Plus-size old lady here, and there are plenty of us. In general, there are 2 kinds of fat women. Women with big butts and legs (pears), or women with big stomachs and skinnier legs (apples). I am of the big butt variety.

The watchwords are: camouflage and comfort.

1. I want my flabby upper arms and elbows covered. Three quarter sleeves are perfect.
Don't make the upper arms too tight in the sleeves! Looser sleeves please.
2. I don't want to display my bosom or lots of neckline. I prefer a generous jewel neckline, just not too tight.
3. Elastic waist pants.
4. Evening dresses that are mid-calf, simple, flattering camouflage (see above). We can dress them up with jewelry.

My waist is the same size as my hips as well, so with pants it's not necessary to make the hip and thigh measurement so much larger in proportion to the waist. It gives the appearance of a clown costume. I was never much of a seamstress, but if my eyesight were better, would give it a try again. The sleeveless look is not for me either so the new thin cardigans do come in handy for that problem.

T shirts that don't show skin at the waist when I raise my arms. I almost have to shop for t-shirts in men's wear because women's are so short. And tops In general (shirts, blouses, sweaters) that aren't constructed to force me to show cleavage. I'm 66 years old for crying out loud, not interested in showing cleavage at this point in my life. Particularly in professional duds. I only recently retired from working in education, and for years it's been difficult for me to find attractive tops to wear that were also appropriate to wear around kids, teenagers, and young adults.

Thank you for providing me a forum to vent about this. It's been a pet peeve for years.

I would appreciate adjustable waists on skirts (long to hide veiny legs) and on pants. The adjustment should be generous enough to accommodate tummy size matching or greater than hips. Does elastic drive anyone else crazy? I mostly wear casual pants that are hip-huggers. Their tops tend to be larger than those fitting the waist. Also, why can men buy pants with varied inseam lengths and women can't? I'm just on the border of Petite, so regulars are too long and petites show my ankles.

I'm just going gripe. No solution. Often I have found the larger sizes have longer sleeves as well!? I'm still tall and long waisted and nothing has ever fit me correctly thin or fat. Sewing had been my refuge, but that's getting hard now I hate the ugly prints out there. And there is no style to most clothing any longer, tucks, decent shoulder cuts, darting, I'm sure it's cheaper for manufacturers. My favorite Chic elastic waist jeans starting being made shorter in the legs a couple of years ago, the next size up is long enough but is too big everywhere else. Even Landsend has changed their sizes, now smaller than the same size item hanging in my closet. And the fabric is flimsier. And clothes for older figures, nada.

Duluth Trading Co sells longer t-shirts. I'm starting to have my simple clothes made or remade from things that don't fit. It is almost impossible to find pants that fit so when I do I buy a few. Lee Jeans have been good with the side elastic and some Woolwich cotton pants for summer. I'm a pear but my waist is expanding so maybe someday I'll meet in the middle. Gudrun Sjoden is a Swedish designer making lovely things with all ages and sizes as models on her site. If I lived in a city I try them.

Thanks for this opportunity to comment. I am tall and skinny, and I've found that designers seem to think that the taller you are, the fatter you are. I used to buy most of my pants at LL Bean, but recently they decided that their tall sizes should start at size 8 (I wear size 6). I wrote to complain, told them I'd bought thousands of dollars worth of clothing from them over the years, but it didn't do any good.

Now I'm at a loss to find tall sizes almost anywhere. I need a 33 inch inseam, but worse than the leg length on regular pants is that they are too short in the rise for me, making them very uncomfortable to wear. My plea to designers would be to sell women's pants by measurement rather than flat size. For men's, it's waist and inseam; women's could be waist, hip and inseam.

As for tops, the things that bug me are the low cut necklines and the flimsy material. It seems to me that everywhere I look, women are showing cleavage. Apart from the fact that I am too thin to have any cleavage to show off, low-cut necklines aren't warm enough in the damp Northwest, where I live. The flimsy materials aren't warm enough, either.

I know that many older women like elastic waists, but I find them uncomfortable. What I do like are waistlines the industry refers to as "classic," meaning they fall just a little bit below your waist so that they don't accentuate a protruding tummy, which I have, despite my thinness.

I rarely wear skirts or dresses, but when I do, I'd like a length just below the knee. These days they seem to be either way above the knee or way below.

Finally, these new skinny jeans may be great on young bodies, but they are not for me. I love the "boot cut" look with a trim thigh and a slight flare at the hem. Please don't stop making those!

I found the perfect dress from a catalog company that sells travel clothes. Short sleeves, elastic waist, long enough. And in a lovely shade of blue.
I don't have trouble finding clothes to fit, now that the larger size I wear is standard. Same for shoes. Once upon a time I was confined to wearing whatever fit, whether I liked the style or not, but now I can get whatever I want.
My husband has more problems, actually, especially finding jeans to fit. He might consider suspenders. I'm working on him about that.

