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I suppose I'm annoyed by two issues.
1) Difficulty in finding what fits, and
2) Stores closing and sales moving to online
I can't be the only one who thinks these two developments are inconveniences for the customer.
And I can't be the only person for whom ordering online is a pain in the arse.
Are you frustrated by being between sizes? I am.
How do you handle your frustration? Right now I'm really aggravated.
I'm between sizes in clothing -- AND shoes.
One size is a tad tight, the next size up is a little to big.
I suppose it's a first world problem. But does it bother you? Or, you easily accept it and move on.
With clothing, at least there are still brick-and-mortar stores I can go to to try both sizes on and see which fits -- depending on how the item is cut or styled.
But with shoes, I have very big feet for a woman's size -- a 12 wide or a 13 regular.
The last time I ordered shoes online (years ago when my feet were smaller) -- which I hate to do -- I had to order four pairs of shoes -- 11 regular AND wide, and 12 regular -- AND wide -- just so I could try on all four to see which shoes fit.
With Aerosoles and Easy Spirit closing, practically the only place to find 12s and 13s in stores -- at a decent price -- is Payless. SAS Comfort Shoes -- at $150 and up -- just for a pair of pumps cost way more than what I really what to spend on a pair of shoes. Clarks, I don't think carries 13s in stores -- and they're over priced, too.
Easy Spirit and Aerosoles were comfortable, real leather, stylish, and more affordable.
I just wish I could find what I'm looking for in stores -- where I could go try the items on, pick one or two, buy them and leave.
Long ago, I gave up expecting clothing (particularly pants) to fit me “off the rack”. I err on the larger size, and have them tailored to fit me perfectly.
And I actually prefer shopping for shoes online, as long as it’s someplace that offers free shipping both ways. I order whatever sizes I want to try, and return whatever doesn’t work. For me, it’s easier than going to a store.
I finally had enough about 2 years back, got a sewing machine and am making my own (slowly). When you follow basic classic style, you don't NEED a ton of clothes (capsule wardrobe ~ if you want to search). My problem have been mostly pants as I'm 6'4" and on the skinny/athletic side but NOT a stick. I can easily get clown pants, or pants that won't fit over my thighs, but nothing that has an appealing cut and the right length. Or I can buy pants that are essentially capris (hem WAY above my ankle) but have a good cut through the leg.
Shirts are easier, after tons of hunting over decades I know where I can find slim-fit tall shirts... they're a lot easier to self-tailor too if I should want to try a new brand.
Shoes though? Can't help you there. I haven't been in a store to try on shoes in more than a decade and probably closer to 2 decades. I default to Zappos (free returns limit the risk by adding a little hassle/annoyance) for shoes... and being a guy, it's a lot easier. I only have 4 pairs, one for suit days (few and far between), one for normal days (Chelsea boots, cover everything from slacks to, well... I don't wear jeans but whatever casual pant is an analog for jeans), sandals for the beach/river/lake and work-boots for manual labor/hiking. My daily shoes are the only ones newer than 5 years old.
My right foot is half a shoe size bigger than the left; I've known that since childhood, and over the years I've come to realise that the right side of my body is slightly larger than the left - a glove on my right hand is a slightly tighter fit than the other one of the pair on my left hand. My right eyebrow is slightly larger than the left. And so on.
When shopping for new shoes, I have to make sure that the right foot in particular feels comfortable.
My usual size is an XXL, but some brands tend to have a better fit than others. For example, IZOD or Nautica usually tend to have a better fit for me than Polo Ralph Lauren.
I just learned to accept it. I've learned to shop around and stick with brands that tend to have consistent fit. Online shopping is a hassle for that matter but I came across a group on FB called Flaunt Boutique, and I've ordered a handful of their items and all has fit. Maybe it's something you can check out. They often post videos in said clothes, so it's easier to tell how something would fit (like I'm bustier, so I can rule out tight items or size up).
Shoes is a different issue... I finally found flats that fit me (Antonio Melani), and that I adore, so I bought like ten pairs of different colors. I live in them LOL. My right foot is smaller than my left, so finding comfy boots is also an issue.
But it's just aggravating to have to charge FOUR pairs of shoes to my credit card -- knowing I'm going to return three of them.
I guess I just haven't accepted that inconvenience yet. I shouldn't have to order four pairs, when I should be able to try them on in a store, an just get the one I want. But c'est la vie. I'll live.
Besides, some companies flag customers who order lots of items an return them.
I would like to buy reasonably priced quality shoes....but I think I'll just hit a few Payless stores, find what fits in person, and then order more pairs online. I just hate buying cheap, non-leather shoes. (In my opinion SAS shoes are just not stylish. And I'm sorry, $150 for a pair of shoes is above my price point.)
Lest I be accused of basing Payless -- I don't want to disparage it too too much.....I do shop there by default. And it does carry some leather shoes.....but let's not kid ourselves the shoes are not the best quality. If DSW had more 12 and 13s, now that Aerosoles and Easy Spirit stores have closed...DSW would be my go-to shoe store. But it doesn't carry many 12 wides at all. And no 13s. Same with Clarks...if it had more 12w shoes in stores, I'd just suck up the higher price point, because at least they are bigger quality.
Oh well, off to Payless for shoes that will make my feet sweat!
I am sort of pear shaped and busty, so sizing can be tricky. Non knit dresses are hard to fit. shoulders to wide, arm holes are too low, back zippers do not lie flat. I have big thighs so pant fit is tricky. Clothing is not designed for me. I have lots of knits and ocassionally get things altered.
I'm in between a size 10 and 12 in jeans. I'm constantly having to pull up my pants if I buy a size 12 but 10's are still just too tight. I'd rather be comfortable until I lose another ten pounds. There's nothing I can do about it until I lose this belly.
I just diet or eat more until I fit into one or the other.
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