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Non-petite XS: Where do you shop?

sinead

After what seems like ages since I've been able to do any real shopping, I'm finally able to update my wardrobe a little. And boy, does it need it! I'm swimming in my clothes.But- I've dropped down to a 0-2 size and I had NO idea how hard it would be find. I wish I could visit the petite dept, but at 5'6" with a long torso, they won't work. Where do you shop? I'm thinking I'll have to get better at online shopping. Any other suggestions?

Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from Kalli

CK

What about junior sizes, sinead? I know sometimes the junior section might not have the quality/style you are looking for, but it might be good for some basics.

And I do think you will find more online. Ann Taylor, for example, has as small as size 00 and 0 in regular.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I agree with looking online. Lots of places have XS... for example Gap, Banana Republic, Loft, and Ann Taylor as mentioned... but you have to buy, buy quick on things because that size tends to vanish quickly.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I wear a 0 or a 2...sometimes petite and sometimes not. (I am 5' 4" so can't really wear petite pants. I am long in the rise but short waisted, which means I sometimes can wear petite tops/ dresses/ skirts and sometimes do better in regulars.)

Where do you live and what were your favourite stores in the past? And what are your wardrobe needs?

I live in an area with few brick and mortar options (small city) not so many online options, either (Canada). So I often do my shopping on big-city trips, supplemented by online ordering (and sending back). But if you try on a bunch of lines you will learn which ones look better on you.

For me, European clothes are often a good bet.

I am basically sized out of places like Land's End. Unless I am deliberately aiming for a very boxy fit...or for some t-necks and silk underwear and such.

sinead

CK, I'm going to head downtown to Ann Taylor today. Also, I'll try the Brass Plum- they do have some basics I've tried before. Thanks for the reminder.

Qfbrenda- yep, you're right about being quick. I'm finding lots of sold out racks in XS. A shame, because I am not the most decisive shopper in the world and like to take a few days to think about it. I guess I'll buy now and, like Angie recommended, decide at home.

And it sounds like I'll have to get more comfortable with online shopping. Even the places that carry XS have very, very few items. But I wonder: If this size is continually sold out, doesn't that mean they need to order more?

sinead

Suz, thanks for the reminder about European sizes. I live in Seattle, so I know I'll be able to find something... eventually. I was just a little discouraged. That feeling of "oh, boy, finally I get to go shopping", turning into days of shopping with nothing to show for it. I'm going to research some more brands. I used to shop at BR, Gap, AT and Loft. Of course, it doesn't help that I'm on a budget still. I used to be able to shop the sale racks- I think those days are gone!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Sinead - yes, I fear those days may very well be gone. Not completely -- you will still find stuff at BR on sale, but you may find 0 is too big in some things (I often wear their petites which are cut a bit smaller.) WIth your height and torso you may not be able to, but please do not rule out the petite department of BR for tops because their petites seem to be cut a bit longer than some, or at least some of the items are cut longer. So you may luck out.

I know exactly how you feel, by the way. I went from wearing size 10 and 8 to 0/2 and thought it would be nothing but fun, and instead learned that in the town where I live, even the nicest boutiques don't bother carrying my size. Don't even get me started on bra shopping. If you are not small busted you won't have the same problems I do, but GRRR, that is a whole story in itself!!

You'll still be able to find stuff at AT and BR for sure. I don't know Loft as well, but I think you'll get stuff there as well. Gap can be a little trickier, depending what you are buying. It's just - yes - you can't dawdle. It's BBQ and deliberate later if you have that luxury.

Anonymous

Sinead, we have very similar builds. I'm 5'7" with a long torso. I wear a 0 in Ann Taylor and Banana Republic if I'm going for a traditional fit. After wearing too-large or junior's clothes for YEARS I am so happy to find grown-up looking choices at these two stores. Express can be good for me too, and NY&Co. Sometimes Gap works too. I'm staying tuned to this thread for more ideas; thanks for starting it!

Anonymous

Oh, yes that Celine trench I found is a European size 38 (!) but fits me perfectly. I doubt I could squeeze a heavy sweater or blazer under it, but then again I won't need to.

Bouncing off Suz's idea and the information that you're on a budget (believe me, I am too), what about searching out some higher end consignment or vintage stores? That's what I plan to do next. I'm hoping they might have some European clothing.

ETA: Also, is there an outlet mall near you? We have AT, BR, Gap and even BB (Brooks Brothers) at our new outlet mall, in addition to H&M (although their quality is sometimes not as good as the others--they do use European sizing and I wear a 6 there as they run *very* small).

Anonymous

You might try Express, Ann Taylor, and J Crew and even Target. I'm sized out of many stores, but try to watch for sales, although small sizes seem to sell out quickly. I'm told they don't get as many XS in as M and L.

