Marks & Spencer no longer stocking men's trousers over 42"

franer1970

Was looking for trousers in a large M&S branch the other day (chinos to be specific).
Couldn't find any my size.. looked around at formal trousers and jeans etc. - nothing bigger than 42" waist. The assistant told me that 42" is the biggest they stock now, if you want bigger have to order from the website shop.
Obesity epidemic? What obesity epidemic?

Anyone know if there's a similar policy now for large women's clothing?

greenman09

Then when u do get a size 44 they don't go round the waist. They are like a 42 with a 44 label on them.

ScottSF

Funny I have the exact opposite sizing problem I was looking for size 30" waist chinos and was told they usually only stock size 32" and above and to order online as well. Bummer for both of us!


BTW, I always wondered why inches are still used to measure men's trousers. Why didn't this change over to the metric system?

dudara

Moved to Fashion & Appearance

dudara

ongarboy

ScottSF wrote: »

Funny I have the exact opposite sizing problem I was looking for size 30" waist chinos and was told they usually only stock size 32" and above and to order online as well. Bummer for both of us!


BTW, I always wondered why inches are still used to measure men's trousers. Why didn't this change over to the metric system?

While men have generally gotten larger in past decades, I'm surprised 30" is not being stocked as lots of guys (particularly young men who haven't acquired a belly....yet!) would still be only 30". Then again, a company like M&S make these decisions based on demand.

Tbh, I don't think I've ever seen 40"+ waist sizes in any department store or chain. Maybe Arnotts might have some? There are a couple of specialist stores in Dublin - Mr Big in Goatstown (still there I think) that stock for the larger gent.

meeeeh

ScottSF wrote: »

Funny I have the exact opposite sizing problem I was looking for size 30" waist chinos and was told they usually only stock size 32" and above and to order online as well. Bummer for both of us!


BTW, I always wondered why inches are still used to measure men's trousers. Why didn't this change over to the metric system?

Even countries which use metric since ever, still use inches for trousers. I suspect it has to do with american jeans being so prevalent.

I suspect that m&s are doing a bit of reorganisation and are ditching less common sizes. As for 30" waist, I think they are mostly worn by younger men who are not really their target group.

The_Conductor

Good luck finding 32" waist trousers too- I mean seriously- I got a lecture on how the average man in at least a 36"- and only limited quantities of smaller sizes are stocked. Internet for me too- and I'm going to shop around and make damn sure I get a good deal........

phasers

If shopping for the men in my life has taught me anything it's that shops order in about 1,000 pairs of 36" trousers and 5 pairs of every other size.

hfallada

In Penneys I can never get a 32 inch. Everything is like 36inches or over. Even a small in underwear is considered a 30-32 inches.

Greenmachine

Have massive trouble finding 28" waist jeans. At least I am no longer wearing 26".

wmpdd3

OK, 26",not a hope!


But Dunnes, F&F and Pennys do stock 30" and 44", but not that many, as stated.

Ask the assistant what day deliveries come in. They may say that there is no more replen, but atleast you wont be on a wild goose chase.

Funny thing is when there a sale on all you get a complaint that 'alls left is crappy sizes like 42" and 30".

The_Conductor

@ 26"- why not try a child's size (ok, a teenagers size). Aside from anything else- they're far cheaper.

Greenmachine

The_Conductor wrote: »

@ 26"- why not try a child's size (ok, a teenagers size). Aside from anything else- they're far cheaper.

No longer a 26". a day or two after wearing a pair of 28" and it is time for a belt.

franer1970

ongarboy wrote: »

Tbh, I don't think I've ever seen 40"+ waist sizes in any department store or chain.

Definitely used to have 44" in M&S, been buying them for years (regrettably enough...). This is probably going to be a growing trend in retail - shops stocking only the most popular stuff with the full range available on their websites.

With M&S at least you can buy from the website and have it delivered to your local store for free, where you can try it on before accepting. But the tiny photo on the website tells you next to nothing about the item and the colours are liable to different too. Best you can do is visit the store, make a note of the codes of whatever you fancy and hope it's available in the right size online.

Hopefully someone at M&S will see this thread and realise we're not all like their idea of the perfect male customer!