Dear Just My Size, why all the GLITTER?

This will probably be the first of many rants about Plus Size clothing. I have learned that even my normal sized friends have clothing issues, all sizes vary, as do all bodies. Being a size 2 can be just as challenging to find a nice fitting pair of jeans as being a size 26. I get that, actually I had more clothing disappointments when I was a size 14/16 because there were so many cute shirts or pants IN MY SIZE, yet when I put them on they fit but did not flatter. It was an odd phenomenon for me because usually my “fit” philosophy was “if the clothing FIT on my body then it FIT.” There was no room for flattering because there were actually so few pieces of clothing that would even go on my 500lb body.

So one may wonder if I’m concerned with flattering clothes why am I shopping at Wal-mart? Well, there is the topic for another blog, the price and availability of Plus Size clothing. My quick answer is, if it’s cute and looks nice on me, I do not care what the label says or where it was bought.

Just My Size is one of those known plus size brands; we do not get cute names like Victoria’s Secret. Oh, they abbreviate it to JMS, but still you know it’s Just My Size. Normal sized women get to wear Legg’s Pantyhose, growing up I wore Big Mama You’re Beautiful pantyhose. I appreciate the attempt to boost my self-esteem but I really don’t need that from a pair of XXXL pantyhose.

Throughout the years JMS has been a good reliable friend. Comfortable t-shirts for under $10, and even a few nice surprises like this shirt. One of my FAVORITE shirts purchased a couple years ago: Flattering design, light material, long length, and flutter sleeves that are not tight on my lipedema affected arms.

This year I feel my reliable friend has betrayed me with GLITTER. Why JMS? What’s with ALL THE GLITTER  Every t-shirt design has GLITTER! My personality sparkles, my smile shines. I do not need my clothing to do the same. I agree Plus Size women should not be afraid to wear bold colors and be stylish. But GLITTER? We are not toddlers. We are not Princesses (ok well I am, but then I decide when to put on my tutu and tiara and it’s not every day).  So what on earth made you think grown women want GLITTER on their t-shirts? I feel like you do not know your customers at all? I’d expect this from some company who just tosses out some plus size items on the side, but JUST MY SIZE…WE ARE WHO YOU CATER TOO? Why would you put GLITTER on our chests? It’s not cute, not flattering…and actually GLITTER IS ANNOYING because it gets everywhere!

Do you think GLITTER designs are appropriate for Women’s clothing, regular or plus size? What’s your favorite “go to” Plus Size brand?

I've ordered bra's from JMS before. They are one of the few places that have bra's for those unfortunate few woman who are over weight but still have small breasts. Finding a 50 B is like finding the holy grail. I usually go to Torrid or Lane Bryant for everything else. But at my heighest weight, I wasn't barely fitting into tops at Torrid. But I agree with you. Glitter is not only for middle schoolers, it's also really early 2000's fashion. I'm totally not a fashiony kind of person, but I remember the glitter fad a long time ago.

That's what makes me made a simple t-shirt or even a graphic tee at Lane Bryant would be at least $20...for a t-shirt. I shop LB too, but like I can find a nice maxi dress at Old Navy for $29 and LB it's $59! And don't get me started with how often LB changes their pants styles.

Not sure where you live, but I can usually find basic, comfortable shirts at CATO for relatively cheap.  They have all sizes. 

Agreed.

My daughter needs basic tops - do you think it's possible they could just MAKE SIMPLE SHIRTS?  

Who WANTS this glittery ****  

And she is a tween...or teen...see not all that age wants glitter either! 

Okay.  This is a sticking point with me.  When I was 324 lbs I'd go to the ends of the Earth to find flattering, professional, tailored clothing.  Here are a few issues that annoyed the hell out of me (and still do when I walk past the "plus" size departments):

Lose the effin glitter and rhinestones. 

Why do they feel compelled to put pictures of ANYTHING on clothing?  And especially plus sizes?  There is no need to put Tigger or XXL Sports Club or cute pictures of fruit or fish on clothing-these are for grown women, not TODDLERS.

Why is is assumed that because your ass got bigger your arms got longer? 

Thanks, but elastic is not appreciated in everything!  Just because someone needs plus size doesn't mean they need "room to grow".

I swear the designers need to step it up and cater to the plus size market.  According to all the statistics, that is where the money is since it is now the majority of our population.

Also, on the subject of WM.  I am not too proud to buy clothes there!  I get my jeans there, many of my workout clothes and I recently got a bathing suit too. 

Honestly though, now that I've been on both sides of the fence, the clothing issues do not go away and many just get worse.  While you have EVERYTHING to choose from, good luck finding your "size"....because today you could be an 8, tomorrow a 12, and everything in between, even in the same brand!

I actually have bought a work blazer there...when my arms were smaller. And I have several dressy tanks, nice non wrinkle material cowl drape neck from the George collection, great for work esp when I travel!

In addition to the glittery tee's, Walmart does carry the JMS plain, v-neck or crew tees.  Because I don't care what I wear to the gym as long as it's clean, I'll wear any of the above - glitter or not.

Personally, I'd like to kill the buyer who thought empire waists (makes me look pregnant AND fat), and banded bottom tops were a good plus size option!  ICK!

Tia

I hate those damn glitter shirts!!  I don't care what size they are.  Glitter should be banned.  LOL.  I have an 11 year old daughter, and almost all the shirts have glitter on them.  There is glitter on everything in my house.  I hate it!!  No amount of sweeping or vacuuming gets that mess up.  Ugh!! 

*Edited to add:  Girl, I am like you, I don't care what brand is in the tag of my clothes either.  If I see it, like it, and it fits, I'll buy it.  Some of my most favorite things have come from Walmart or Target.  I can't find anything I like anywhere this year.  I am just wearing the same old stuff.  Not too crazy about the styles of this year.  Just gonna keep looking.