I would like to see contemporary colors and attractive prints (more than florals), in addition to agreeing with what others have suggested.
I use scarves for cover-up, to add design & "pop," at times also to hide a stretching bosom button.
Also use cargo/loose capris with light elastic at waist and below knee (for exercising, too). Some good ones at Garnet Hill this month.

Sleeves please! As noted above, the upper part should be roomier. I prefer 3/4 but will wear a short sleeve IF it is roomy.
Petites fabric should have small prints please!
I have resorted to purchasing slightly long capris because I don't have to hem them--they fit as a full length slack.
LLBean now has a relaxed fit polo shirt that has a good fit.
I prefer collars that sit up on the neckline, not the ones that will only lie flat.
A good look in dresses for me is a 3/4 sleeved, loose fitting cropped top that comes to the elasticized waist, with the skirt falling straight down and just below the knee, all in one solid color. A matching belt completes the look.
Another nice look is that of the classic St John knit suits and pantsuits. There are some knock offs of this look-fitted, solid colors, etc that can be found but I wish there were more!! But even the St John's get silly at times, especially with over large or strange looking buttons and zippers. My mother changes out the buttons to fit her extremely petite size. BTW she last purchased some of these suits at least 8 years ago and most of them even longer ago. She wears
them daily rotating through her wardrobe. So QUALITY does make a
Difference in the fabric!
I hope this helps!

I've virtually given up finding a nice pants suit in anticipation of the inevitable day I'll have to show up at a funeral. A dark suit that fits comfortably and attractively on a 5'8" apple-shaped body. For comfort I really need some elastic in the waist, but that usually means the hips and legs will balloon into parachute pants. Ugh!

Cheaper foreign construction is ruining all my favorite brands like Lands End and LL Bean polos. Thinner, "clingier," cheaper fabrics. Short sleeves that used to cover the upper arm are creeping toward being cap sleeves. Skimpy lengths in both tops and pants. (Larger sized shirts should also get longer, but they don't. )

I've often resorted to buying men's outerwear jackets because they have longer torsos and sleeves. Ditto T-shirts and sweats.

I'd gladly pay more for the quality of 10 years ago, assuming I could fit nice fitting garments, but retailers seem to think price is the only selling point.

We come in all sizes and shapes so I don't suppose it would be economically feasible to expect a manufacturer to make all the adjustments necessary to fit all individuals, but larger waists would certainly be nice for most of us.

I have another problem. I have to buy all of my clothes on the Internet and I have stopped buying slacks because, although I order the same size from all, some are too short, some are too long, and some stretch so badly that you could get 2 of me in at the day's end. So the idea of varied inseam for women holds a lot of attraction. I hate having to re-hem them.

I found a t-shirt at LL Bean that is just right in hip length, has 3/4 length sleeves and washes well and I bought a different color for each day of the week. It is my uniform now. I can add a scarf to dress it up and that solved my top problem. I must admit it has a V-neck that shows my ugly chest but at my age I don't really care as long as it's comfortable and reasonably attractive.

If the tees or shirts happen to have sleeves, they are usually cap sleeves which don't help hide upper arms, either. I have found that Lands End has some loose cut tees with regular length sleeves but they are hard to find in stores. Even though I am not heavy, I still have the problem of waists being too tight or cut too low in slacks or crop pants.

I am just about to the point of buying men's T's for shirts. I am petite and SO SICK of tops which have necks that come down to the *bottom* of my bra line. God in Heaven! No one wants to see my cleavage any more, any me! Right now I'm buying sleeveless vests to wear under "gauzy" tops, or wear a 3/4 length sleeve blouse open over sleeveless tops.

Lee Rider makes a lovely line of *shaped* (darts at bosom and waist!) crisp cotton blouses with 3/4 length sleeves, but the selection of fabrics is limited. I've found only one in my size, a white with a thin blue and lilac striping, but I keep my eyes open for more. This comes from the drier looking as if it has been ironed, which is a huge plus for me!

Pants, I found a great little stretch-waist jean that *fit* perfectly and bought a half-dozen pairs twice. Now the last two pairs are faded and threadbare and they have discontinued them. I can't find another pair of pants which fits to save my life. I have large old surgical incision which starts at the right hipbone, extends to sternum and heads back to the other hipbone. It's over 35 years old but there's nerve damage associated with it and it's sensitive to tight clothing, so waistbands and buttons/zips etc. make me absolutely miserable.

I don't know what I'm going to do other than go nekkid with no knickers! I absolutely hate clothes shopping. It is *torture*.

