Paris/Italy as a Plus-Sized female?

sarge56

I'm not exactly plus sized, more like a 12/14 but still chubby and short. I can't find clothes in Italy to fit me at all.

Paris, a little. I think there are more varied cuts. I've seen a couple of things in Paris that might fit me.

I have bought shoes in Paris, and purses in Italy, and other accesories in both places. But I really don't find clothes that fit my short and chubby body. I have not seen any Latifah clothes, either.

In Florence, I went shopping for something to wear for a really special occasion; a total washout. Nothing. Couldn't squeeze an arm or a thigh into anything.

My advice is to try and not forget your clothes; you can easily find anything else you need.

No one looks at me funny, or has commented on my weight. I don't feel scrutinized. Although maybe in Italy when I went into clothing stores there some attitude... yes, there was. But not in shoe stores!

Well, hopefully, I won't need shoes. I was 5'8" my freshman year of h.s., and weighed 120 lbs and wore a size 10 shoe! (I will always blame my mom!)hahaha

I still wear a 10 and depending on maker, an 11. I doubt I will find any selection in Paris or Rome in that size!

In the stores there may be a problem with snooty shopkeepers and salesstaff. I would just shop for accessories and not clothes. I do think someone here has posted a number of plus size stores in Paris. Try a search here.

We always notice the Italian and French stylish women check out our shoes. I don't notice anyone here in Los Angeles paying any attention to shoes but over there they do and then you are treated accordingly. This is just what my friends and I have noticed.

Yes in the less expensive hotels the showers are tiny and may be a problem if you drop the soap!

What hotels have you chosen? Many hotels of course have large tubs and showers.

There is a chain of stores in Paris (and elsewhere in France) called Un Jour Ailleurs that carries clothes up to size 52 or 54, I think (I don't know what that is in American sizes...18? 20? 22?). Most of the things on display are in the 40 to 46 size range, but they keep lots of stuff in the back. I've shopped at their stores in Brussels and the 16th arrond of Paris and their staff have always been very nice, not snooty at all.
Their clothes aren't what anyone would call high fashion or cutting edge...they're definitely aimed at the middle class, middle aged market, but their stuff is well made and most of it is machine washable, even their coats.
http://www.un-jour-ailleurs.com/boutiques.htm

Queen Latifah isn't really that big any more, she would have no problems. I think she's only about a size 14 now, not plus-sized. Well, even at that size, the selection in Paris is much smaller than usual, but that is not a size where one encounters problems with showers, etc.

If you need over a size 40, it won't be easy to find clothing in Paris stores, and I wouldn't recommend you go to Paris to go shopping. It's just not a good idea as they don't have a large selection in large sizes, and you'd have to spend a lot of time searching it out, and there wouldn't be any point to it. You could buy better stuff at home, cheaper.

If you forget something and just need a Tshirt, that shouldn't be too much of a problem, but what are you thinking you will forget to pack? In Paris, they have plenty of large sizes if you just need a Tshirt, simple top or blouse, etc. at C&A dept. store. They have quite a lot, a whole section on it, and they are cheap. There's one in Montparnasse Tower shopping center.

I never was treated shabbily nor did I get any snotty comments. Got "hit on"! I only buy accessories in Europe as well. Haven't needed to buy clothing, so far, I don't forget anything. I like the comparison to Queen Latifah!

And as to the showers... I have only run into one of those "don't lose your soap" showers. And trust me, Twiggy in her hey-day would have had to step out, stoop down, get the soap and re-enter.

Yeah, where are you planning to stay?

In Rome, there is a small shop on Via Giubbonari, which runs off the southeastern corner of Campo de' Fiori. Unfortunately, I can't give you the name right now, but coming from the Campo, it is on the left-hand side. It is small and they usually have mostly tops in the windows. They do have larger sizes and the prices are very reasonable.

Then there is Marina Rinaldi on Via Borgognona, which is off Via del Corso and runs over to Palazzo Spagna near the Spanish Steps. They have very nice things and are more expensive.