Raisin

Veteran

Hi Sinead. I'm about 1/2" shorter than you and also have a long torso and run around size 0-2. I find it very hard to shop at regular mall stores, especially in the limited ones I have here. I turn to online retailers a lot to find well fitting clothes, but often the more pricey designers are the ones that fit me better. I do find, like Suz said, that European cuts are better. Try Mexx, they size by European standards. Their XS stuff is a bit larger, but the things sized by 32,34 etc fit well. I also really like Club Monaco. again,with them the numerical sized items are smaller, they go down to 00 in some things, and their XS is pretty good too.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Try Zara too - I am usually a 4 and I wear a medium there - plus it fits your budget.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, yes, Raisin, that's a really good point. I also find that XS can at times be a no-go...and prefer numerical sizing for everything except knits that are intended to fit loose, because I'll always get a better fit.

kkards

Veteran

Wanted to second the European brand call out, there sizing just seems to run smaller, but not petite. I would also recommend on line because many brands carry extended smaller sizing on line. I'll often shop B&M to get a " feel " for fabric, fit and color, but end up ordering online. And usually if you order from when you are in the store shipping is free, no matter what the total of the order.
I would definitely check out Nordstroms. I have had great luck there, and the SA are really good about sizing, so they can save you some time and frustration

Mellllls

Veteran

Will alterations help?

sinead

Claire- I'm not as familiar with Express or NY&Co, but I'll check them out. I really liked your jeans in your WIW and was going to ask which ones they were at Express. They look perfect. And I think that's a great idea about consignment shops- it's been a while since I've been in the nicer ones here in Seattle, but I can see they might be one of my better options- small sizes and better quality. I'm surprised to hear the Celine is a 38! Just goes to show, you have to always try stuff on and not go by the tag. And to answer your question about outlet malls- we have a few quite a drive from here, but there's an H&M close by. I ran into quality issues with the items I tried on, but I've had good luck with tees and layering pieces there before.

Thanks for the encouragement, guys! I have never been a great shopper and am realizing how much I depended on my daughter to help me with it (she is amazing and can find the gem hidden in the racks) and now that she's off to college... I've got to be a big girl and do it myself!

Suz, re bras: I am maybe an A, when the wind is blowing right. Double AA for most brands. I am saving bra shopping for a time when I am feeling calm, enlightened and confidant. Another day.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Sinead, I SO hear you on that. Well, I have been through the wringer on it so if you want some thoughts when the time comes, please feel free to PM.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Are you a Canadian? Le Chateau usually has pretty small sizes, but you have to be fast! The 00 and 0 sometimes go almost as fast as the 4!

sinead

Joy- anther vote for Express. Thanks, I'll definitely will go there.

Raisin- thanks for telling me about Mexx. Not familiar with them, so I'll have a look. And Club Monaco, too. Sounds like lots of online shopping is in my future!

Cinnamon- Zara has always fascinated me for some reason. Maybe because we don't have one here in Seattle. I'll look online and see what might work.

Kkards- you've got a good point here. I'll try to find what I like, even if the size is wrong, and have it ordered in my size. And Nordstrom is usually good about finding sizes, they've just been out of my price range lately. But I will be headed out to the Rack, just to see if I get lucky!

Mellls- I'lll need to alter some things, you're right. But the last time I had things altered, I almost fainted from the bill! It adds up, doesn't it?

Lyn- I'm not Canadian, but I'll check to see if Le Chateau has an online site.

I had no idea this new size was going to mean completely different shopping. Yesterday, I had to remind myself of Angie's rule, have fun, because I admit, I forgot it. Starting from scratch has me a bit overwhelmed, but this week I'll focus on fun!

Kalli

Not sure what your price range is but I embraced online shopping for smaller sizes. Best to try on in the store first though and then order on sale.

I recently had to upgrade skirts and vanity sizing reared it's ugly head at many stores.
I'm not as tall as you but my inseam is quite long so I wear pants at JCrew and the skirts there hit me just above the knee (there is enough fabric to let it down an inch too). The skirts at 00 are kind of laughable but I'm okay with it being a bit roomier so I can tuck, eat a big lunch and still sit at my desk comfortably.

BR has XS and so does Brooks Brothers. Premium denim is longer and I think Gap extended their line also.

I've mainly stopped shopping so much mainstream because the fit is much better when you buy European. It's a trade off, can't buy as many shirts but they fit better and I have to do laundry more.

sinead

Thanks, Kalli, and it sounds like the European brands are the way to go. For way too long, I've worn my shirts too big, so I'm looking forward to finding a few that actually fit.

Kalli

Fit the shoulder, tailor close to the body. I have a strong should line but a thinner body so I slim the sides of my shirts or buy fitted shirts. Sometimes I don't mind it being more blousy if it is a blouse. I actually started embracing silk shirts even more.