Complaining that all pants are made for fat people is offensive March 12, 2005 6:44 AM   Subscribe

Could we please blame fat people for everything that doesn't go our way more often? It's awesome and not at all bitchy.
posted by willpie to MetaFilter-Related at 6:44 AM (63 comments total)

Have the posts you're referring to been deleted? I didn't see anything offensive in that thread.
posted by gwint at 6:50 AM on March 12, 2005


Really, it is hard to find a shirt that *fits* a normal sized human being. If I buy a tshirt, I have to buy a small. I'm 6' 175lb. Medium sleeves will drape over my shoulders.

Consumer sizes in America are larger. And there is a reason for it.
posted by Mean Mr. Bucket at 6:58 AM on March 12, 2005


If sleeves are draping over your shoulders, then they're making the shirt for people with wider shoulders, not for people who are overweight. Similarly, the guy in the AskMe thread was buying size 30 pants. People wearing size 30 are not overweight to start with.

That said, I didn't find what was said in the AskMe question offensive, just poorly reasoned.
posted by anapestic at 7:04 AM on March 12, 2005


He's referring to the second sentence in the original post, and the second to the last one. Also, this comment.

As a skinny guy, I've always wondered why my dress pants are cut so generously in the seat/thighs (I'm around the original poster's size as well). I chalked it up to all those damned pleats. And apparantly according to the answers in that thread, I'm supposed to fix that by buying expensive European clothes made for skinny people.

It would be simpler and cheaper just eat at McDonald's more often so that I can grow into my clothes properly.
posted by DaShiv at 7:07 AM on March 12, 2005


Mean Mr. Bucket writes "Really, it is hard to find a shirt that *fits* a normal sized human being. If I buy a tshirt, I have to buy a small. I'm 6' 175lb. Medium sleeves will drape over my shoulders.

"Consumer sizes in America
are larger. And there is a reason for it."

Suck it, Bucket! I have a similar problem that you do, except I'm 6'2" and 165. I have to buy XL buttondowns just so the sleeves will reach my wrist [barely]. They make the rest of me look like a sunken-chested horse addict. I swear, I should open up a Not Big but Still Tall store.
posted by sciurus at 7:08 AM on March 12, 2005


Oh and: willpie posted " Could we please blame fat people for everything that doesn't go our way more often? It's awesome and not at all bitchy."

I don't think it is a good idea. I'm sure plenty of fat people would think that making fun of them for everything that doesn't go our way would be bitchy and not at all awesome.
posted by sciurus at 7:10 AM on March 12, 2005


just poorly reasoned.

Indeed. The more you shop, the more you realize that US clothes are sometimes just cut in a way that, in general, will not flatter your personal body. I have a hard time finding shirts with a small waist and wide chest/shoulders- a lot of women's shirts are cut really boxy. And then if I buy something that gives me a waist, it's too short. Blah.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:10 AM on March 12, 2005 [1 favorite]


Mean Mr. Bucket, I should shop for you over here! I just bought ten minutes ago) a hot red penguin polo shirt for my beau who is built like a rugby player... Even in xxl the shoulders were too small and rode up on his collarbone. Breaks my heart to shop for him around here. :(
....Come to think of it, I have the same problem and I'm a "perfect" size european 36 (they make them mannequins you sow things on after my measurements). Everything is too big or too tall for me. I think sizes have gone mad lately.
posted by dabitch at 7:11 AM on March 12, 2005


.. not after mine of course, I just measure the same in the waist and all... Bah, you get it.
posted by dabitch at 7:13 AM on March 12, 2005


Hey hey. Ho Ho. Narrow hallways have got to go.
posted by Saucy Intruder at 7:15 AM on March 12, 2005


DaShiv: eating at McDonald's more often will increase your waist size, and you will have to get bigger pants anyway.

This argument (of this thread, not DaShiv) is a tired one, but since it has arisen again, I'll pitch in my usual response: I'm fat and I'm not offended. The inane whiners who create threads like this one do not speak for me.

Some people who have never been overweight draw incorrect conclusions about all sorts of things relating to obesity, and even things unrelated to obesity, like pants with a waist size 30 that 'balloon out.' But their perspectives will not be changed by fat people's declarations that they are 'offended.'
posted by bingo at 7:23 AM on March 12, 2005


You guys simply aren't shopping hard enough! Why do you think women spend so much time shopping?
posted by mischief at 7:25 AM on March 12, 2005


and even things unrelated to obesity, like pants with a waist size 30 that 'balloon out.