As mentioned, some of the showers are small enough that even thin people would have trouble if they drop the soap! What annoys me more is no place to put your shampoo and soap.

Oviesse stores carry some larger sizes
but they are v. basic. Elena Miro is a
more 'fashion forward' chain with more
reasonable prices - unlike the Max Mara
owned Marina Rinaldi.

IIRC there is an Elena Miro on Nationale in Roma.

Remember soap on a rope? An enterprising Fodorite could sell me tiny travel size soap, consitioner, and shampoo on a rope. Maybe disposable razor on a rope, too.

This is OT, but yesterday I found a microfiber hair wrap at Marshall's (a US chain with discounted name brand goods) and bought it for $4.99. I had read here of apartments with scarce towels, so I figure that will be good for our cheap apartment in Venice next month, which I'm assuming will not have a lot of extra towels for my hair. I should probably post this somewhere else. Suggestions?

yes you could start a thread on tips, tuscan.

I will just add that a companion was embarrassed in one store when she asked the salesgirl if some item came in her size and the girl actually laughed in her face. She is about a size 12/14. And again in a shoe store with size 10/11 feet. If you are sensitive, sarge, just be aware that they cater to tiny boned ladies (for fashion)!

I sincerely doubt that you will get any dirty looks or anything.

That said, I would not want to spend my time shopping for clothes. You might be able to eventually find some things, but I wouldn't want the aggravation. Buy costume jewelry, toiletries, scarves, a pocketbook, like that if you want to pick up something special.

Sea: watch for my new thread! Thanks.

Thanks, everyone. Kind of what I thought. Gee, I hope my daughter can find stuff. She is counting on shopping in both Paris and Florence. She is a size 10-12.

We are staying in Paris at the Hospitel Hotel Dieu, the Hotel Alixia-Antony. In Venice, Corte 1321 B&B (which is owned by an American mother/daughter we believe and baths look huge), in Florence at the Hotel Casci and in Rome at Hotel Giardino. So if anyone has specific knowledge of baths/showers in those, I welcome your input.

I will stick to jewelry and accessories when shopping in Europe. And I'm not that sensitive. Everybody has an issue with something. I'm healthy, and that is what counts. (Yes, who wouldn't like to lose a few pounds, but health is most important.)

Thanks y'all!
Paula

Thanks, everyone. Kind of what I thought. Gee, I hope my daughter can find stuff. She is counting on shopping in both Paris and Florence. She is a size 10-12.

We are staying in Paris at the Hospitel Hotel Dieu, and the Hotel Alixia-Antony. In Venice, Corte 1321 B&B (which is owned by an American mother/daughter we believe and baths look huge), in Florence at the Hotel Casci and in Rome at Hotel Giardino. So if anyone has specific knowledge of baths/showers in those, I welcome your input.

I will stick to jewelry and accessories when shopping in Europe. And I'm not that sensitive. Everybody has an issue with something. I'm healthy, and that is what counts. (Yes, who wouldn't like to lose a few pounds, but health is most important.)

Thanks y'all!
Paula

I too am a size 10 shoe and I truly love shoes. A couple of years ago my husband and I were in Rome and I saw a beautiful pair of leather flats in a store window. I walked in, communicated to the salesman that I wanted that particular shoe, in a size 42---the salesman just looked frustrated, shouted "no, no, no--nothing that large here" and turned on his heels, away from me. I was not offended, as I thought that may be the situation.
My husband and I still laugh about that event.
I too stick to accessories and jewelry--especially silk scarves and earrings--when traveling in Europe. Those items are not only "size indifferent", but are much easier to fit in the luggage to bring home.
Have a great trip

regarding Hospitel Hotel Dieu. I checked the "candid photos" at TripAdvisor. Looks like there is a tub with a hand held shower.

The reviews are positive as well.

Have a great trip!

