Forever 21 is one of the most popular clothing retailers among teenage girls/young women. The clothing is so diverse you can find just about any type of clothing for just about any type of personal style. Want preppy attire? You got it. Want grunge? You got it. Want ultra girly? You got it. And so on.
I consider forever 21 to be one of my favorite places to shop as there are endless varieties and excellent prices/deals. However, over the years I have noticed more and more aspects of this chain/store that are just downright frustrating.
For starters, the store layout is very overwhelming.
When you walk in, you're immediately hit by an overwhelming eye-sore of clothes. There are racks and racks as far as the eye can see, and each wall has a different theme. I literally forget why I even went in in the first place, and I start to want everything I see because the clothes are all so appealing and stylish. An hour or so may pass and I've found I've grabbed about 15 items, yet I am still pulled into each section only to keep grabbing more things. It's surely a great way to pass the time and should count as strength training honestly.
Another aspect that frustrates me to no end is the sizing.
Now, I know I'm not the thinnest, smallest person, but I find myself struggling to get into even the largest size in some items. I recall the last time I was there, trying on a dress in the dressing room, and I overheard the girls next to me begging their friends to grab them the next size up. I remember grabbing this lovely dress in my usual size-medium-only to find I couldn't get it up past my hips. Unfortunately, there were no larges available and I was unable to buy it. It definitely is a jab at one's self-esteem to feel like your usual size is suddenly too small.
PSA: Girls who have curvier figures like myself, please, whatever you do, do not purchase denim short shorts from forever 21….just don't do it.
I learned that the hard way when my new shorts not only rode up my butt with every step I took the first day I wore them but also when they ripped right down the back seam when I tried to hoist them up (shudders from the memories). The problem with how Forever 21 cuts their clothing, particularly their shorts, is that they do so without curvier girls' figures in mind.
Sure, there is the plus-sized section of the store, but there have been similar complaints from girls who shop in that department as well. The designers just don't understand how to cut for curves. Most bottoms end up being too tight in the thigh/butt and too loose in the waist, or the opposite. It sucks since the shorts/skirts are so cute. Sigh.
Please, Forever 21, listen to your consumers.
We aren't all straight-cut and a size 2. Please start sizing your clothes to better-fit curvy girls, tall girls, full figured girls, etc. Your size large is more like a regular medium if you ask me, so what are girls who are naturally a large/x-large supposed to do?
Forever 21, don't get me wrong, you're still one of my favorite clothing stores, but I feel you should honestly be renamed "Forever Frustrating," as that's how many of your customers leave feeling.