I still remember when JC Penney would never, ever carry a plus item. And nowadays, I’m still surprised by the division in their stores- there’s a section of plus for Gran, and one that could arguably be for you. The St. John’s Bay brand rules supreme at Penney’s, as does whatever on earth that means about their brand positioning (yuppie lite? I dunno.)

Their new extended plus line – from 28-32 – seems to be mostly about shapewear, with a few outer layers thrown in. I can tell you from being in that extended range, I’m beyond the help of a girdle mold. But it’s a cute idea from someone who doesn’t really get what being fat is actually like.

While the outerwear isn’t all bad, some of it is – like these jeans:

Mom jeans supreme. Typically I hold back on the snark, but c’mon, the designers can’t peer into Charming Shoppes or check here and see what other designers are doing?

To be fair, they do offer these: But I in extended sizes I’m assuming most of us have bellies, and using a thin model isn’t really a good idea if you’re offering this to someone size 28 or up. I know I’d resort to the untucked shirt and blazer – don’t know what others might do.

It’s a nice try.  It’s an attempt to serve the market – and the market will come, if the offerings improve – and they’re told it’s there.

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