I shall not even start on the difficulty of finding a pair of pants that fit my hips (which, with good tech support, could probably take over the world). Most of the big (read: expensive) department stores have tall sizes, but the idea of dropping 30000円 on one skirt is ridiculous. I have yet to check out the Japanese outlets of Banana Republic and Gap, perhaps they have bottoms that will fit?
However, here and there one can find brands that work. My recent discovery is the cheap chain Honey's, which had skirts that actually hit my knees... of course, they are almost calf length on the sales staff, but the fit wasn't compromised. I was so excited I changed into it as soon as I left the store. Another choice is Nissen, the online retailer, from whom I got a fluffy sweater, and has sizes up to 3L (which mostly means the clothes get wider, not longer, so the sleeves are still a bit short). You can witness the glory of the skirt below, along with the ribbon-laced Nissen sweater.
For layering and basics, Uniqlo is your friend, as demonstrated by the black Heat-tech shirt and tights in the pic above... and the difference between Pic 1 and 2 also reminds me that the sack-like fit of a lot of womens clothing here really does nothing for those of us with an hourglass shape, no matter how cute they look on the rack!
Shoes can be easier, as sometimes I fit into the average L. In the past MareMare has had boots that fit... although a lot of their styles are a bit too earth-mothery for my tastes. I miss Candish (a Uniqlo shoot-off that offered colorful, basic shoes), and hope they start a similar enterprise again! If you are willing to drop a bit more cash on shoes, there are stores in both Ginza and Hiroo that stock footwear up to 27 cm!
As per usual, the search continues... does anyone have any suggestions on the matter?
Oh man, places with 27cm shoes exist?! I didn't think that was possible! :D
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel, and I'm the same way too. Width is usually not an issue, it's length (and occasionally shoulders...). Sometimes cheap SHIMAMURA has cute shorts and skirts that fit length-wise :D
Hmmm... you know, I don't think I've seen a Shimamura in Tokyo...I think it is one of those stores you need a car to get to :(
DeleteIn this town, we have Uniqlo, Gap, Zara and that's it in terms of shops thst cater for those of us with hips and boobs. Trouble is, I have to check with the foreign women I work with every time I buy anything with a pattern, so we don't end up looking like twins!
ReplyDeleteLOL...still, at least there is something! I have not been terribly pleased with Zara so far, but then I only went at high sales times!
DeleteHONEY'S was my damn life-saver for cheap clothes that fit when I was studying abroad. I think it's a bit easier to find better size variation now than it was four years ago, at least there's more western chains like H&M.
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