eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

Click Here
How To

How to Find Specialty Sizes

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Do you have trouble buying clothes or shoes off the rack? You're not alone if you fall outside the limits of what the fashion industry considers standard sizes. Here are some resources for finding clothes and shoes that actually fit.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Catalogs
  • Catalogs
  • Tailors
  1. Step 1

    Start with local retailers, especially department stores and specialty stores, such as Rochester Big and Tall for men's clothes. Nordstrom is known for its wide range of shoe sizes and extralong ties, and its willingness to search for the size you need.

  2. Step 2

    Ask stores if they will custom order items for you from the manufacturer. Salespeople may also recommend other sources.

  3. Step 3

    Take advantage of online and catalog shopping. EddieBauer.com, LandsEnd.com, JCrew.com and JJill.com, for example, offer clothes in tall sizes, but sometimes in their catalog or Web site only. Take advantage of search engines, chat rooms and newsgroups to find retailers that carry your size. Sites that let you search multiple merchants at one time, such as Yahoo Shopping, are also good resources. Check out ShoesOnTheNet.com, a portal for online shoe sites.

  4. Step 4

    Find brands that cater to your size. For example, New Balance athletic shoes come in varying widths, and Birkenstock has a mismatched and single-shoe service. Liz Claiborne makes lines of petite and plus-sized women's clothing. JCPenney's, Sears and Lands' End also carry clothing in a wide range of sizes.

  5. Step 5

    Consider having shoes or clothes custom-made if you have difficulty finding your size. There are several sources for reasonably priced custom-made jeans, including Levi's and Lands' End (see How to Buy Clothes Online). Some higher-end stores will tailor custom clothing, especially suits. Working one-on-one with a tailor gives you more options and control over the design (see How to Hire a Tailor).

Tips & Warnings
  • Understand the return policies, especially on custom orders. Just because an item is the right size doesn't mean it's going to be comfortable or fit well.

Comments  

mispuppy said

Flag This Comment

on 6/22/2008 A few years ago my husband started getting a huge gut. He's always been average & easy to by for but now I had to buy larger sizes & they hung off the shoulders & look awful. I started noticing many others just like him so I designed a shirt cut fuller through the waist for average guys with a big gut. He looks so much better. I'm getting really great feedback from my customers.
visit www.stitchesofoz.com for more details.

kevinbush said

Flag This Comment

on 2/27/2008 try www.threadsbigandtall.com I am very pleased with everything i purchase from them.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 The Height Site (www.HeightSite.com) is a great place to find a lot of retailer information for tall women's and tall men's clothes. As well as listings for clothes and shoes. They have specialty apparel resources for tall uniforms and tall ski and snow gear.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Fashion, Style & Personal Care Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care
eHow_eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care