There was a time when "to ballon out" could be substituted with "to Z Cavaricci."
posted by Mean Mr. Bucket at 7:34 AM on March 12, 2005


I'm a fairly substantial guy, and I know some outright large people, and believe me it's impossible to find properly fitting clothes everywhere else on the size spectrum, too. I'm not offended by the "blame fat people" aspect of the question so much appalled that someone thinks larger folks are getting all the good clothes. Wearing ignorance so proudly offends me more than a couple of grumbling wisecracks.
posted by majick at 7:38 AM on March 12, 2005


Well, this comment was a little annoying. Not Meta-level annoying, but still...

also, i still have to insist (and this may be my incipient grad student training) that culturally, we wear bigger pants because we are on a whole fatter, and want to show it less. imho.

That was after most of the commenters said it was current style to be cut larger, and not because of people's size.
posted by smackfu at 7:54 AM on March 12, 2005


The first thing I do when I get rich is have my clothes tailored for me.
posted by Captaintripps at 7:56 AM on March 12, 2005






This thread is tailored wrong. Don't blame; didn't your mother tell you it is rude to point at people with your finger?

Seems today clothes are made now to hang on your body in a sloppy style which is just an oversize.

Think the term is urban fit which is copying OG clothes, pant's waist hanging off your ass, your older teen brother can wear the shirt too…

Any one recall wearing levi straight leg corduroys in high school? Yuck.
posted by thomcatspike at 8:08 AM on March 12, 2005


I am at the opposite end of the spectrum: 6'1", ~140. Lean. I have a lot of trouble getting clothes that fit, and I chalk it up to the fact that I'm not "average" whatever that is. I suppose that "average" clothes size is a combination of the fact that, yes, we are bigger in the states, due to our (well documented) horrendous eating habits, and yes, there is a trend in dress as of the past few years leaning towards "baggy", as if everyone wants to wear a potato-sack with a hood, and pants 3x too big, with their boxers hanging out. It's probably both. I wouldn't call the first part "blaming fat people" any more than I would call the second part "blaming Jay-z".

Do I blame the "large" people for my woes? No. Do I blame Hip-Hop culture? No. (although I'm not a fan of the style.) There's really no blame to be put on any one section of the population.

Obviously, though, there is a decent-sized market in the U.S. for better-cut clothes. Clothes makers generally suck. Blame them for wanting to sell the most clothes, for the most people that will fit them.

Anyone wanna start up a business? I know plenty of students at FIT in NYC that would love to get in on that.
posted by exlotuseater at 8:34 AM on March 12, 2005


Anyone wanna start up a business? I know plenty of students at FIT in NYC that would love to get in on that.
Don't think the mid 80's fashion will come back in style, yet I do see pastel colors making a comeback.

The trends have changed and so has the USA clothing for work which is very casual today. I dress nicer going to the beach than work.
posted by thomcatspike at 9:03 AM on March 12, 2005


Consumer sizes in America are larger. And there is a reason for it.

Goddamn, thank you ma'am. I'm a SMALL and I can never find shit. I can't even hope to describe the sinking feeling I get in my heart as I rifle through a stack of T-shirts, looking for small or even a medium amidst all the XLs, only to find that beneath all the XLs lie nothing but XXLs and XXXLs.

willpie - I agree that there was a basic problem described in that AskMe question *PLUS* a little bit of bitching about how the problem must exist because everyone is so fat. That second bit wasn't entirely necessary. But given the veracity of the basic problem, I think you're on poor footing to launch a big anti-discrimination callout over a little bit of speculation as to why it exists. America's obesity problem isn't some dirty, bigoted rumor not to be mentioned in polite company.
posted by scarabic at 9:12 AM on March 12, 2005


Don't know about the necessity to mention it in this particular post, but in the original poster's defense I will say that my height, weight, and measurements have remained the same over the last 12 years or so, but somehow my dress size at places like the Gap and other popular outlet stores has dropped from size 6 to size 2. And finding clothes in the "grown-up" sections of most mid-range department stores? Forgetaboutit. And none of the bargain clothing stores in my urban area have sizes below the "new" size 6, which is what used to be called an 8 or 10. As I tell my friends, somehow in the last decade or so I have ended up with a champagne dress size and a beer budget (still in school right now).
posted by availablelight at 9:22 AM on March 12, 2005


We don't want that HURF DURF BUTTER EATER attitude 'round here.
posted by exlotuseater at 9:36 AM on March 12, 2005


they've been downsizing, availablelight, especially for women's clothes--the average woman in the US is a 12, but companies know they don't like shopping for a 12, so now it's a 8 or 10, depending on the company. (this from bbc, but truer for the us for years now)
posted by amberglow at 9:41 AM on March 12, 2005


scarabic, I'm in the same boat as you. The reason you see more XLs than Smalls is because the way the shirts are sold and bundled. An example bundle of shirts; 2XLs, 3L, 2M and no Smalls. I've noticed an XL is only wider than a L and you would think the extra length would be included too.
posted by thomcatspike at 9:51 AM on March 12, 2005


