In my boutique, we generally carry sizes 0-14. Why don't we carry a 16, you ask? Well, it's because most manufacturers don't make a 16. That doesn't seem fair, you say. Why wouldn't clothing designers and manufacturers make clothing that fits the general public? Isn't fashion a for-profit industry?

Good question.

I have plenty of customers who see a top, love it, and leave disappointed because we didn't have it in their size. I feel awful knowing that many times, the customer thinks that we chose not to carry a size 16, rather knowing the truth, which is that the manufacturer did not create a size 16.

I feel an inclination to blame the steadily shrinking size 0 celebrities for the puzzling sizing guidelines designers seem to follow. With designers now going as far as to produce negative sizes for a tiny population of even tinier celebutantes, the average size-16 Everywoman tends to get left out, despite being in the sizeable majority.
Well, I don't know about you, but I have never had anyone come into my store asking for a negative size. We do, however, receive regular complaints about not carrying large enough sizes, and I would have to agree. If a dress is beautiful, well-made, and mass produced, well, it should be available to the masses!

Luckily some designers are seeing the light. With Roland Mouret's line debuting at The Gap on Tuesday, women will be provided with access to beautiful, French-inspired clothing in a full size range. Also, online shoppers will love Anna Scholz, an truly beautiful designer line available in London (and online of course!) that carries British sizes 8-26 (the American equivalents are sizes 4-22).

I am making it my personal mission to seek out and find talented designers who will design for every woman. When I find someone new, I'll let you know - if you have any tips, feel free to share them below in the comments or via our Tips line!