The CGB has a new best friend. We found someone that actually shops for big girl clothes and writes honestly about how they fit. Her name is Colleen and you can find her site here. She has a million links to great shopping for Chubby Girls, so go there and check her out.
The following article we schlepped from her site. It's a review of Old Navy's new plus-size line. Thanks for doing the homework for us, Colleen!
I'm so excited right now I can barely contain myself. My mother was laughing at me because I was dancing around the house, singing the praises of Old Navy. I got my order and all I can say is that I'M SO IN LOVE! I never, ever do this but I'm going to write a letter to customer service and THANK THEM for carrying the Women's Plus line. EEEEEE! *squeal of delight*
Ok, I'll calm down and just tell you about the clothes. First of all, I chose the 7-10 day shipping and the order arrived in 5 days. Second, I had gotten a coupon code for free shipping the day after I ordered. I emailed customer service and asked if I could use the code, even though I had already placed the order and they said YES! That's $11! So, thumbs up there.
I like to stock up on cheap basics, so I ordered three of these tees in white, plum, and lavendar. I usually wear a 22/24 in tops, so I played it safe and went with the 3X. I could've went with a 2X because the shirts actually run true to size. They're a bit big in the stomach area but fit across the chest, so if you have big boobs, go with the larger size.
It seems that Old Navy clothes are cut better for women who are big in the belly but not as big in the chest. I have a couple of shirts from the regular women's line that fit fine before I washed them but then shrunk way too short. But, the women's plus tees are cut long enough that I don't think that will be an issue. Long story short, the shirts fit and will fit after I wash and dry them. If you usually wear a 26/28, the 3X will be fine. If you're a smaller plus size, the 1X might be a bit big before washing. The cotton tees will fit anyone in the usual 14-28 size range, I think.
Compared to Lane Bryant, I already like Old Navy better for basic tees. I can't remember when I last saw a basic, crew neck, short sleeved shirt at Lane Bryant. And some of the cotton tops from there shrink and become rather short after washing. Plus, Old Navy is much cheaper. I mean, $8 for a basic white tee? I won't hate myself if I get a stain on it (and I will).
My only complaint is that the sleeves are weird. They're like regular short sleeves on top, but the underneath is cut shorter, almost to the armpit. It's not a big deal but I'd rather have a regular, full sleeve.
I ordered this shirt in black and I LOVE IT. It's cut a lot like the crew neck tees but is a little more fitted on top. It fits perfectly in the chest and arms and is a little too big in the stomach area but that's nice because it sort of hides my gut. It's just so cute with the crossover, empire seam, cute print. I might order it in white, actually. It's a good transition from summer to fall piece. And hello, cheap. Love it.
The other shirt I ordered is out of stock. Ugh, what a fabulous little top. I figured the layering would just be at the top and along the bottom, but it extends the full length of the shirt. It's long enough to be flattering but not too long (I HATE tunic style tops, they just make me look short and stumpy). It has three-quarter sleeves which is probably the best length to ever exist. I can wear it with jeans or dress it up with black trousers. The colors are beautiful. It's low-cut enough to be pretty but not, ya know, HI HERE'S MY BOOBS. The fabric is meshy but not that cheap, itchy stuff. I hope they come out with more shirts like this because the cut is perfect for my body type.
And finally, the jacket. I think everyone needs a basic, khaki jacket for fall. I consider this to be my splurge item as I've gotten kind of cheap since I've been technically unemployed. But, it was worth it because I'll get a lot of wear out of it. It's a good fit and will be better after I shrink it a bit. I do wish it was more tailored but for $40, I can't complain. The sleeves are a little long but I'm on the short side. There are buttons in back so you can cinch the waist in for a more fitted look. A perfect jacket for fall and spring.
Can you believe how much I wrote about five items of clothes? I'm so weird.
Anyway, I'm so happy about this line. Torrid's stuff is cute but the quality and fit can be iffy and I'm getting a little old for a lot of it. I'll still shop at Lane Bryant for career-ish pieces but probably not as much for basic tees and trendier tops. I'm so happy to have a new option.
I'm considering taking a real plunge and ordering a pair of Old Navy jeans. That will be the real test since I have trouble finding jeans that fit right. I have a big ass and hips, so they have to be cut fuller in that region. I'm short but petite inseams are sometimes too short and regular inseams are always too long. Inseams are always an issue. I'm sick as hell of LB's jeans. They have too much stretch (yes, it's possible) and don't look like the good old, classic, stonewashed denim. Plus, Old Navy jeans are WAY cheaper (on sale).
I'm a happy girl.
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