I was a little worried about the attitude my mother-in-law might face in Paris next month, too. She's a very large woman though (I would say size 22/24 - that's what we buy for her.) I'm mainly concerned for her about restaurants and general sightseeing and just the looks/comments she might get. She's very self-conscious, and if she gets upset, then I know I'll hear about it for the rest of my day! Think she should be ok?

hi october and sarge,

i don't know what idea you have of europeans in general and the french in particular, but you should not receive any looks or comments on account of your perceived size. We have our own quota of large ladies too as do the French.

I recall that the dapartment store at northern end of the bridge by Notre Dame had a section for those of us with a larger figurer, and I'd be very surprised if the Galleries Lafyettes hadn't got something similar. as for sizes 10-14 being laughed at, i very much doubt it - they are standard everywhere, and if one shop hasn't got anything the next one will.

Stop worrying - you'll have a great time.

regards, ann

Lol - we aren't really worries about m-i-l shopping - she detests it. I'm not the tiniest (size 18), but I have never heard comments made about my weight (excepting my first pregnancy), but she swears she gets comments in the US all the time. She's even considering skipping the trip now because of the plane ride! I wouldn't really care that much, but my husband wants her to be able to go so badly! We'll also be visiting relatives of hers that she hasn't seen in decades...

well, october,

I'm sensing that she's tad [over] sensitive - at least in France/Italy she won't be able to understand the rude remarks!

not much you can do about this, I reckon.

regards, ann

Ann (and others!) are right - there probably won't be as much shopping for you in France, but I don't think you'll be on the receiving end of many dirty looks/comments. And Oct, you can't control everything around you and your family, but I don't see her getting more comments than at home. I live in Germany, and when we go out, we see just as many large people here as in the US. You might want to keep her away from some of those bistro and cafe chairs, though (the little round ones). Many are unsteady and definitely look a bit too weak!

I needed a pair of comfortable shoes last summer when we were in Spain and my supposed comfort shoes were killing me. I am a 9.5 shoe and wanted Geox sneakers. The woman in the store was very nice but because my feet were too big for the ladies, I ended up with a pair of men's sneakers!! They were still cute and my feet felt better. Just thought it was funny. As for clothes, I'm a US size 8 and I still have trouble finding things that fit in Paris and Italy.

I am in the same situation as Sally30 - I am a US size 6 to 8, and when we were in Rome, everything seemed too small! My daughter, who was living in Rome for a year, wears a US size zero in pants, and she had no problem finding lots of things to buy.

If you are rudely treated by salespeople in Italian stores, chances are it's not because of your size. My Italian frineds always comment to me how nice and helpful salespeople in the US are compared to those in Italy. This behhavior is beginning to change.

FYI, I am plus size in clothing and shoes. I've made at least 20 trips to Italy since the early '80s and gave up shopping for clothing and shoes long ago--difficult/impossible to find the size and expensive to boot. And I've never noticed a size-related rude comments.

octoberinparis, regarding your MIL - my experience has been to place the final decision on fellow travelers, then no blame for me - it was their "informed" decision.

I express every concern I have; share all info positive & negative; express my upmost concern that they are delighted with this trip so I want it to be their decision; are they sure this sounds good to them; if it doesn't sound good to them, maybe they will like the next trip better, etc. This way I or the trip planner am/is relieved of all responsibility for their happiness - except for everyone being a kind & gracious fellow traveler, of course. It should not be necessary to address a trip in this manner with logical mature adults, but sometimes not all of us are such!

I also always explain to everyone that we travel with - we are not all attached at the hip; we will all need our own space from time to time; we are not expected to do something we will not like just to please others, etc. I think that makes it easier when someone does not want to do what the majority want - no hard feelings; no guilty feelings.

Good luck, Julie

There is a store in Paris which specializes in large sizes :
La Pompadour
32 bis Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9

I stayed at the Hotel Giardino in Rome two years ago and seem to remember that the bathroom shower was just fine. There is a great little restaurant down the narrow walkway across the street from the hotel called Restaurant Santa Christina. It was so good, we ate there three days in a row.