Tell your interviewer if she wants to see what's wrong with plus sizes, just walk through any Kohl's. Interesting fabrics and cuts in the younger gal's section, and over in "womens" (plus) what looks like the remnants of cleaning out your granny's closest, who last shopped at Sears in 1963. Come on designers, you all by fabric by the bolt, so I know you have access to good fabrics and flattering colors! What fabric designers come up with these hideous floral patterns and colors and polyesters that are splattered all over "our" department?

While I love Coldwater Creek (outlet or gift card is my ticket in that door though) why do their nicest dresses stop at size 16?

I too started sewing again. Forget buying pants or jeans from a catalog, they MUST be tried on in a store, or sent back with the customer paying the shipping costs.

Avenue doesn't get it right anymore; Dress Barn Woman gets there 50% of the time.

I live in the Washington DC area, and can find almost any store I want within a half hour's drive...but I just don't want to anymore. Remember the joy of shopping for clothes when we were younger? Now it's a nasty chore.

Someone above mentioned Duluth; I started buying their hats and gloves, but their largest size glove is too small for what must be my man-hands. Guess I also have a fat head. So I won't be trying any of their other clothes, that are supposedly sized for "real women doing real work." You see any 200lb women milking cows or driving a dump truck in that catalog?

I'm petite and sympathize with the lady above who mourned the loss of petite sizing -- 10, 13, etc. I'm 5'2", weight 110, and have a terribly wrinkled neck as well as unattractive upper arms/thighs. I do not want a low-cut blouse/shirt/dress; I love turtle-necks, if they aren't too tight/hot/uncomfortable. I also find that thrift shops are great for finding clothes out-of-date (which often are styles I'm looking for).

It would be great to have inseam measurments for women's pants; that way the jeans/pants wouldn't be too uncomfortable.

You know, I'm sure you've all seen (usually younger) very heavy ladies out in public with flimsy clothing that makes you cringe. I'm talking cut-off jeans riding the butt crack, etc, with a low-cut tank top leaving nothing to the imagination. I always dressed modest, hated anything skimpy. And now as I age, that goes double -- I want comfortable clothing that covers me well.

The best thing I've found for the hot summers in the south (where I live) are skirts that have partial elastic waists. They allow air flow, and look somewhat attractive if they fall midway calf.

Best advice for a designer for older ladies: comfort and attractive clothing. I suppose getting both in a garment is probably too much to hope for.

Oh my you have hit on such a peeve for all of us! Clothing that fits and is appropriate.

I agree with what has been said - no low-cut necklines, no flimsy or clingy fabrics, sleeves, longer tops and jackets. There are few women of any age who look great in low-cut tight jeans, tight fitting tops.

Sizing has changed (again) in the past couple of years. Comparing simple t-shirts that are a couple years old with one recently purchased, I find the newer are closer fitting through the bust, torso and hips so that I have to go up a size. Then the neck is too large, the waist length (shoulder to waist) is too long, and the shirt itself is too long. Other pieces (shirts, jackets, vests, etc.) follow suit. A larger size around does not mean I am suddenly 4 inches taller. (I find Coldwater Creek very guilty of this.)

We need clothes that fit - where are sizing standards?

Another complaint among all of my friends is that pricing now includes an extra $10 or so for the "plus" sizes and the plus range has gone down a size at least. What used to be regular XL or XXL is now plus size 0X (is that new?) or 1X with the increased price.

OK, maybe they use more fabric. There is no discount for my sister and niece who wear petite size 0 to 2.

I do love Eileen Fisher, but way out of my price range these days.

Please - wide leg pants and jeans, such as was found with Eileen Fisher and J Jill and even LLBean no so very long ago. My problem is large hips with a relatively small waist and very fat legs. I, and many of my friends, simply cannot wear skinny jeans or really any of that stretch stuff. I have been on a personal quest to find loose fitting pants, but alas, to no avail.

Yes, what Rubye Jack said.

Pants/jeans that fit AT the waist please...

I've worn men's jeans for so long that I can't remember when I started doing that, maybe for the last forty years!

And I started buying men's sweaters and tee shirts about eight years ago.

I wish I could find a nicely-cut women's jacket in wool for winter and in a linen-y fabric for summer to wear with jeans for a little dressier look, but I hate clothes shopping and it's a pain to have to return catalog or on-line purchases because I guessed wrong at a size.

And don't get me started on underwear!

I have one bra that kind of fits that I have to force myself to wear when I go to the dentist, doctor or out to eat once in a while. I wear no bra at home which is where I am 99% of the time.

I just don't want to show my nipples to the world -- that's the only reason I wear a bra at all...

While diminishing quality and lack of standard sizing are problems that one lone designer can't solve, most of the ones that can be have already been mentioned. Personally, I want to emphasize the need for less garish colors and fabric patterns in styles geared toward elders. Also, good quality knit fabrics are very forgiving and are much more comfortable than woven. A double-knit or ponte knit blazer pants can be dressed up or down. I live in knits, even knit jeans - and, yes, women's pants should be sized like men's and include hip size as well -- and they should have adjustable waists (if not elasticized). Tops should have roomy arm-holes. Keep us posted, Ronni, on how your designer friend responds.

