Rant: Torso length and women's sizes

[Silver]

I didn't say they were but 'Jamie O's' analogy of me was fairly inacurate to say the least!

If I understand correctly, he was trying to reply to the whole thread with advice, not just you. He never said he was describing you, and in fact said he was not specifically telling you what you should do. I think you're taking it incorrectly.

[Naturally Blonde]

If I understand correctly, he was trying to reply to the whole thread with advice, not just you. He never said he was describing you, and in fact said he was not specifically telling you what you should do. I think you're taking it incorrectly.

Otherwise, as others have said, you can try the big & tall shops.  The problem is, they tend to focus more on big than on tall. 

I think Jamie should answer for himself. So far two people have answered for him? Jamie suggested I go to a 'big and tall shop' but I am quite small and neither tall or big? so what kind of advice is that?

[sd]

The difference in torso vs limb length is actually something like 3% difference between male and female. The problem is clothing manufacturers.

Another thing to remember is that the shorter ones though are often layered over longer items.

[BunnyBee]

The difference in torso vs limb length is actually something like 3% difference between male and female. The problem is clothing manufacturers.

Another thing to remember is that the shorter ones though are often layered over longer items.

Yep.

Down East Outfitters makes longer-ish shirts, really great for layering-
http://www.downeastbasics.com/wondertee-2.aspx

[Jamie-o]

I think Jamie should answer for himself. So far two people have answered for him? Jamie suggested I go to a 'big and tall shop' but I am quite small and neither tall or big? so what kind of advice is that?

Having never seen you I have no idea what your proportions are.  I certainly didn't mean to offend.  My thinking was that if the tops are too short in the torso, you might find ones that are cut longer in the Big & Tall shop.  Not because you are big or tall, but because the shirt is more likely to be cut longer through the waist.  I was just trying to come up with a temporary, creative solution until the designers get tired of trying to show off everyone's midriff.  It's something I've done myself, pre-transition, being very long in the waist despite being only 5'4". 

[Naturally Blonde]

Having never seen you I have no idea what your proportions are.  I certainly didn't mean to offend.  My thinking was that if the tops are too short in the torso, you might find ones that are cut longer in the Big & Tall shop.  Not because you are big or tall, but because the shirt is more likely to be cut longer through the waist.  I was just trying to come up with a temporary, creative solution until the designers get tired of trying to show off everyone's midriff.  It's something I've done myself, pre-transition, being very long in the waist despite being only 5'4".

Hi Jamie thanks for the reply. I'm 5' 7" and I'm not very big in build or shoulders. I thought you would see that from my pic. Sorry if I reacted wrongly to your original post.

[barbie]

Just venting here:

It REALLY gripes me when I find a nice blouse, that I can afford, and that fits me otherwise, but is TOO DAMNED SHORT!!!!

I also noticed it.

During the past 3 years, I have purchased some tops in my country. All of them are very long to cover my belly and even my hip.

Most of my tops purchased in the US are very short, inevitably making me reveal my belly in the summer. This caused some fusses at my work place.... I would not detail it.

Anyway, for health, it is better to cover our belly whether it is winter or summer. I once got a cold in summer after wearing a short top. Exposing shoulders is fine, but not belly.

Barbie~~

[Pippa]

Depending on your arm length, try stores such as high and mighty and others specialising in clothes for tal women.   Also, remember that the female waist generally sits higher that a mans.  That is why I am desperately trying to alter my body shape through exercise and diet.

[K8]

My sister and I are the same height (5'9").  Her waist is 2 inches higher than mine.  I have trouble finding shirts that will stay tucked in, but they are out there.  Keep looking, Laura.

And hopefully we are near the end of the fashion of women showing off that oh-so-appealing roll of fat around their middles.  (Or am I showing my age? )

- Kate

[Janet_Girl]

No you are not Kate.  I hate the shorter tops myself.  I have a normal woman's waist, but the fashion designers seem to think all of us girls like to show off out surgical scars.

But the longer tops are out there, some where in the neither region of the clothes universe.