If you are worried about needing to purchase clothes because the airlines have lost your luggage, put half of your clothes in the suitcase of your travel companion and one outfit in your carryon. This way you will have at least some clothes.

I also have trouble finding clothes to purchase so I just stick to purses, scarves, jewelry, etc. I have just resigned myself to the fact that I can't compete with those French women and their sense of style.

I just think you're inviting a head-banger if you want to shop for nice clothes in large sizes in Europe. You'll certainly fit just fine into the shower stall, no issues there. But myself, I'd prefer to be seeing the sights, not hassling around shopping for clothes, that you likely will not find.

I just have to jump in here and ask where French women with big feet shop. I wear a 10/11 shoe in the US and have a hard enough time finding decent 11s here. But I know handfuls of women with similar shoe sizes, even short women. Surely, there are plenty of European women with larger feet too, right?

Sarge, I'm not sure how old your daughter is, or her style, but she should be able to find plenty of clothes that fit in stores like H&M and Zara. Those might be fun shops for her, especially if you don't live near a U.S. city that has them. I travelled with a friend who was about a 10/12 in clothes, and she bought lots of stuff in France at those types of stores.

I am studying in Rome for the semester and I would also like to know if anyone is aware of any stores that sells size 11 shoes in Italy.

This thread is making me feel better!

My husband is 6 ft tall and about 200 lbs. Pretty normal for an American I think. He wears size 13EEE shoes... He has a lot of trouble shopping for clothes in europe where the XL is more like a small running American L and he has been literally laughed at many times when we ask for size 48 shoes...He was pretty horrified to find his pants size here is 54 - just when he was getting used to having gone from a 38 to a 40 around his 50th birthday. Fortunately, he's a man and pretty handsome so his feelings weren't too hurt...

So it's not just women...

My 2 daughters are tiny - petite, around 5' and 100 lbs. They do have big feet - like their Dad (they hate this!) but seem to find shoes OK. They have real trouble buying pants in Switzerland where the women can be pretty big. They send back to the US for any pants...

They are big shoppers and have shopped all over Europe - they found some shopkeepers in Rome less than friendly (really not very nice actually - practically treated them like thieves) and they had specifically dressed up to shop so they would be treated OK. Of course, there were a few very lovely, helpful attendants and those stores got our business...Not a lot of size 12 there though.

I used to be petite. I guess now I'd just call myself short and definitely no longer thin. I find women in Europe really thin (a lot of them smoke and drink coffee and don't eat much at all) and the clothes cut very narrow. I have found a few German lines that fit me well and I actually like better than what I found in the US. I often worry that all these skinny people think I'm "fat" but honestly no one seems to notice but me.

I can't imagine anyone would look at you funny or be rude because of your body. More likely they just don't get a lot of requests for your clothing size (which horrifyingly is called your "Grosse" in German!!)

One piece of advice if I may - it's not as customary to touch things and hold them up to yourself all over Europe like in the US. Notice if other shoppers are before you do...

Have fun and hope you enjoy your trip - stick to jewelry - so much more satisfying and easy to pack

I've had rather the opposite shopping experience in Europe it seems. Aside from the year after I got married (way too many fast food meals, LOL!), I've been a size 2-4 for several years. Here in the US, I rank clothes shopping right up there with torture... Trying to find fashionable slacks/jeans that aren't extreme low riders and trendy tops that don't bare the midriff is difficult and frustrating. In Germany, Italy, and Greece at least, I've had a lot more luck finding clothes in my size that are cute and fashionable, yet don't show parts best left covered. I have run into a few snooty salespersons, but far more of them have been really helpful and knowledgable about styles that work with my height and proportion (long torso, short legs). Many of the outfits that I love the most were handpicked by European salesladies and are things I never would have thought would work for me. So... if the only thing stopping anyone is intimidation, I heartily suggest giving clothes shopping a try in Europe - it's like a lesson, but you leave with new clothes instead of homework

My daughter tried some items in Gallerie Lafayette that were supposedly "her size" - however, the French woman's body type is very different from most American females. She came out of the dressing room laughing about how she couldn't even get her arms into the sleeves. I have seen some larger sized French women but usually they are the elderly and wearing what my own grandmother wore in the late 40s. I have been in Paris with a larger sized woman, and I don't recall anyone even giving her a second glance. Splurge on things that don't require "sizes" - jewelry or handbags or the fabulous scarves sold on the streets. Throw one of those scarves over your shoulder and sashay along the Seine with pride.

