Ladies i'd like to voice my frustration with the fashion industry.

[AlCzervik]

I'm at crossroads now, down about 40lbs. so the pork chop clothes in my closet are way to big and the salad clothes in that same closet are still to small although i'm getting closer. So right now i'm about a 12 or 14 pants depending on who makes them but i have no luck with shirts--specifically the arm area, always too small. I don't think my arms are huge but their not small either, i'd say they are about where 50% of the female population of this country are Am i alone in this?.

[MissMillie]

1. Of course you're not alone

My problem is that I have a hernia, and what fits around my tummy is often too big everywhere else. Not to mention that I think I'm small in the shoulders, but of course I have to be big busted, and my arms seem to be bigger than the average.

I've often though I should start my own line of clothing for women. Pants w/ pockets, swimsuits w/ real bras in them and printed fabrics that make sense. (oh, and none of those hideous pointed-toe shoes)

[Rainbowreflect]

2. My problem is a broad back & chest.

I wear 1 to 2 sizes larger on the top than on the bottom.
Dresses never work for me for this reason, as well as being short.
I am 5'1" & short waisted. I can wear regular length pants, but any scooped of V-necked tops tend to be too low cut for me.
Clothing makers seem to have no idea what real women need or want.
Also, you can be short or you can be fat, but they will never forgive you for being both.

[Cassandra]

3. I've depended on the Silhouettes catalogue for a few years.

http://www.silhouettes.com/
They have some nice styles (as well as some ugly ones). As I lose weight, I will downsize from 1X to XL and then, eventually, to shopping in regular stores again. I'll miss them, though. They've been a really nice company to deal with.

[Longhorn]

4. Thanks for the recommendation!

I just got several shirts at great prices from their outlet store. :toast:

[Cassandra]

5. Some of my friends prefer Ulla Popken...

but I think their styles are a bit staid for me. If I had a more corporate job, they would be more useful.