https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 22:42:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774460 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 20:04:23 +0000 Greyscale 1774460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! And please have good lighting in the fitting room! I'm looking at you, Allsaints: the dark, club-like lighting is good for the sales floor but not so much when I'm trying things on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774420 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 17:57:46 +0000 Rambling Ann 1774420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>B&amp;M stores: get rid of the cheap fluorescent light bulbs and install LEDs in daylight spectrum. When I look in the mirror and see that ugly fluorescent color cast on skin, I look awful, your clothes look unflattering and I buy nothing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774390 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 17:11:29 +0000 JAileen 1774390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please use names that actually describe the color. What is "phantom"? I know it's dark, but beyond that, I have no idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774297 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 13:20:42 +0000 Andrea H 1774297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish manufacturers would sell womens jeans and pants the way they do mens: by waist x inseam. &nbsp;I don't need a petite rise, just a shorter inseam. Part of the reason I have mostly Lucky jeans these days (besides the fact they fit my body type well) is that many of their styles come in multiple inseam lengths. Why should I have to pay to get my jeans hemmed when a guy can buy, for example, 34 in waist pants in a 30, 32, 34, and 36 inseam off the rack? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774133 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 02:53:12 +0000 columbine(erin) 1774133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Retailers; please make maternity pants in petite sizes, because not everyone can do a 31 inch inseam, and in cuts other than bootcut, and more colors than black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774119 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 02:11:35 +0000 annagybe 1774119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with chewyspaghetti on sizing. I'm now a size 12 &amp; above. I basically live in leggings &amp; one pair of Madewell jeans.<br /> This week i broke down &amp; bought some joggers in XL &amp; few sweatshirts. Everything else is too demoralizing.<br /> I'm saving money, because I'm not shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774106 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 01:26:42 +0000 unfrumped 1774106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes I have already weighed in on brick and mortar stores clothes- pinning up their tops on the mannequins. Though that's a minor annoyance compared to the quality thing. </p> <p>I want to find updates clasics in great fabrics. Maybe that means fresher styles from Pennington or better fabrics from Zara --don't know. </p> <p>And longer " short" dresses. I'm not tall, but I cannot find a dress that covers the top of my kneecaps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774080 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 00:08:36 +0000 Anonymous 1774080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post and comments were so good. &nbsp;I enjoyed reading every single one of the comments. &nbsp;I was thrilled to realize I was not alone in my frustrations. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1774023 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 20:44:06 +0000 jenanded 1774023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with everything Approprio said...<br /> It can be important to remember that getting sustainability rankings does not necessarily equate with truly being sustainable... lots of semantics, internally set industry benchmarks etc. I could go on but I still want to focus on the clothes here really :-).<br /> I think the part of fast fashion beyond that which annoys me is that by the time you have the new thing home, the next collection is in store. I remember when collections were a few times a year. My mum would plan what she wanted, she would buy what I see now was a capsule and it remained the collection for 'the season'. It just annoys me that now all that would be has beens on sale racks... its like eating burgers instead of a nice meal with friends. Why can't everyday people have that from the normal brands... I think that means I want the pleasure of buying to come back not just the fast hype. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1773955 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 17:47:08 +0000 LaPed 1773955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>approprio, you've hit the nail on the head as to why I still buy things from Uniqlo. A product that fits well, is durable, and outlasts trends is inherently more green than something that falls apart or becomes dated in a season or two. Their commitment to quality construction at a truly accessible price means a lot to me, from an ethics standpoint. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1773939 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 16:40:16 +0000 approprio 1773939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie,</b> I should clarify.&nbsp;I know they're trying and I applaud them for that. It's a very complex business and I appreciate how futile it is to hold retailers to an unrealistic standard when the whole machine is so close to breaking point. </p> <p>On the other hand, the fast fashion model is built around selling large volumes of low cost garments with a limited lifespan which can't be realistically recycled or otherwise disposed of in the volumes they're currently being produced. This is a very valid criticism, it's an enormous environmental burden, hence <a rel="nofollow" href="https://qz.com/662031/is-hm-misleading-customers-with-all-its-talk-of-sustainability/">the accusations of greenwashing</a>&nbsp;aimed at H&amp;M.</p> <p>To put it another way, I think large retailers like H&amp;M (who are far from the biggest offender here) could do a great deal more for sustainability by reframing the business model and actively helping to rethink the way we consume clothes. For example, I'm quite certain Uniqlo are no better in terms of environmental policy at the front end, but I deeply appreciate their commitment to supplying a well designed, durable product with a focus on lifestyle rather than the current fashion cycle.