Ask FGG: Where can I find plus-size clothes for pear-shaped bodies?
Is there a clothing store or brand that tends toward a pear-shaped silhouette? I’m 2 sizes smaller on top than on the bottom, so if it fits in the hips, I’m swimming in the top (I’m looking at you, Lane Bryant). I know what cuts minimize this effect, and I have a great tailor, but I’d like to be able to go somewhere and buy something off the rack without having to allot time for making it fit.”
Great question. A shop that specializes in, or at least has a great selection of, fashion for pear-shaped figures stumped us, so we took it to our peeps on Twitter, the Dooce community, and around the web. Here’s what we found:
Old Navy: they’ve got a growing plus-size collection, and a lot of their stuff has a nice lower drape to hide fuller hips, buns and stomachs.
Igigi: Lots of love out there for their pear-shape-friendly lines, their colors and their awesome super sales.
1-Plus: Sizes 14 and up here for Addition Elle, MXM and Pennington’s. Addition Elle, specifically, offers an essential-fit pant guide for four body shapes, including pear shapes.
Nordstrom: In Nordstrom’s plus-size shop, you can search by both size and body shape. Selecting pear-shape styles turns up more than 200 results.
Ralph Lauren: Controversial now for the photoshop flap, Ralph Lauren still has a surprising number of plus-size fans. Facts is facts, they say – RL offers some of the most form-fitting plus-size apparel in the industry, with realistic proportions for a variety of body shapes.
J. Jill: Fans say J. Jill carries cuts that are flattering for both pear and apple shapes, and that their plus-sizes fall on the generous side.
Torrid, Avenue, Macy’s : Some say they’ve been able to find the perfect, pear-shaped apparel at these shops, but that it’s generally hit-or-miss.
Make Your Own Jeans: We ran across this shop and had to include it, even though it’s not an off-the-rack solution. While neither of us has experience with it (if you do, let us know!), and their custom jeans are pricey, the idea of perfect-fitting jeans gives us goose bumps.
Thanks to everyone who helped us out! Now it’s your turn. For all our similarly-shaped readers, what’s your favorite shop for a wide, consistent variety of stylish, pear-shaped apparel?
i find that i have to consistently shop around. there’s no single perfect shop for the pear-shaped figure. i hit lane bryant, macy’s and nordstrom most often.
separates are easier than dresses, for obvious reasons, but i have lots of great dresses that flatter my shape – they’re cut closer to the body on top and float away (thanks, stacy and clinton!) from the bottom half. if they don’t, i’ll spend the money to get them altered.
you just have to try on a lot of different things to find what works.
Here’s a late entry – shop by shape at this plus retailer:
http://sexyplusclothing.com/category/shop/pear-shape-shop
Another place which is new to me (but I will be reviewing a pair of their jeans soon) is Thimbler.com. They have a small section of plus size made to your measurement denim, khakis and tops. Considering they are made to order the prices are quite reasonable. $89 for pants and $87 for tops.
No shop can take care of every woman’s needs unless it’s her own business and she can order what she wants from the wholesalers. LOL. I think for most people dressing is a case of trial and error and finding what looks good for us. No two bodies are really alike. And that’s a good thing! Even if it doesn’t feel like it in the change room.
Thanks for the link!
I had no idea you could sort on body type at any of those stores! What a smart idea!
Maybe here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/every1piece4big2
I’m plus size too and that’s why I’m focusing on a clothing for us:-)