https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:24:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us/page/2#post-513075 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:15:51 +0000 Angie 513075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy, Zara DOES SO WELL, that I doubt they'd expend the time and energy improving their American market. But we can keep our fingers crossed </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us/page/2#post-512976 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:10:55 +0000 Jonesy 512976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just getting back to this thread! Thanks so much for chiming in, everyone. Break-ups can be so hard :).</p> <p>Angie, I hear what you are saying about them being female-owned--that is awesome, I agree! I'm also fascinated that their sizing and quality is better in Europe. Maybe they will eventually get their act together here, or perhaps distance will make my heart grow fonder...</p> <p>Heather, you have an amazing memory! Yes, I'm going to keep that bird blouse in rotation :). Una, I hope you have better luck than I have had with your new order! Ornella, at least you have gotten some fab turtlenecks out of the deal, but it's sad that they have let you down in other areas, the rats...Kiwi Nicole, I appreciate your insight about them trying to translate the sizes into U.S. sizes. Something to ponder..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us/page/2#post-511652 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:39:09 +0000 Travelgal Nicole 511652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had good luck with Zara overseas and bought a lot of my summer wardrobe there. I agree though that the sizing in the US is off. I think it is the way they try to translate European sizing into US sizing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us/page/2#post-511633 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:01:30 +0000 Ornella 511633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy, I totally hear you. Perhaps not for the same reasons, but Zara and I have never really got along that well. It's one of those brands I almost make myself like them (nonsense, right?) because everyone raves about it. </p> <p>True, I have recently scored a great scarf there AND some of my favorite basics are from Zara (namely, turtlenecks), but overall I just don't find them reliable when my taste is in question. I struggle with size to start with, I have once been bitterly disappointed by the fabric quality of some cute button-downs and have never trusted them that much again, and I find some of their accessories way too overpriced.</p> <p>My sister, on the other hand, loves the brand. Perhaps the fact she's 2 sizes smaller play some part as she has more chances of finding something, but when I shop I just don't count on them and everything I ever bought there were just lucky finds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us/page/2#post-511603 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:42:11 +0000 catgirl 511603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh-oh, I just placed an order (tempted by free shipping)... It's been hit or miss with me too, and I may have ordered those same pants as you! Which means I'll be able to wear them as a maxi-dress. I hate that they don't have measurements or any real description on their site and that the sizing is so erratic.</p> <p>Hugs to you in the break-up recovery period, and let us know what you find on the rebound! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us/page/2#post-510906 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:36:57 +0000 Heather 510906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Poor Jonesy! Shake it off!</p> <p>Will you still wear the bird print blouse you bought end of summer/early fall? I totally dig that on you. :)</p> <p>Safe travels home from DC. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us/page/2#post-510660 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:23:18 +0000 Angie 510660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I hear you, Jonesy. Zara can be so VERY frustrating. You could punch them in the nose. They seldom have my size either (unless the stock is brand new) and it's a hit or miss *for sure*. And their online site is a bit of a joke. </p> <p>You know, Zara in Europe and Asia is so much better - more sizes and a better selection of merchandise and style direction. AND it's cheaper. Especially in Spain. Of course the service is about as bad as it gets, but most Euro stores have bad service (when compared to the US and Asia).</p> <p>I will continue to support Zara because they are one of the most successful retailers in the world, and I tend to love their merchandise &amp; style direction. And they NEVER advertise - highly thought provoking. Their company is 85% run by women and the majority of them are below the age of 46. I have been in the Rag Trade for 20 years so this really impresses me. It's that intermittent reinforcement that keeps me going as far as the merchandise goes!</p> <p> BUT!! I support your break up 100%. You need distance. I was like that with J. Crew for years - but we are back to having a pretty serious relationship </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510653 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:09:27 +0000 Irene 510653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't own any single item from Zara. I do not like their fit, quality and price tag. Everything is too long for me, and even in my size or size bigger everything is too tight. Plus, clothes is made from very flimsy and semitransparent fabric, and costs the same as Ralph Lauren in Macy's or such. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510618 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:10:54 +0000 maharani 510618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting read. Ive been wondering about Zara but I think I will pass-one more I dont need to bother with! If i do check it out-forwarned is forearmed-I wont be too disappointed if nothing fits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510595 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:37:27 +0000 Laurinda 510595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jayne, you make a good point about stores' national origin. As a big-boned Swede I have no hope in the Japanese chain Uniqlo.</p> <p>I wonder if there is regional variation in the US too? Wisconsin-based (state with many German immigrants?) Lands End is too boxy for many gals here, but fits my tundra torso just fine.