Shirtmaker Collars - YouLookFab Forum

In the past 10 years I have grown into size 2x and 3x tops, but wear misses XL or size 16 (if the waist is stretchy) pants. I am 5'8" tall.

I would like to find cotton/poly blend blouses that are tunic length and have shirtmaker collars. (If they had a little stretch or were a bit fitted under and/or beside the bust I'd really be thrilled.) Most large sizes are cut for "Pears" and, being an "Apple" I look like an umbrella in them. AND -- most large size tops have no collars AT ALL! I can't understand why designers believe that large women want so much of themselves exposed. The scoop-necks they insist on are usually repulsive on older women of any size but especially if they are large.

I have found that Foxcroft's older, basic style blouses work pretty well for me but they are an inch or so too short. I purchase and wear men's shirts that are made from bright, attractive, non-masculine fabrics but, while they are long, they still aren't really cut just right.

Often when I find a ladies blouse in the right size that has a collar it will not be a shirtmaker collar. It will not have a button at the top but will leave the collar spread wide open then "V" down to a button just above the bust.... not cute! Am I the only old gal that wants that stand-up collar to sorta disguise my "not-to-firm-anymore" second chin?

Any ideas where I could get a shirt/blouse (and/or short dress) that is as I described above? I'd even have them custom made if I could get a pattern.

Thanks -- pam

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

I have no advice but hopefully someone with more knowledge on the topic will chime in, but I just wanted to say, as a fellow plus size woman, not all of us want to be covered up. A lot of the fat acceptance movement and current plus size designers and retailers are trying to get away from the notion that you have to be covered from head to toe if you're overweight. Large women do not necessarily want "so much of themselves exposed," but we want to dress like everyone else. I don't think extra measures need to be taken to cover oneself up. I expose my neck (and bare arms, for that matter!) without hesitation.

I like this interview with Beth Ditto:
http://www.style.com/video/fas.....6926461001

garmenta

Active Member

I'm assuming--correct me if I'm wrong--that you are looking for a tailored blouse with a collar that hits around the top of the thigh. I found a few shapes on the Lane Bryant site that you might want to take a look at:

Nice seaming, nice colors:
http://www.lanebryant.com/appa...../index.pro

3/4 sleeves:
http://www.lanebryant.com/appa...../index.pro

Stripes:
http://www.lanebryant.com/appa...../index.pro

And a longer, tuxedo shape with a collar, which might work well on an apple:
http://www.lanebryant.com/appa...../index.pro

Talbots also has tailored plus-sized blouses in pretty colors (more expensive than Lane Bryant, probably also nicer fabric), like this one:
http://www1.talbots.com/online.....e=cat70012

I think that all of these are nice because they have the very tailored, conservative look but with nice seaming, shape, and color. Hope that helps!

velvetychocolate

Have you checked these ones out?

http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/W.....ex.cat#ppl

Scroll down to No-Iron Long Sleeve Solid Color Shirt and No-Iron Long Sleeve Striped Shirt. I checked the additional photos of these shirts, and it appears that they have a proper button type collar, instead of that v-thing you're talking about.

***editing to add in: the no-iron long sleeved tunic also has a normal collar, keep in mind the shirt is going to look shorter on tall models, and this could be just the thing you're looking for, even though it doesn't look all that 'tunic-length'.

Also - took my Mom shopping at Dillard's in early summer while she was here visiting, and she was able to find lots of good button-down shirts with normal collars in the plus department. It might be a good place to look. I really think places like Nordstrom, Macy's and Dillards are definitely going to have nice shirts.

Is this what you meant by a "shirtmaker's" collar?

Hope this helps

editing to add: if you scroll down to the very bottom shirt - the short sleeved no-iron shirt - you'll see that one has the v-thing going on. Annoying, isn't it? It's still a button-down style shirt, but the buttons don't go all the way up. These can be cute, but I prefer a real shirt - somehow it looks better under jackets and sweaters, even if you're not buttoning it all the way up. When I wore plus sizes, I also found that it was a bit of a challenge to find a 'normal' button down shirt in the plus stores. You're better off with department store plus sections - or look into the Eddie Bauer ones that have regular collars.

P Gunderson

Member

It has been 6 months since I posted my problem. I guess I was in a blue funk over what-to-wear and writing about it helped clear my head. Imagine my surprise, upon returning to this site after such a long time to find a number of thoughtful, helpful, and caring answers. Thank you all for spending your time to help me. I am now going to reread all of your posts, look at the links you sent, and put into action some of your suggestions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! It was so good of you.

15 years ago

Category