Ann Taylor Loft: why the hate

[Anonymous]

For years, I thought the quality was ok, even if the sizing was crazy. But the last few things I've bought there have just fit weirdly. the sleeves shrink up too short, the pants are cut differently (and not in a good way), and the quality is less than it was before.

Plus there's never anything in my size in the store, which is annoying. apparently every other freaking person in Arlington is an ATL size 6.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Is it because the customer is exclusively the middle class 20s-30s professional woman, and this person is easy to mock?

What is the deal here?

I think so.
It's not great quality but like you, I take it for what it is and I only buy it during their 40% sales so the price is then more in line with the quality. Like you, I mix it with higher end things.
Regarding vanity sizing, I thought this was true too but if you look at their size charts and compare it to other brands of a similar price point, even Banana Republic, the sizing really isn't that different.

You got it, OP. Ever notice that the people who launch the criticism are those who, like Girls, are desperate to differentiate themselves from the typical 20-30, middle class professional woman?

I don't think price and quality explain it at all. The quality is not great, but it is in line with their competitors at their sale price point, and--big secret--no one pays full price for ATL.

[Anonymous]

This thread made me laugh because when I shop with my Mom, I always bitch about Loft while walking to the sale section and seeing if anyone's returned any good tall pants in my size. She keeps asking why I drag her in there if I'm going to talk so poorly about the store. Their knits are garbage: fade, pill and pull very quickly, the polyester is ridiculously cheap, dresses are poorly constructed, but there is just something bout their pants I can not give up. I really swear by them for both length, and fit. Jeans are a little cheap, and heavy on the stretch, but good for what they are.

[Anonymous]

Cheaply made. Their size 0 should be a size 6.

[Anonymous]

I admit to buying at the Loft for various things, but I often go in and can't find anything I like. I mostly buy camisoles and cardigans (and a few other basic sweaters) there and those things last forever, but maybe it's because they are cotton and not the synthetic stuff? I also refuse to buy anything if they aren't having a 40% off sale. I used to buy jeans there but went back to the Gap for my jeans a couple of years ago.

It is not super high quality for sure, and it's not high fashion. But I think it's fine for some stuff. As far as the vanity sizing, I've never noticed that. I wear the same size there that I do in most other stores (including most clothes at Nordstrom).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cheaply made. Their size 0 should be a size 6.

Oh, stop. Look at the size chart. This is urban legend continued by size 0s who think they're above something as "mainstream" as Loft.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cheaply made. Their size 0 should be a size 6.

Oh, stop. Look at the size chart. This is urban legend continued by size 0s who think they're above something as "mainstream" as Loft.

Not pp, but I often wear a 0-2 at Loft, when I'm a 4-6 at other stores (J.Crew, Banana, etc). I think their vanity sizing is almost as bad as Old Navy's, and that's saying a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cheaply made. Their size 0 should be a size 6.

Oh, stop. Look at the size chart. This is urban legend continued by size 0s who think they're above something as "mainstream" as Loft.

Not pp, but I often wear a 0-2 at Loft, when I'm a 4-6 at other stores (J.Crew, Banana, etc). I think their vanity sizing is almost as bad as Old Navy's, and that's saying a lot.

It might have more to do with the shape/cut. I wear 0-2 at ATL and Banana Republic. I have narrow hips and not much of a waist. The 0 or 2 Marisa at ATL is usually perfect.

[Anonymous]

I'm 5'2 and 150lbs and I wear a size 4 at Loft. Tell me that's not extreme vanity sizing.

[Anonymous]

I wear a 0 at ATL. I am a 4 or 6, sometimes even an 8, at every other store. I'm even a 4 at Old Navy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cheaply made. Their size 0 should be a size 6.

Oh, stop. Look at the size chart. This is urban legend continued by size 0s who think they're above something as "mainstream" as Loft.

Not pp, but I often wear a 0-2 at Loft, when I'm a 4-6 at other stores (J.Crew, Banana, etc). I think their vanity sizing is almost as bad as Old Navy's, and that's saying a lot.

It might have more to do with the shape/cut. I wear 0-2 at ATL and Banana Republic. I have narrow hips and not much of a waist. The 0 or 2 Marisa at ATL is usually perfect.

This makes sense. I'm an 8 in Loft and a 10 in J Crew because J Crew is cut for women with flat behinds.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP who said I wear the same size at Loft as at places like Nordstrom that have different brands. I wonder why some of us wear different sizes? Maybe it's the type of items/cut of items we are choosing? I am genuinely curious about this.

For what it's worth, I typically wear a size 6, including at J. Crew and Banana Republic. Can't wear a size 6 at H&M or Zara, though - I wear an 8 there. I am also surprised by the 5'2"/150 person wearing a size 4 at the Loft. I'm that height and weigh 125 and I can't stuff myself into a size 4. Maybe I'm doing it wrong!

[Anonymous]

Costco have great jeans and cords.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the PP who said I wear the same size at Loft as at places like Nordstrom that have different brands. I wonder why some of us wear different sizes? Maybe it's the type of items/cut of items we are choosing? I am genuinely curious about this.

For what it's worth, I typically wear a size 6, including at J. Crew and Banana Republic. Can't wear a size 6 at H&M or Zara, though - I wear an 8 there. I am also surprised by the 5'2"/150 person wearing a size 4 at the Loft. I'm that height and weigh 125 and I can't stuff myself into a size 4. Maybe I'm doing it wrong!

Me again - I also have an ample behind and bust, so maybe that's my problem?

[Anonymous]

The stuff is horrible. The material is so thin and cheap. "Tissue thin shirts" are the worst invention ever. Who decided that was a good idea, and then decided to sell it exclusively at ATL?