I was thinking that the reason one sees more XLs than Ss and Ms is that the Ss & Ms are the most common size, so they sell out. In my town's Victoria Secret, the only sizes they almost never have are 34-36 B-C, small, and medium.
posted by xo at 10:38 AM on March 12, 2005


Uh, clothes don't fit anybody. In men's, you see the preponderance of large sizes because of the hip hop thing (and girls like me buy up all the men's smalls because girls sweaters & tees are too short). But nothing fits anyone, really. I am one of those who you think more clothes are being made for (tall & a bit of a pudge--5'9", 180), and nothing fits me. I can't find shit that buttons up over my tits without pulling, and they aren't that big. Pants aren't ever long enough. Many stores seem not to understand that you can be both tall & round and carry nothing that fits ever. So I promise, we aren't ruining it for you.
posted by dame at 10:50 AM on March 12, 2005


But nothing fits anyone, really.

Agreed. My jeans always wind up hanging halfways off my ass or alternately giving off a Bon Scott effect. Things are tough all over.
posted by jonmc at 11:11 AM on March 12, 2005


I debated whether to put this in the askme but since it doesn't answer the question specifically, here it is:

Every designer naturally designs for their favorite bodytype. The first step to shopping is to try on a range of designers and see whose clothes naturally fit your frame best. Then you can narrow your search for fitting clothes to just those brands in the future. A good place to start with this is a major department store where you can grab a range of clothes and try them on all at once. Also, pay attention to what brands others of similar build are wearing, especially if it fits them really well or really badly!

There is a reason that people tend to gravitate towards a specific designer over and over again. It's all about the fit. Generally speaking you can find similar clothes at most designers' stores. They all make black pants, white button down shirts, etc.

It's not so much about Fat People or Urban Fit or any of this although some brands may gravitate this way or that way occasionally. Some brands, however, never change. Armani, Burberry, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, etc. still fit the same as they did when my mother was my age.

An aside: I can't count the number of times I've mourned the passing of my favorite jeans, unable to replace them. The best shopping advice I received ever was this: "If you find something that fits you well, buy two!"

Heck, all of that and I don't even like clothes!
posted by tinamonster at 11:26 AM on March 12, 2005






I was thinking that the reason one sees more XLs than Ss and Ms is that the Ss & Ms are the most common size, so they sell out.
Most of the time when I grab the last small short sleeve button down no tails shirt, I’ll drum up a conversation to figure out their stocked inventory by saying; “ a popular shirt I seem to be buying -- it's your last small.” The clerk usually replies back,” no, the only small one that came in.” I also found it like this at a Hawaiian QuickSilver shop of all places.

Biggest problem in pants is just finding a 29/29 or 29/30 on the shelf, which 18 years ago didn’t seem so hard.
posted by thomcatspike at 11:27 AM on March 12, 2005


Jesus, Jon, that Bon Scott effect is quite... alarming! If I ever visit NYC and there's a MeFi gathering, please do warn me ahead of time if you wear those jeans, so I'll know where to look. (At your face, of course.) ;)

As for the many circles of hell of sizing: I'm supposed to have a "model's body" -- I'm nearly 5'10", 130 lbs., and (depending on the brand) am a size 2 or 4 -- and yet, I haven't found a good pair of dress pants that fit in years. At the same time, blouses/shirts/dresses have been increasingly cut more generously across the bust and/or with far lower necklines in recent years -- to accomodate, I guess, the current ideal of thin body combined with a huge (likely silicone) rack. So most shirts and dresses don't fit me anymore either, given that I've somehow managed to live in L.A. whilst avoiding the implantation of gigantic zeppelins into my chest. (And the last time I stuffed my bra was in 7th grade, so I'd rather not relive the experience.)
posted by scody at 11:56 AM on March 12, 2005


Every designer naturally designs for their favorite bodytype.

Yeah, but the thing is the range of "bodytypes" designers consider aren't actually the range that exist. They still angle to the thinner end because they think it makes the clothes hang better (as far as I understand, which is something like a short block). So that only goes so far.

At the same time, blouses/shirts/dresses have been increasingly cut more generously across the bust

Only at the smaller end of the scale. Either that, or you need to send me the names of these stores where busts are too big.