</p> <p>I hope that German chain will carry nice dirndls. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510594 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:36:44 +0000 Anonymous 510594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also find their fit rather inconsistent. But I LOVE mango. It's too expensive for my usual me, but very nice things there. Zara also, a bit overpriced but I don't have problems with the fit, as with the styles and lately they're doing all that boyfriend cut slouchy pants, deconstructed jackets and such. They had beautiful colors though.<br /> But, I have a good friend and colleague who shops there regularly . He's a man and has good luck with their coats pants jackets and shirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510587 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:29:24 +0000 Jonesy 510587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, well, well, it appears that the ardor towards Zara has cooled off for some of you too :)! For a few people, it seems like their sizing works, but for many others--in all sizes and shapes, not just the tall gals like myself!--they just don't work.</p> <p>GP, I have been there with battling a dress that I can't get back over my head :). I commiserated and chuckled over your story.</p> <p>Jeanne, I didn't know you were in DC! To tell you the truth, I was in "work mode" so I didn't even think of it, but maybe next time, if I ever pop up in DC again :).</p> <p>Jayne, I do get the country of origin thing, but if their sizing were *consistently* small, that would make more sense to me. Instead, e.g., the jacket I tried on was way too big through the body (while too short in the sleeves and pinching in the pits), and the pants were too long and big in the waist/tight through the hips--which makes no sense for me, because I am more rectangle-y through my waist and hips, with a relatively big waist and relatively narrow hips! Just pure wackiness!</p> <p>Anyway, thanks for the support and therapy, ladies! It's been cathartic for me :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510583 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:24:35 +0000 Astrid 510583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same issues with Zara, I don't even go in there anymore because things don't fit me anyway. I have one item from Zara, my black skirt that I wear again and again. Because of this great basic I wanted to like Zara, but it just doesn't work out. And another thing that I don't like is the bad quality (at least over here). Lots of horrible fabrics and bad seams, missing buttons and so on. And it's not even that inexpensive!</p> <p>@jayne: You cracked me up with your German chain and the round rosy cheeked women! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510559 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:10:52 +0000 ButterflyLady 510559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with fit in there, too (I'm in the UK) . When they first came to the UK, there was a lot of talk about how they were having to adapt their fit to the UK market - something to do with how UK women's ribcages were so much wider than Spanish women's. It didn't endear me to the brand, but I went in there anyway (feeling very protective of my *huge* ribcage). </p> <p>In fact, I found they didn't really cater for my hourglass-y shape - waists were huge, hips/busts were tight and pants were incredibly long - even altering wouldn't work because cutting off more than 6 inches affects the shape. The prices have crept upwards too, but the quality hasn't. They have nice accessories, though, particularly scarves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510553 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:42:23 +0000 Jjsloane 510553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well thanks for this disclaimer. I have been chomping at the bit to get to one (briefly visited the DC one but did not try anything on) For me Zara and H&amp;M always have such cool looking things in magazines etc... but when I try the H&amp;M IRL it doesn't usually work out so well. And I have Swedish ancestry! It would probably be similar with Zara so I will stop obsessing about it. Phew that's a load off.<br /> ps Jonesy if I'd have known you were in DC we could have gotten together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510526 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:16:49 +0000 Belladogga 510526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've only had a few experiences with Zara while on holiday in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the UK but they worked for me. I'm usually US 2 - 6 and shortwaisted. I did have to size up though. </p> <p>The UK stores were pretty picked over (end of the season when I was there) but Zara in Mexico was a shopping highlight that I remember years later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510525 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:16:10 +0000 Scarlet 510525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't even look in Zara any more because the fit is wonky for me too. Mango as well. I am not sure if it is so much that it is not cut for my body type as the fit is simply not very well thought-out. No doubt there must be some gems, but there is always such a chaotic and busy fitting room that it is too much trouble to try things on with such a low score rate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510518 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:09:06 +0000 goldenpig 510518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found out the hard way about their super tiny sizing. I went there once--I tried on a dress in my usual size S, but it was too tight. I started pulling it off and then I was completely stuck. I started hopping around with the dress halfway over my head wondering if I needed to call for help and a chainsaw. Fortunately I managed to escape--that was close! Needless to say, I haven't been back to Zara since (sorry, Angie)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510517 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:06:54 +0000 Kate 510517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the exact same problems at Zara as you do Jonesy. I always have to size up one or even two sizes there, and even then there are often odd fit problems.</p> <p>Tops and jackets I always need a L or XL in; pants are impossible; and I find dresses often have armholes that are cut too high and sleeves too tight for me, even when the dress itself is an otherwise perfect fit .