Just wanted to add a little story about buying shoes in Paris - my same daughter is 5'8" and needs a wide shoe. We were in a shop selling speciality sandals where the salesgirl spoke no English. Nothing was fitting my daughter's foot, so, with a great deal of laughter on oth sides, the sales girl made a universal sign of snipping with scissors along the outside of my daughter's foot. Needless to say we weren't able to spend any money there.

Hi all
I am a 6'3" woman, well over 200 lbs. I wear size 12 shoes and am delighted to tell you that there is a great store I can recommend. "Louis Big Shoes" He is a delightful fellow. They close for siesta so time your visit. there is even a website. Trust me that there are many more shoes in the store (very small) than on the web site. I am heading back in November and that will be my first 'shop stop'

I have never been treated rudely in Italy. It is all about attitude girl. Stick your shoulders back, put a smile on and have fun.
France...another story.
Good luck

I wear a size 10 here in the US. Sometimes, I wear a wide also. I bought a pair of Geox in Rome on Via Nazionale. I thought I was going to need a 41. I tried on a bunch of 41s in some that had narrow toes, then I found a pair of boots that were not as narrow in the toe and they were too big in 41s so then, I tried them in a 40 and that is the pair I bought. I have a horrible time buying shoes in the States, and I was surprised I was able to buy a pair in Italy.

My 2 tall slim daughters both wear a size 11 shoe & looked all over France & Italy for shoes with no luck. The sales people were very nice but still no shoes. I read that the one thing Paris Hilton hates about her body is her size 11 feet. I'll bet she could tell us exactly where to find a large selection of great, but expensive, shoes in France & Italy.

Gentlemagician-
Do you have a link to the Louis Big Shoes site? I can't seem to find it.
I wear a size 11.5 and have a heck of a time finding nice shoes, anywhere!
Thanks.

I am a plus size woman and we have been traveling all over Europe including Paris,lots of France and Italy.

No problem! It is true that some bathrooms are VERY tiny ( and up or down endless stairs with no rails) but so far it has not been a problem. Sure I would prefer more space sometimes or bigger showers, but one adjusts.

There are big plus size women and men in Europe too, especially in the older generation. I have met them from France, Italy, Netherlands,UK, Ireland Germany, Austria, Croatia, Greece etc etc.

Plus there are many plus size tourists, so you will not be alone. I have not run into any dirty looks.

I have not bought too many clothes, but have gotten some T-shirts in 2x size. I do not tend to shop much, but I lost a bathing suit and easily replaced it which surprised me.

Have fun and do not worry. Look at our blog to see how much fun a plus size 55 year old woman, with a previously crushed knee, can have in Europe!

http://www.soultravelers3.com/

It seems that Europeans who are plus sizes shop like mad in the U.S..We have a much better selection in this country...T-shirts are another matter, I know they have size 2X. If you have a problem...I would just shop for accessories and never mind the snooty looks. There are too many find plus size designers here..

I'm a very curvy size 8. Only clothes I have ever bought in Europe was a peasant skirt (the heat in Zurich was unbelievable) that fitted because it was A-shaped and an XL dress at Zara.

I did not find clothing options at all. Not only because of the size but mostly because of the body shape.

My niece came to the US for a visit from Switzerland and raided the shops. She bought seven pairs of jeans. She is very thin but has a bit of waist and actual hips so she had always had problems with fit back home.

http://www.louisbigshoes.com/

this is the website for the shoe store in Rome that i love. I wear as Canadian women's 12-13/European 44/45/46