Also, jonmc, I love you.
posted by dame at 12:11 PM on March 12, 2005


But not in a way that would make pips kick my ass.
posted by dame at 12:13 PM on March 12, 2005


That's wonderful, but Bon's pants have destroyed my chances of showing love to anyone.
posted by jonmc at 12:14 PM on March 12, 2005


Either that, or you need to send me the names of these stores where busts are too big.

New York & Co. I think it used to be named Lerners. It's the only store where I can find blouses that fit across my bust but don't make me look pregnant and hang off my shoulders. It's a bonus that I've never paid more than $25 for a blouse there either.
posted by Juicylicious at 12:21 PM on March 12, 2005


I always suspected you were just talk.
posted by dame at 12:23 PM on March 12, 2005


Here's another vote for "clothes don't fit anyone." I have a small waist and a round behind, which has supposedly been in style for awhile (at least according to MTV). Somehow, manufacturers haven't gotten the message--I try on dozens and dozens of pants to find one pair that covers my entire ass when i sit down, fits over my hips, and doesn't have a huge space for my non-existent hunchback. European pants are even less likely to fit, and pants designed for African-Americans and Latinas are barely better.

And my more consistently proportioned friends don't have an easier time of it, whether they're tiny, huge, or somewhere in between. I have known precisely one woman who was able to fit into jeans whenever she wanted to--she never bothered to try them on. "Why would I need to?" she said, "They're my size." She had a kinda boyish, average-ish figure, and maybe she's found work as a fit model by now. Anyway, that's one, ONE person satisfied with the way pants fit out of, say, 200 ladies I've shopped or discussed this problem with.

So get over yerself, skinnies! This isn't just your problem. Let's unite against the designers and start demanding better fits for all of us.
posted by equipoise at 12:24 PM on March 12, 2005


P.S. -- For ladies with my body shape, I did just find a pair of pants that fits: the "Correspondent" cut at Express. Finding something that works is so rare that I want to share...I swear they're not paying me.
posted by equipoise at 12:26 PM on March 12, 2005


Juicy, there's one of those an easy subway or bike away. Awesome. This thread has been redeemed by helping one of the pudgy who were insulted. You may all go home now. Hurrah.
posted by dame at 12:29 PM on March 12, 2005


We're pretty close to the same size Dame. Next time I'm in NYC, we'll go shopping.
posted by Juicylicious at 12:32 PM on March 12, 2005


Could we please blame fat people for everything that doesn't go our way more often? It's awesome and not at all bitchy.

The thread's fine. You have issues. And that's not our problem.
posted by Mayor Curley at 12:34 PM on March 12, 2005


Could we clarify what's "awesome & not at all bitchy" about the question? Even if our (sic) country isn't just too fat, the point seems at least debatable-- women's clothing from countries such as Korea fit me as if they are in children's sizes, for example. Is it the use of the words 'chubby' & 'fat'? Would the post be acceptable if the words had been 'pear-shaped' & 'zaftig'?
posted by obloquy at 12:43 PM on March 12, 2005


I'm short, busty and weigh more than I should. If I find pants that fit my ass, the waist is too big. I'm average height for a woman (5'4") and pants always have to be hemmed. Regular length skirts are maxi-length on me. Shirts are a joke. If they're big enough in the bust, the cuffs are at my knees and shoulders are at my elbows. And trying to find a cute bra that fits and is priced reasonably...ha! And the worst of it? Why, oh why, do they think overweight women are all grannies and want to wear fucking polyester flowered muumuus?!

It's enough to drive anyone batshit insane.

Oh, and I didn't find anything to object to in that thread.
posted by deborah at 12:45 PM on March 12, 2005


Wow, I've never seen a group of people so picky about clothes. If you can put it on, it doesn't fall off, and you can bend at the joints, it fits.
posted by Bugbread at 12:58 PM on March 12, 2005


Well, some of us prefer not to display our boxer shorts (NTM relief maps of our genitalia) to the known universe if at all possible.
posted by jonmc at 1:02 PM on March 12, 2005


I just walked through Mall of America last week (no choice of my own, I was on a scavenger hunt, I swear). I passed no less than six shops that cater to young women in sizes 14+. They all had both trendy and career clothing in the windows.

I wish all I had to worry about was hemming slacks. I'm only 5'8" and it's extremely difficult to find slacks that are long enough.
posted by Juicylicious at 1:04 PM on March 12, 2005


As a skinny guy, I've always wondered why my dress pants are cut so generously in the seat/thighs (I'm around the original poster's size as well). I chalked it up to all those damned pleats. -- DaShiv.