</p> <p>I'll keep on perusing the website, but only as an observer. Life is too short for this kind of shopping frustration.</p> <p>That said, I have really enjoyed my ink blue leather purse and snakeskin patterned scarf bought at Zara in a pre-Christmas sale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510514 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:57:38 +0000 Deborah 510514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy what a shame! I have shopped in Zara here is Australia, our first Zara store opened here some months back, but in general I find the sizing off, the quality very average and the clothing over priced:). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510477 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:18:40 +0000 CocoLion 510477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have one Zara jacket and it looks great but feels too tight around the shoulders/back, I probably shouldn't have purchased it but I loved the color and material. It is a size S and feels a little small but the medium was way too big. I may be another one who doesn't fit well into Zara. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510475 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:11:59 +0000 jayne 510475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the problem is the country of origin. This is a Spanish chain and the average height and body shape will match the Spaniards. I believe the average american is taller and has a body shape to match. Remember that we came from all of the world and are now, most of us, a pleasant mix. </p> <p>H&amp;M on the other hand is made in Sweden, the land of tall and relatively big boned ladies. (Living in Norway, see it all around me). SO H&amp;M will make clothes to fit the larger lady spectrum. </p> <p>Both run small. I cannot even step into Mango, which is another Spanish chain with adorable clothes, but nothing (even XL) even fits. The cut is just for a smaller body. My petite Irish friend counts on them to cloth her here as nothing else provides for petite!</p> <p>What I NEED is a good German chain (me imagining round rosy cheeked women) with a height and body shape like my own! Wonder why the Germans aren't at the top of the fashion industry? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510470 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:01:21 +0000 bj1111 510470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i may be the only one so far...but i've had great luck with zara sizing. especially zara woman. i'm pear-ly 5'2" IT38 us vanity size0-2. zara size S is perfect for jackets.</p> <p>my beef with them...i still think their goods are a tad overpriced esp for the fabrication. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510458 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:33:54 +0000 LoP 510458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zara is always a bit tricky. Very hard to find something that fits, but when it does it is worth it. I know what you are talking about about the printed pants. I (5'10'') tried similar styles on last summer in France (even brought home one only to return it later). They were unreasonably long. I had to wear my highest heels with them which is not the look I wanted for printed pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510453 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:16:54 +0000 Mo 510453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *think* we peeked into a Zara at International Plaza last time we went down to Tampa. It was one of the stores I'd heard about here and on a couple blogs, at any rate. When I dragged the BF in he was geniuinely wondering what all the fuss was about. Me too! Maybe it was just an 'off' time for them? I will look again Sunday when we head down there. I for one was excited at the thought of European styling at F21 pricing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510440 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:57:09 +0000 Jonesy 510440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Man, I guess I'm not alone at all! I would never have thought that their clothes didn't work for you, Rae. I mean, it can't be just a height issue, right, since you are not a giantess like me :)?</p> <p>Thanks for all of the therapeutic replies, ladies! This is helping me to move on... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510436 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:51:53 +0000 rae 510436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing fit me in Zara, either, except for the purposefully-baggy butterfly tee I bought. I was so excited to try their beautiful blazers and dress pants but, like you, what fit in the waist was very tight through the hips. And the blazers all had shoulders that hung over my shoulder line, too. I do own a Zara turtleneck that I found at the swap meet but, again, that's a knit. Maybe it's best to stick with those instead of the tailored items? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510435 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:50:17 +0000 Jonesy 510435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally their loss! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510429 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:46:25 +0000 kellygirl 510429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That would explain a lot. Tops were particularly problematic--too tight in the shoulders and armholes. The sales assistants were always very nice but I was embarrassed at how much I ended up returning. I don't even stop to look there anymore--and I blocked their emails : ) Oh well, their loss!</p> <p>ETA: Crossing Zara off my shopping "bucket list"--hehe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-im-afraid-its-over-between-us#post-510426 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:41:10 +0000 Jonesy 510426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, C1. The two B &amp; M stores I've been to thus far have been swimming in small sizes. Maybe I've just had bad luck, or maybe there are differences by country? I know Angie has talked about how the smallest sizes are always sold out, but I would swear that I almost always see smaller sizes everywhere I go, and a dearth of 10s and Ls...</p> <p>Yes, lyn*, I believe Zara-land is a peculiar place indeed!</p> <p>ETA: Janet and Sveta, we are all in the same boat, I guess! I can't really figure out how they could do a bang-up business in the US if their clothes don't fit regular old fab ladies like ourselves! I mean, we're not Amazons or WNBA players or anything! </p>