Forever 21, Why Do You Hate Me? | On Thursdays I post from the vault. This post is from August 2008.

On Thursdays I post from the vault. This post is from August 2008.

Dear Sir (’cause I know a woman would not be behind this):

I have an issue with the sizing at your store. I know, I know. The name of your store should be a warning. I’m not 21 – not even close. I know that my needs could be better met in a store called “Forever Mid-Thirties“. Or “Despereately Clinging to My Youth”. But still, your budget prices and sassy fashions beckon me in again and again.

During my last visit to your store, I found an adorable asian-print dress that would be a great number for an upcoming dinner. I grabbed it in a size LARGE, because I’ve been to your store before. I know that I am a medium-sized gal according to the folks at Gap and Old Navy, but in your store, I’m a large. I’ve made my peace with that. Until today.

I tried on the dress. I could barely get in on. I almost needed assistance getting it back off. This dress was so tight that any thoughts of moving or sitting while wearing it would be disastorous. This dress did not fit me for dirt.

Which leads me to believe that, according to your store, I AM AN EXTRA-LARGE.

I sheepishly ask the dressing room person for the dress in an XL. Oh wait . . . you don’t even carry that size.

Now. I am an average-sized girl. I usually hover between a size 8 and a size 10. Yes, I could lose a few or 15. But I’m finding it hard to believe that, along the spectrum of sizes and body types in America, that this is the largest size you can offer. That your staff has decided that someone my size is an extra-large person.

Let me suggest that you consider changing the name of your store to Forever 12. Because that’s the only age group that can comfortably fit into your clothing.