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway. I hope I haven't derailed the thread into a discussion about sustainability in fashion, because as usual I'm overthinking all this. Please carry on.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1773910 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:34:14 +0000 Angie 1773910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually Liz, fast fashion houses H&amp;M and Zara are VERY sustainable companies - ironic, I know - but very true. They rank top of the list for sustainable fashion. It's quite mind blowing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1773905 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:11:03 +0000 approprio 1773905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dang. Just wrote a huge screed here and lost it when the connection dropped. I'm going to try and summarise it. </p> <ul> <li>Probably controversial, but I'd like to see the end of fast fashion. It was fun while it lasted but it's not sustainable and it's steadily killing fashion culture.&nbsp;</li> <li>Instead, perhaps retailers could focus on supplying quality basics in a range of sizes and colours, with a focus on good design.</li> <li>If you're going to do high fashion, do it less frequently and in smaller runs. Copy less, curate more. I'd rather see four good collections in a year than 400 bad ones. Make me wait for something I'll really cherish. </li> <li>Market less, engage more. Focus on lifestyle rather than trends. Appreciate the diversity of your client base. Design products with a range of ages, lifestyles and body shapes in mind. We're not all Forever 21.&nbsp;</li> <li>Stop greenwashing and get real about sustainability and supply chain issues. If you're making disposable clothing, take responsibility for all stages of the garment life cycle.&nbsp;</li> <li>Make womenswear to the same quality standards as menswear. I don't care if it looked amazing on the rack, if it falls apart after two wears I'll hate you for it.</li> </ul> <p>There's a mantra in design/development planning that goes something like this: Good, Fast or Cheap? Choose two, because you can't have all three. Good and fast won't be cheap, cheap and fast won't be good. You can see where this is going. Fashion needs to slow down.</p> <p><b>ETA:</b> Suz, that too. Amen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1773903 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:04:55 +0000 chewyspaghetti 1773903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April-<br /> I specified 12-18 straight sizes because some plus size manufacturers carry that size range (or part of it). Plus sizes and straight sizes are cut differently. Often, I need a size or two up in a straight size garment (which is not available), but the plus size version does not fit. The armholes are too deep and it's too long/voluminous. Many straight size manufacturers only make up to a 10 or 12, and many plus size manufacturers don't start until a 16 or 18, so if you are in this size range (as the majority of American women are according to research) you are caught right between the options. This is one of the reasons that I buy so much at Target and Old Navy. They actually have my size! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers/page/2#post-1773902 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:04:13 +0000 Suz 1773902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Today, I would add: Thank you Nordstrom's, for listening.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773898 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:46:53 +0000 LaPed 1773898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen to this whole thread! No wonder so many of us aren't shopping much, or at all.</p> <p>One to add: brick and mortar stores need to teach their SAs not to stink-eye shoppers who have small children with them. My local J Crew and Talbot's are both terrible about this -- so rude -- and my little guy is well behaved and friendly, and always contained in a carrier. The local LL Bean and TJ Maxx are much more kid friendly, probably because they stock kids clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773875 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 13:24:03 +0000 RobinF 1773875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, these are great! I will echo the petites here and say please have more petites in the stores! I was so disappointed that our Macy's stopped carrying them. I am much more likely to buy when I can try it on and take it home immediately. And I am much more likely to pay more when it fits well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773871 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 13:06:45 +0000 Eliza 1773871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding with above. </p> <p>Especially for online shopping:<br /> -give all dimensions of all bags (BR I'm looking at you) and clothing<br /> -if using a model, show how the clothing actually fits and drapes , with height and size model is in. (Hate when online pieces seem transformed with pins or tape.)<br /> - show an item on in at least one picture<br /> -have a good pic of every pattern available<br /> -have and share reviews</p> <p>And always:<br /> -pay attention to fabric choice (test for hand and pilling, assemble it well, and sew the darn buttons on like you mean it (and make them as nice as the piece itself). </p> <p>Ahhh, cleansing breath. Great topic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773869 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 12:46:33 +0000 April 1773869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Online retailers: if you must style that top with the sleeves scrunched or rolled -- at least tell us if they're long sleeves or 3/4. &nbsp;</p> <p>When you name the color "MIDNIGHT" -- tell us if it's black or navy. &nbsp;</p> <p>And yes, stop pinning or posing or using a wind machine to make that item look flattering in the photos. &nbsp;<b>Irritating your customers is not a sustainable way to build business. &nbsp;</p> <p></b><b></p> <p></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773830 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 09:14:38 +0000 Gigi 1773830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For online retailers: Please don't show pictures of models in strange poses to cover up the fact that the cut of the clothing is unflattering.