waffleor

Hey guys!
Okay so I'm well aware of the size conversions with european clothing, so that isn't an issue... But I need to know if it's even remotely possible to find clothes for a US sz. 46/xxl guy in Paris... I feel like the answer is going to be a resounding 'no' but I felt optimistic. Also the reason I ask, instead of just casually finding out once we get there is this is one MOODY dude and something as simple as walking into a store that doesn't have his size will sour his day. So I'm trying to prepare in advance.
Help meeeeee pleeeeaaaaase

Cathinjoetown

My best advice is don't even try given his low frustration level. You will have difficulty finding his size and when you do the range will be very disappointing.

Capel is one exception, a specialty store for larger sizes, and I believe the grands magazins, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, have men's departments with larger sizes. The vast majority of the attractive men's boutiques will have nothing to fit him. www.capelstore.fr

Overall, the selection and quality (for large sizes) is much better in the US.

My husband is 42 jacket, XL pullovers/jumpers. He can find a few things but we do most of our clothes shopping in the UK or by mail order. At size 16-18 US, I am pretty much out of luck as well. Most of the clothes in my size are dire.

Sher

Hi Cath. Maybe the clothes don't suit you at C&A but I have purchased some things in several countries in Europe at this chain store.
The selection isn't enormous in the 16-20 range for women but I have always managed to find a couple of things that I liked.

I am only speaking of the women's clothing as I never have looked for men's clothing there.

StCirq

I think it's smart to be prepared in advance, and unfortunately I think the answer is that resounding no that you anticipated. I would not even try, because as was said above, even if you luck out and do find things in that size range, the selection will be truly limited. So just do something else - no one HAS to go clothes shopping in Europe.

Cathinjoetown

Thanks, Sher, there's a C&A in Toulouse, I'll have a look. Love Marina Rinaldi but the prices prevent me from shopping there often.

Most of the large size women's shops here seem targeted at 80-year olds. Prints designed for sofas and curtains, synthetic fabrics, etc.

Cathinjoetown

Just realized I spelled magasins wrong in my first post. I hate that. St. Cirq, you should have nudged me!

nytraveler

The simple fact is that most French people are not very large, tend to be medium height and fairly slim. Even for just a tall regular guy - 6'3" and 42/43 jacket - there are limited offerings. The answers are to go for designer - and spring for huge $ - or buy in countries where average people are not so small.

Sher

Cath. They have some very stylish options and I have purchased several things in Austria and Portugal that I know of for certain.
They also have a designer section with a little upscale selection of clothing but I cannot remember the name of the designer. It wouldn't mean anything to me I don't think.

Marina Rinaldi has simply beautiful things. I used to receive a catalog but way out of my price range unless it was for a very special occasion.

Let me know if you find anything.

janisj

Not anything g to do w/ the OP's question - but Several years ago I went to London w/ a group of friends one of whom was a plus sized Canadian w/ no upscale/designer options in her home town. She arrived in London w a virtually empty suitcase and completely filled it w/ Marina Rinaldi (and a couple of other pieces) from Harrod's. She spent a FORTUNE! Got some beautiful things of course, but my goodness

kerouac

C&A is good for large sizes, but Capel is the XL specialist for men in France.

http://www.capelstore.fr/storepickup/

justineparis

OP because your fellow does not react well to this sort of thing I would NOT go clothes shopping, seriously who wants a grumpy guy because he is upset. Its not that you might not find anything, you might, but why ruin a lovely vacation to Paris where there are like a million other things to do and see besides shopping ( have to say, I personally dislike shopping on holiday as it seems a waste of vacation time but I know I am a bit of freak that way compared to some of my friends, whatever, lol )

I won't sugar coat it.. there are not a lot of super sized guys in France, so it would never be easy.. don't go for the clothes , go for the wine,, that makes most people happy!

waffleor

Thank you everyone so much! We'll definitely check out Chapel!
We won't spend much of our trip shopping, but I wanted to get a general idea of what there is on his account... I know for sure that I'll be doing a ton of shopping myself so at least he'll be able to keep busy in Galeries Lafayette.
Again, thank you guys! Super helpful!

Cathinjoetown

Please note Capel, not Chapel.

For Galeries Lafayette, stop at the Information Desk to see if they still give 10% discount cards to non-EU shoppers, this is in addition to TVA refund of about 12%. Do all your shopping then go to the store's Bureau de Detaxe for your TVA documentation. (Use the 10% off card when you pay.)

The 10% discount card doesn't apply to Points Rouges--high end brands, but I've used it in the clothing departments, cosmetics, kitchen ware, etc.

Christina

I have definitely seen stuff in C&A, as noted, but really, what is the point here? There isn't a big selection, C&A clothes are not French and are made in 3rd world countries just like everywhere else. I don't even understand the goal of going to buy stuff in France that isn't made there, will be expensive, and will be a poorer selection than at home.

Cathinjoetown

C&A "stuff" will not be expensive. I would not come from the USA to shop there. I live in France and was moaning about the lack of choice in US sizes 16-18.

Sher suggested C&A which might be worth a try.

If there are women's clothes that are actually made in France that are not haute couture and are available in size 16, I would most happily buy them.