Pleated pants are an abomination sent by the devil. To be seen in them is injurious to yourself and to others. Just as in the AskMe question, the answer is obvious: you clearly need a homosexual to serve as your personal shopper. /off-topic inanity.
posted by RJ Reynolds at 1:28 PM on March 12, 2005


you clearly need a homosexual to serve as your personal shopper.

That's a good idea. Someone should make a TV show about that.
posted by jonmc at 1:45 PM on March 12, 2005


I think the problem, obloquy, was the implication that the fat or zaftig were "ruining" the cut of clothes. It doesn't make me cry, but it is misinformed. Also, yeah, clothes from non-Western countries can be tiny; I was always of the impression that's because westerners are taller in general, as well as rounder.

And yes, Juicy, we shall shop. Maybe M. Reynolds will hire himself out as some homosexual confirmation. Not because we need it, but because he's fun.
posted by dame at 1:47 PM on March 12, 2005


jonmc : "Well, some of us prefer not to display our boxer shorts (NTM relief maps of our genitalia) to the known universe if at all possible."

I'm going to post something to LifeHacks: "Use a belt to keep your pants up!"

I might follow up with suspenders or something, for the older, less hip and technical Lifehackers.
posted by Bugbread at 1:49 PM on March 12, 2005


Pleated pants are an abomination sent by the devil.

Yeah, but pants without pleats do not hold a crease and wrinkle much easier. What is a guy supposed to do?
posted by mlis at 1:49 PM on March 12, 2005


Pleats should be outlawed!

No man, woman, child or dancing bear looks good in pleats.
posted by Juicylicious at 3:16 PM on March 12, 2005


*places pleated khakis in clothing donation bin, plans on brining unpleated khakis to the dry cleaner more often*
posted by mlis at 3:51 PM on March 12, 2005


Jeez. I'm glad that I'm easy to fit and that I sew.
posted by orange swan at 3:54 PM on March 12, 2005


Juicylicious, I'll send you the 4 to 5 inches I cut off the pants I buy and hem. That should come out just about right.

;-)

And, not that it really matters, I don't want trendy *shudder*, I prefer plainer, classic styles.
posted by deborah at 6:12 PM on March 12, 2005


I'm supposed to have a "model's body" -- I'm nearly 5'10", 130 lbs., and (depending on the brand) am a size 2 or 4

Oh, you mean a female model's body.

I had the same measurements from age 15-27, and I can assure you I was not a good model candidate. :)
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:38 PM on March 12, 2005


Hell, I've got the same measurements now (add 3 inches and 15 pounds) and I'm no model candidate either, except perhaps for anti-drug ads.
posted by jonmc at 6:58 PM on March 12, 2005


Pleated pants are an abomination sent by the devil. To be seen in them is injurious to yourself and to others. Just as in the AskMe question, the answer is obvious: you clearly need a homosexual to serve as your personal shopper.

Yeah, I just need to find one of those that's willing to go thrift store hopping with me. All this nonsense about "finding a designer you like" is going way over my head. I think the last article of clothing I bought was a belt back a year ago at the nearby Goodwill, and a hat from the army surplus store.

Queer eye for the cheap guy?
posted by DaShiv at 7:59 PM on March 12, 2005


Oh, I almost forgot something obligatory:

As for the many circles of hell of sizing: I'm supposed to have a "model's body" -- I'm nearly 5'10", 130 lbs., and (depending on the brand) am a size 2 or 4

A/S/L? </boyzone>

Sorry, Sara! :)
posted by DaShiv at 8:16 PM on March 12, 2005


Mayor Curley:

Could we please blame fat people for everything that doesn't go our way more often? It's awesome and not at all bitchy.

The thread's fine. You have issues. And that's not our problem.


Looks like you have some issues too...

... with making snap judgements about other people!

(oh snap no he didn't!!!)
posted by Hildago at 9:21 PM on March 12, 2005


A/S/L?

75/indeterminate/Juneau, Alaska -- wanna hook up?
posted by scody at 11:43 PM on March 12, 2005


Finally! A geriatric hermaphroditic Eskimo! After all these years! <swoons>
posted by DaShiv at 11:58 PM on March 12, 2005


Unpleated pants leave nothing to the imagination.
posted by emf at 2:37 AM on March 13, 2005


I have a similar problem that you do, except I'm 6'2" and 165.

So.... what you're saying is that I should proceed straight to Phase III of my South Beach Diet and stay at 6'-2", 192? Cuz I can find 34W-34L pants on all the closeout racks. (So much easier to find that the 40W-34L I was wearing back on Jan. 1 this year.)
posted by Doohickie at 7:57 PM on March 13, 2005


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