</p> <p>Please don't make me pay shipping if you refuse to carry my size in-store. And don't make me pay shipping if you're not going to give garment measurements online so that I have at least a fighting chance of selecting the proper size.</p> <p>For all retailers: Please make *interesting* clothing in petite sizes. There are a lot of short people out here who want to wear something more than a basic T-shirt and black pants.</p> <p>Please make more clothing in natural fibers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773764 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 03:05:50 +0000 Janet 1773764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to gradfashionista's point about denim sizing. I'm not a willowy little thing unfortunately, but I am also a healthy weight. I typically need a size 30 in jeans, but too many styles require some sizing up to accommodate hips or thighs, and 31s are hard to find. What the heck is a 31, 32, etc supposed to do?? Part of the reason I am trying to lose weight again is simply to have an easier time fitting into readily available 6-8 sizes. Merely pushing into double digits makes it harder to find cool options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773758 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 02:46:59 +0000 Jaime 1773758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Train your salespeople to recognize which customers look like they want help and which do not!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773757 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 02:44:22 +0000 MsMaven 1773757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nordstrom and any other store that does this: Stop spritzing your merchandise with Febreeze or whatever fragrance that is. I hate getting a sale piece in the mail and it smells bad. I can't stand that smell. And what a disappointment when I bought some sale stuff without sniffing and when I put it on at home it smells like Febreeze. There is a reason I haven't been to your store lately.</p> <p>BR and the rest: quit making tee shirts and knit tops in such thin, thin, knits.</p> <p>And I second just about everything everyone else has said.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, and please make and sell women's shoes in a size 10 1/2!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773753 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 02:37:12 +0000 Sal 1773753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1) Please offer some variety in colour - we don't all want to be clones.</p> <p>2) If your target market is professional women/Gen X etc then maybe consider the length of your dresses, mid thigh is just too short.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773745 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 02:03:51 +0000 AM 1773745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Create a moderately priced brand that is minimal, ultra modern, and stretches to the avant garde -- think Rick Owens, Acne Studios, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773736 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:40:36 +0000 L'Abeille 1773736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought you guys had covered it all. But: What's with gloves? I know my size. And it hasn't changed, not in surgical gloves. But leather gloves? In the past couple of years, I can rarely find L/XL/8 gloves that I can get my fingers into. Not even at Danier. Not even in the men's department. Did you outsource all the manufacturing to China and forget to send the sizing information along? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773708 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:04:12 +0000 gradfashionista 1773708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1) Designers, stop making expensive pieces out of polyester. If you're going to charge $$$ for a blazer, skirt or jacket, then I expect it to be made out a combination of natural fibers, and preferably lined with silk. I'm looking at you, The Row, charging $2k+ for a polyester blazer.&nbsp;</p> <p>2) Speaking of linings: designers, include them! I was baffled to see $$$$ coats made by Sentaler and Burberry that were unlined.&nbsp;</p> <p>3) Larger jeans sizes. Sizes 30-35 should be mainstream. Yes, I said 35, even though it doesn't exist.</p> <p>4) Shoes: More options for women with bigger feet. 41 and 42 designer is still too small for many of us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773703 Thu, 02 Feb 2017 23:54:55 +0000 April 1773703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My word!</p> <p>I had no idea I was the only one so frustrated.</p> <p>So many replies that all I can do to respond to you all is to say AMEN.</p> <p><b>And just so that it's not all negativity, I will say this as well. &nbsp;Retailers, we notice when you make things easy for us. &nbsp;We really do. &nbsp;We notice when you make returns convenient and pick up the shipping -- and yes, it&nbsp;does&nbsp;make us more likely to buy from you in the future, when there's a choice of where to buy. </b>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most of my complaints are directed to the experience of online shopping and I know that will lead people to tell me to go shop in stores but guess what -- I almost cannot do that anymore. &nbsp;Many stores have made a deliberate choice not to carry their smallest sizes in their brick-and-mortar shops, which means for me it's online or nothing. &nbsp;(If they don't offer free shipping, this also means I'm paying more.)</p> <p>I do have one question, directed to my old YLF friend&nbsp;<b>chewyspaghetti</b>. &nbsp;Because I believe strongly that the market should meet the needs of the people who shop there, I want to understand this response:&nbsp;&nbsp;"those sizes between 12-18 straight sizes" -- can you say more about what you mean? &nbsp;I'm intrigued by the idea that this is a market segment not being addressed. &nbsp;</p> <p>"Our money is real" -- say it loud, Khris. &nbsp;I feel the same about my desire for<i> fashionable</i> shoes for highly problematic feet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773696 Thu, 02 Feb 2017 23:06:53 +0000 Caro in Oz 1773696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with everyone. Accountability for the whole manufacturing process would be nice too :)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chime-in-here-things-you-would-like-to-say-to-retailers#post-1773678 Thu, 02 Feb 2017 22:21:48 +0000 rachylou 1773678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, please, Nordstrom go back to quality house brand wear!</p> <p>Also, I want the lookbooks brought back. I miss them. </p>