Bloody catalogues that claim to go up to size 34 but don't have anything I want in anything approaching my size.

[StayingDavidTennantsGirl]

I spent ages last night trying to find some long jersey tunic tops to wear to the gym - I like to cover up my huge belly because I am very self-conscious about it. I went to Marisota, SimplyBe and FiftyPlus, and found several that I liked, in my size (I was looking for a size 30, which is actually two sizes too big but would allow for shrinkage), and that were in my price range - I can't afford to spend a lot on a top that is just going to be sweated in.

I found several multipacks, where there were a number of different colour combination options that I liked - but every single one, in every single bloody catalogue, was unavailable in any size over a 18.

Am I being unreasonable to think that they are seeing me log onto their sites and immediately removing anything my size from stock? And am I being unreasonable to think that if you advertise yourselves as offering lovely clothes in larger sizes, you should make some effort to have things available in sizes over 18.

Not that I am bitter, you understand.

Have you tried Ebay? There should be a few Ebay retailers on there that will sell what you're looking for.

I have looked at ebay, and will keep on looking there. Thanks 5inthebed.

I know. It's awful isn't it? Clearly the stock in the larger sizes sells out faster - which should tell them something!!

And while we're on the subject - WHY oh why oh why is everything strappy tops and tops that cut off at your 'waist' and things that show your bingo wings?

Come on!! How many really fat women (like me) want strappy tops and sleeveless things and tops that come to your middle? I want sleeves, and tunic length tops and widelegged trousers! Things that hopefully flatter but at least don't sit on you screaming HEY, LOOK AT THE FAT ARMS ON THIS!! OI! LOOK AT THE FLAB ON THIS BELLY. Things that aren't cut in exactly the right way to show the flab off in the most unflattering way.

Have you tried American sites? A friend mentioned one as being good and I am desperately trying to remember what it was called. I will post again here if I do.

I think Land's End has + size, and their stuff is always good quality.

I bought some lovely tops from Yours ( I think it's called) on the high street. Will see if they have an online store.

Have you triedYours clothing? They go to a 36 and they are good quality for the price.

here

X post 5inthebed!

I'm going to go and check out LaRedoute and Yours - thanks again for the suggestions.

I have, however, found two more catalogues that clearly draw from the same stock - in fact, all five use the same style of website and the same pictures for their stock, so I suspect they are all actually the same company just trying to fool us into thinking we are getting lots of choice. Grrrrrrr.

And you are utterly right about the styles too, Hecate - all I want is a long-line jersey top with short or three-quarter length sleeves - not tooo much to ask. And no, sleeveless/strappy navel-skimming is not close enough.

I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to have to make some tops myself.

Have you tried Ambrose Wilson? They're quite often good.

What about this sort of thing?

That's the sort of thing, yes Galena. Ambrose Wilson is one of the sites I've tried, where everything I liked had sold out in every colour combination and every size over an 18.

At least those tops reckon to be available in a week, so I shall go back and look again then.

Poo, sorry - thought I'd solved the problem!

Their 'Long jersey tops' are the same - a week. Fingers crossed for you!

Also try Artigiano

I just wear t-shirt tops from Evans

my mum always uses jd williams. dont know if any use to you.

You know what annoys me?? In Sainsburys they have the "Grace" range - but they are MASSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANy top I bought there would come to my knees, I am 5ft 1 but fat - not a frigging giant.

I can wear their normal stuff in a 22 - thank the lord - unless it's short (awkward buggers)

She's buying clothes for the gym spacehopper So I'm sure your helpful suggestion has already occurred to her. Unless you'd prefer she works out in the nude.

Bloody hell, I'm glad I read this thread. I'm overweight and trying to lose weight had never crossed my mind. Of course trying to lose weight is so much easier than shopping around for clothes that fit. Thanks spacehopper.

Bloody hell spacehopper

Work out in the nude! lol Sandybits.

My children might be a tad embarrassed if I worked out in the nude, Sandybits. Not to mention the fact that the rest of the gym would empty faster than if there was an ebola virus on the loose. Though then I'd get my choice of the machines with no waiting, so it would have an upside......

Spacehopper - you know the worst thing is that I am having to shop now for exercise clothing, so I can lose weight - and then when I lose weight, I am going to have to do even more shopping! A woman's work is never done.

Why don't you just take a magic pill and wake up a size 10 tomorrow morning? Have you not thought of that?

Good luck at the gym, wear an ipod and get a machine at the front - people can stare at your arse if they really want to - but you won't see any looks (worked for me!).