According to Laura Jacobs, the brand’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, “launching plus sizes took commitment, and it took passion and focus. But it was not hard.”
If it’s not hard, why is a brand founded in 1954 only JUST offering plus sizes in 2018?
Nevertheless, I am glad LOFT decided to come out with a collection full of floral blouses, dresses, and colorful trousers in sizes 16 through 26.
Unfortunately, the plus-size range is only sold online, so I wasn’t able to try pieces on before purchasing. From jeans to blouses to a dress, I ordered eight pieces online and prayed they would fit. Surprisingly, most of my selections fit comfortably while others fit… well, you’ll see.
I am a true size 18 and 5'6" and these jeans fit perfectly at the waist and sat slightly above my ankle. They didn’t dig into my skin and the denim was nice and thick (hopefully preventing any wear and tear on the inner thigh area).
Fresh Cut Skinny Jean, $79.50
Fresh Cut Skinny Jean, $79.50
Plus Split Neck Utility Blouse, $49.50
Textured Flounce Skirt, $69.50
While plus-size retail has expanded with the growth of e-commerce, there are more options in general, but within niches like workwear, maternity wear, and upscale designer fashion, the selection is scant. Plus-size women account for 67% of all women, and nearly 50% of the entire American workforce is female. The math here isn’t hard. Women need more office clothing options at all price points in all sizes.
Flutter Top, $44.50
Whenever I see something yellow it catches my eye, so I snatched these up quick! Based on the reviews, I got a size 20. The pants fit great at the waist, but were too big at the calf. If I were to get a size 18, it would probably fit my legs perfectly but be snug at the waist. I wanted these pants to work out so bad, but the sizing was off for me.
Slim Tie Waist Pant, $79.50
I love the cowlneck because I know my makeup won’t rub off on it and it’s a universal piece. This is a long tunic that hits below the bum so you can wear this tucked into trousers, like I did, or with leggings.
Cowl Sleeveless Sweater, $79.50
It’s the perfect comfy Easter Sunday look!
Slim Tie Waist Pant, $79.50
This seemed like a perfect fit until I leaned down to put on my shoes and felt the sleeves digging into my skin.
Bouquet Wrap Dress, $89.50
True, this is a hefty price for a denim jacket, but I loved it anyway. The rose gold buttons were a cute touch and the fit was amazing!
Collarless Denim Jacket, $89.50
The biggest fail was the dress. Those sleeves aren’t going to work for most plus-size women. The price point in general is high, but with most pieces I tried, the quality met the price.
I’m looking forward to new season styles being added and, fingers crossed, the addition of plus sizes INSIDE stores. Overall, we give the line a B+. This is a great start to a new fashion mainstay in the lives of plus-size women in need of upscale casual and workwear.