Long open jackets with kimono sleeves are very flattering over simple, comfortable formalwear dresses in lovely fabrics. Why can't I find ensembles like this for evening wear? Trying to find a mother or grandmother-of-the-bride dress is a nightmare.

I don't want to feel like a trussed up pig at a 6-hour wedding.

I haven't checked out all these links but I buy my undies from [REMOVED] and my pants from either [REMOVED] or [REMOVED]. I like my pants loose so I wear a larger size and have my local tailor put in extra elastic. Combine that with a nice jacket and I'm good to go.

Plus sizes, elastic waist bands, men's tee shirts...I find this so sad! So many overweight and obviously under active seniors. My friends and I are in our early 70's and dress very stylishly. We have not let our bodies become obese through watching what foods we eat, walking, doing yoga, kayaking, cleaning our own homes, etc. I just returned from a trip to Russia where women are dressed attractively no matter their age and I am ashamed to say the fattest people were those from our boat. Americans are all consumed with eating and this shows up in a variety of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. We need to be proud of our bodies no matter the age. Yes, our bodies sag but to go braless especially as we get older is shameful. We can put on a lovely blouse and yes, they are out there, a nice pair of slacks minus the elastic and attractive shoes that don't have to be 4". Take pride in the body given to you and please don't neglect treating your body with respect just because you are getting older. You were given a gift so treat it well!

Barbara Klein...
Well, aren't you the fancy style setter for old women with your pronouncements of what is right and wrong.

And "sad"? I don't think so.

At this blog, you may not shame me (or anyone else) for not wearing a bra. I haven't worn one since 1964 and I'm not starting now. That doesn't mean I don't dress well and attractively within the confines of the lousy fashion available for elder bodies.

There is also nothing shameful about elastic waistlines. Comfort is a wonderful thing.

With your pretensious self-satisfaction, you have embarrassed yourself here.

Sorry about posting links - I forgot that rule. But if anybody is interested in a set of useful links, just e-mail me.

And Ronni - thank you for responding to that judgmental post. Bodies come in all sizes and just because you are larger, doesn't mean you are a couch potato, gorging on junk food.

When you speak with the designer, please mention shoes. It's so difficult to find comfortable shoes that don't make my 68 year old feet with bunions look like I've purchased a matching pair of leather boats with giant rubber soles. Many older women have foot problems and need shoes where orthotics can be inserted -- but we aren't ready for the black lace-ups that our grandmothers wore! How sad to finally find a nice outfit but no dressy shoes that can last for an evening!

Clothes that don't constrict and that move well.

Maybe only older designers could appreciate our needs. IDEA - maybe we could design our own. Ladies who sew, what about it?

Ronni...Is the problem age or how well you look in clothing whether you're 21 or 71? There are plenty of good looking clothes for women out there and one of the joys of my 4 women friends and I are thrift shops where every so often we find that perfect top or pants. Happy to be 71 and enjoying it! I am not at all embarrassed about what I wrote...I'm proud of who i am and how I look.

I love the idea of sewing tshirts so you don't need a bra. That is very clever and I might give it a try. Elaine, I'd love to see a sample!

As a woman, common sense dictates, in public, a bra is to be worn. It is sad to do otherwise. This DOES mean you aren't dressing well. What a powerful description of shameful.

Being jealous of those who made a dedicated effort, sacrificing for decades, to maintain a height to weight ratio, was an unexpected response. Acceptance of healthy views froma dedicated readership is now questionable.

The minority who once were the majority is a fact. No one was grandstanding their particular status as, in 50 prior posts, this lifestyle had yet to be mentioned.

Don't work so hard at attracting us, ladies, we're not worth all the commotion.

I am a fan..a new fan.

Don't get me started on clothes..especially for those of us 60 or older. What is with the tiny flowery print? And the t-shirts with gardening tools on the front...or cats?

Drives me nuts.

I totally agree that standardization is sorely needed in ready-made clothes, as well as commercial sewing patterns.
By the time I try to alter a sewing pattern to fit my too rounded back and foreword-thrusting head, I am exhausted.
And don't even get me started on the lack of decent fabric stores. In my case, it is a 50 mile drive east or west, and over 70 miles is I go north. Living on the Gulf coast rules out a southern trip. Let's face it, Walmart just does't cut it for fabric, unless I want to look like a quilt. Hancock fabrics are not even ordered by local stores, they "have to take what the company sends them" so that local climate conditions are seldom considered. (Hot and humid)

Forgive this 75 year old "apple" for responding to your blog so late, but I have only just found it. Now I will go put on my only comfortable outfit, my pi's.