Where to shop? (chubby short butch!)

[TooBusyByHalf]

I hate shopping. So I never buy clothes, which means everything I have is old and falling apart. And most of it doesn't fit anyway. I need to start over.

So, I need to find some shops that will reliably stock the kinds of things I like, which will last, and won't break the bank. I'm a size 14 top 16 bottom, and short (probably on Next / M&S sizing these days) so I find places like H&M come up too skinny. I'm happy to shop in the men's department when I can find things that fit short arms and short legs

To give you an idea, I like Uniqlo LifeWear but I can't fit in it. I need work trousers, shirts, jackets, jeans, weekend shirts, and the odd smart-casual thing. I don't follow fashion but I don't want elasticated waists either and would like to be considered stylish - but in a butch kind of way. I never wear skirts, dresses, or make-up and have short hair.

All and any advice - bearing in mind the last time I knew the highstreet well was in about 1990 - shops or websites - very welcome. Thanks!

Hmm. Have a look at Gap basics. Cos is another one that springs to mind.

Yep Gap is good. My DP bought me a shirt there last weekend - it fits and looks good so will def try that.
Cos is for tall straight and up down people, no? Will try if you say so

I need more ideas here people please and thank you

For casual wear I quite like long sleeved tops with a t shirt over the top with either jeans or combat style trousers (not sure if combats are still in shops at the minute though). I would say next including their petite range for trousers

Again for workwear next petite black trousers get a few pairs and wear with shirts or blouses. I like tops that are a shirt style but a softer material so they are more flattering, can't think of any specific shop though

M&s indigo do lots of checked shirts/ denim which looks nice

TKMax - the menswear section has really smart shirts that I get compliments on all the time. The ones with the polo style collar so you don't have the button issue, but they are not really casual looking either.

Toast is worth a look. Very plain styling but good quality. I am 5 six so not that short but stuff isn't always quite long enough for me so you may be ok. Nice plain trousers - Henry is the style. I have some splendid dark denim dungarees from them.

Yes to Gap. I buy their chinos to wear to work and they're good. The fit is generous so may even need to size down. They also do lots of shirts that are good for work.

I like Howies for simple cotton T shirts and tops. A bit pricey, but they last forever! I have a Howies T that is about 9 years old.

Howies looks good and nice values too. Now I just need a workwear equivalent...

Try People Tree TooBusyByHalf