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Original poster

Ok, so apparently I want to 'dress like an architect' and have looked at Cos...

39 replies

PacificDogwood · 08/09/2014 21:34

Inspired by a recent thread here I took my desire for simple, but well-made and slightly 'edgy' clothing to the Cos website.

Here's my question: how well do their clothes suit people with generous boobage?
When I look at their underwear offerings, it appears quite clear that I am not their target market… (I am a 34G, size 14, 5'6'', 48 yo)

Any experience you could share please?

OP posts:
2Bemused · 08/09/2014 21:39

I am a 34E and their silk t-shirts in size small fit me well. Only a size 10 on the bottom so size medium are often huge around the hips.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/09/2014 21:58

I'm a 32E and find that their tops generally come up big.

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 08/09/2014 22:22

Oh, thanks, that's good to hear!

I might just order a couple of tops to try out, but really what I need are smart-casual, machine-washable trousers.
Or dresses? But that would mean tights and stuff in the winter… Hmm.

OP posts:
Saurus72 · 08/09/2014 22:27

Bust size not generally an issue in clothes, but have never tried the underwear. On the few occasions I have looked at bras in their shop, it seems like they are suited to A/B cup - not for me at 36dd.

Cos sizing is generally wierd, although is better than it used to be. If you are ordering online, I would order everything you are even mildly considering, possibly in a couple of different sizes. Also returns take forever, often up to 6 weeks. Having said all that, when you find the things that work, they will be a brilliant addition to your wardrobe.

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 08/09/2014 22:30

Oh, I don't really want their underwear Grin - I was just a bit worried that I was not their target audience when I looked a eenty-weency, lacy, see-through triangle pretending to be a bra IYKWIM. I need well-constructed scaffolding…

Ok, interesting about returns. I may need to find out where I could maybe try their clothes on in a shop. Deep joy - I am NOT a shopper...

OP posts:
Saurus72 · 08/09/2014 22:38

Oh good re: undies. Didn't want to be rude but their bras are definitely made for 14 year olds with no support requirements - I need scaffolding too.

Honestly, if I were you I would put aside a couple if hours and visit a store to try stuff on. In the long run, this will probably be less time consuming and frustrating than having to second guess sizing and style. I've been buying from Cos for years and years, and I've given up ordering online now (with the exception of things in the sale that I've already tried on in real life). Are you in/near London?

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 08/09/2014 22:40

Nope.
In Scotland.
Worse - in the sticks on Scotland Grin

I could make it to Glasgow or Edinburgh in a few weeks time, the bigger issue is that I hate, hate, hate shopping for clothes.
But I like their stuff (well, I like the look of it), so it might be worth the Horror of Clothes Shopping Wink

OP posts:
minkah · 08/09/2014 22:42

What's a standard size 10 @ Cos?

christinarossetti · 08/09/2014 22:44

I don't think there's a simple answer to that...

I'm an 8/10 and had to take in an XS dress that I bought in the sale by about 4 inches, so I would start at as XS and work upwards.

minkah · 08/09/2014 22:49

Thanks, christinarossetti. I will follow your advice!

Saurus72 · 08/09/2014 22:52

Well yeah, a bit of a pain to shop but if you get there as soon as the shop opens it should be relatively hassle free. Cos shops take quite a long time to look around and gather up clothes IME as there us quite a lot if different stock. Shopping is nowhere near as annoying than having to package up the returns, schlep to the post office and wait weeks to get your money back.

The reason I was asking if you are in London is that there is a shop called & Other Stories that is owned by the same company that own Cos - H&M - and that might be worth a look too, although that is less austere than Cos. The website is Stories.com

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 08/09/2014 22:58

Oh, yes, thanks, I had heard about &Other Stories - not sure they've made it to the provinces yet Wink

You are right about returns - they are a pain too. As I need to the clothed, I shall brave the shops. It will be fine

OP posts:
MotherOfFerals · 08/09/2014 23:30

Ooh, pacific, is Cos coming to Edinburgh..?

Luxaroma · 09/09/2014 06:59

I don't think their clothes are cut for woman with large chests - they may fit but they look pretty awful. You find the odd thing but in general not great.

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 09/09/2014 07:25

MotherofFerals, no idea! Sorry, I was just speculating.

Luxaroma, see, that's what I was afraid of. May have to see it for myself in RL, but thanks for the warning.

OP posts:
lordnoobson · 09/09/2014 07:26

warning - that Cos refund has only just come through.

MilkThistle187 · 09/09/2014 09:46

I find Cos a tricky place to shop. The sizes are unpredictable and the fabrics often feel a bit odd. It is the one shop I would be reluctant to buy from online. That said, some of the clothes look amazing on. I'd really recommend a RL trip.

ClaraDeLaNoche · 09/09/2014 10:23

Yes you really need to try the stuff on. And reserve judgement, it can look shit on the hanger then lovely on.

Thread hijack which made me laugh. Had a meeting last week with a woman who was v stylish, navy and black, lovely shoes. She was working in community development. I asked her where she got her dress from and she said Cos. Then half an hour later she told me she wasn't always in community development, she studied architecture at uni. Proof positive! Smile

Notonaschoolnight · 09/09/2014 12:50

I second luxoroma love the idea of their clothes but they so don't suit my 40-32-40 shape

KristinaM · 09/09/2014 13:58

I'm a 30F and I wear lots of cos clothes . Of course I avoid anything with a high neck . They have lots of loose tops that drape over my norks, but need to be worn with fitted trousers /neat skirts

There is a large cos in princes square in Glasgow, about 5 mins walk from central and queen st stations. 10 mins from the bus station. Best to go first thing in the morning, especially if you have to shop on a Saturday .

They don't have a dedicated personal shopper, but you can phone and book an appointment and they will provide you with an assistant and a large fitting room. This is helpful as you need to try on everything that might possibly be an option -nothing has hanger appeal and sizes are tricky

Luxaroma · 09/09/2014 15:11

I think they might be ok if you have large boobs and waist because they are rarely fitted but I'm hourglass and the lack of waist definition does me no favours...even a nod would help.

KristinaM · 09/09/2014 15:42

That's a good point luxe, I have no waist and a small bum /hips

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 09/09/2014 16:19

Thanks again - good tip about phoning ahead, thanks.
Princes Square is v accessible for me, so I will brave it, I think, even if it were just to prove to myself that Cos clothes are not for me Sad

I have more of an hour glass figure as well, so it does not bode well…

The image I have of myself in my head sadly does not match reality. Ah well.

OP posts:
ThisBitchIsResting · 09/09/2014 16:35

I ordered a coat from Cos back in early August, immediately returned it for different size and am still waiting for both refund and replacement. Ah well, it's not cold yet..

So yes to getting to a shop if you possibly can. Plus postage is £6 which is a bit steep.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 09/09/2014 17:07

I'm an hourglass(ish). I don't have many things, and agree with others that you have to try loads of stuff on to find one or two things that work - but the things that do work are brilliant and have become absolute staples of my wardrobe.