Crew has good customer service

2. If in doubt, phone and ask for the garment measurements. I didn't know you could do that, but the service rep offered that information. The size charts just give you body measurements for each size, but each garment is cut differently. In the case of my blouse, the size chart said size 4 petite = bust size 34", and mine is 33.5". So that seemed a safe bet. The size that actually fits, size 0 Petite, has a chest measurement of 35.75. (He also gave me the measurements for centre back seam, waist, shoulder and sleeve).

3. Garment sizes are messed up. I'm by no means the slenderest gal out there, and apparently, at jcrew at least, I'm a size 0. What would all my delicate Asian friends wear? Oh wait, that's why they have sizes 00 and 000.

Tell me there's not something messed up about a system that requires sizes to start at 000. Vanity sizing has gone bananas.

11 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Good lessons. I only buy from brands I know their fit, check reviews, but still take chances if I can return for free in store (conveniently). I am always perplexed by any size that is 0 (or less). Huh I say? Really it should be letters but then they could they not go down to AAAAA? Glad you were helped. Jcrew and Nordstrom both have good cs in my experience. As does LL Bean and LandsEnd. Most you can chat online before ordering.

Mona

That's good to know. Did you have to pay custom and duty for the blouse? It is a nice piece. I am sure you will use it a lot.

(website)

Adding that Zappos online chat feature is great too. They measured the exact length of a maxi skirt for me last week. At 47" I was relieved to know I didn't waste their time and mine with the order and immediate return of that one!

Clarissa

Active Member

I tried on shorts at Nordstrom that were a 000 in juniors that fit and I'm normally a 0 or 2 (or 1 in juniors) . I think its worse at expensive stores.

KathyL

Great points about ordering online. Good to know actual measurements. I totally agree that sizing is messed up. I can fit into 3 different sizes depending on the brand. At old navy, I'm a different size depending on the cut of the jeans. It makes no sense whatsoever which makes online ordering even more of a gamble.

Suz

So glad you got your blouse, Elisabeth!

Yes, the sizing is unbelievably wonky. But I don't think changing it to letters would help. Jeanne, sadly, they probably COULD go at least as far as AA. They do it in bras, after all...

I think it can be really helpful to get actual garment measurements. Yay for customer service!

Anonymous

WOW! So I'd be I'm a size 8 at J Crew???? I'm ordering now! LOL!!!

Kristin L

The do go down to AA in bras. Speaking as someone who wore a AA for years (I was in college before I finally went up to an A), I think it's like that to make small girls feel better. It also helps save us from some embarrassment when we had to dress out for gym class. After all, no 14 year old wants people to see she's still in a training bra because the A-cup is still too big.

Well at least you have JCrew sorted! That's crazy about the sizing, but it really is all over the place. I have stuff in my closet from a size 0 to a size 6. At the free boutique at Dress for Success, I often have better luck eyeballing things for clients than checking the size label. In thrift stores I always check a size up and a size down from what I normally wear.

Category