In the early 2000s, I was a consistent Old Navy customer. I visited their Baltimore location at Security Square mall on my day off to snag good deals on dresses, tops, and bottoms. I enjoyed shopping there because I could get clothing at a low price, but the sizing was far from perfect. Sometimes I could fit a size 16, but other times I needed a size 20, and there were occasions when I could fit into a size 14. To put it plainly—sizing was a crapshoot.
I eventually found other brands and stores that met my sizing and styling preferences and walked away from Old Navy. However, about a month ago, a last-minute trip popped up and I needed clothes. I decided to go to the Old Navy, which was nearby to pick up something to get me through my trip. I figured it would allow me to see exactly how size-inclusive they’ve become and to see if they’ve made improvements to sizing.
I make it a point to ask about the availability of plus-size clothing on the rare occasions I’m in a brick-and-mortar store. I cannot stress how annoying it is to hear, “we have more plus-sizes available online.” Huh? How does that help me at this moment in time—I’m standing in your store?
With this in mind, I have to commend Old Navy for expanding the size range that is available in the store. I was pleasantly surprised to see a broader selection of clothing sizes in a physical store; however, the experience raised two questions in my mind:
- What about size-inclusivity for men?
- Has the sizing at Old Navy improved?
Well, I don’t have an answer surrounding size-inclusivity for men—I haven’t asked yet. However, it is on my “to-do” list. But I was able to gauge whether or not the sizing at Old Navy has improved.
While I was in the Old Navy store in Tysons Corner, I bought a few items: high-waisted Pixie pants, midi sweatshirt dress, cropped utility jumpsuit, and loose Sunday sleep pajama top and shorts.
I’ll start with the “pros” and weave in the “cons.” The material they are using for their pjs and the sweatshirt dresses is super soft and comfortable! I think both pieces are great for lounging even though they’re on the large side. I wear a size 18, so I bought each item in an XXL—an XL would have been a better fit.
The Pixie pants are super cute. There are several styles and prints to choose from, which I think are perfect for work on the days I don’t feel like wearing a dress and heels—I know that is hard to fathom, but it happens from time to time. I purchased a size 18, which I’d classify as a perfect fit. They weren’t too big or too tight—I believe I had a Goldilocks “just right” moment. Unfortunately, my experience with the cropped utility jumpsuit was completely different. As soon as I spotted the jumpsuit, I pictured it as a good option for a casual Friday. I purchased it in size XXL, but it fit looser than I’d like.
So, to answer the question in the title—based on the pieces I purchased—this fashionista thinks their sizing has improved. The articles I found to be loose were intended to fit that way. Bottom line—this Buxom Beauty gives Old Navy a “thumbs up.”
Hopefully, more brick-and-mortar stores will follow in their footsteps and provide larger sizes in the store.
Until the next time be you—and more important—love you.
Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.
-B.B. 💋
