Big Girls Don't Cry But They Sure Can Complain A Lot

I visit a few sites aimed at plus-sized gals, mostly because there's some convergence between their world and ours (most plus sized stores start at 12 or 14, though plus cuts are bigger than misses'). There's a lot of positive advice you can get from these sites and lots of commiserating for those of us who know that the higher the size #, the fewer the options. (It works that way too for the tiny and petite, but that's a whole 'nuther can of worms.)

But there are times when I'm struck by the unhappiness of these women. Oh, I know the internet was made for two things, porn and gripes, but it seems like few things make these gals satisfied and happy. They're understandably upset if a clothing chain like Old Navy drops plus sizes from its stores. They're understandably upset if an attempt to woo plus sized customers falls flat, with ugly or badly-made clothes. However, if someone tries to make higher-end, better-made clothing for larger sizes then they complain that the clothes are too expensive. Or if a store sells sizes 2-22 in the same line--without even segregating the larger clothes--then there are complaints the sizes don't go up to a 28.

They don't make Armani quality at WalMart prices for anyone at any size. Don't look gift horses in the mouth; be an active consumer and show the industry you can be a valued customer.