I am baffled by the popularity of Cos

[crystalgall]

Who wants to look like this?!

The model looks like her head has shrunk or that she is wearing clothes about 10 sizes too big for her.

Everything is so shapeless and blah and yet it's lauded as a style haven.

I don't get it.

Aw, that's lovely wombat thank you.

I need all the help I can get, and the tunics are great at disguising everything I need hidden

Thanks wombat

sir it may not differ much although the material is lovely (a nice weight and softness and it hangs well) but I couldn't say if that's different to other over sized shirts. I think this was £50 ish.

I notice a difference in the way the clothes wash - they seem really bombproof (and I need my clothes to be built like that!) You might pay a touch more, but I reckon they'll last longer.

Terrible photo but what's good about this shirt is it's slightly sheer (note backlight) but not see through at all, and the sleeve is slim cut but has a slightly dropped shoulder so it sits away from your body and makes your arms look thinner and longer. V clever. Honest guv.

2nd the bombproof. I wash a lot of things daily because I am always covered in baby sick

Sorry - what I meant was, given that the shirt looked rubbish on the model (as per the Cos site generally) I don't understand what it is that entices anyone to buy an oversized shirt from there as opposed to any of the many other sites that do the same item but present it in a much better way - iykwim? It looked great on you plimsolls but they must lose more business than they gain by having such an awful site.

I don't mind the aesthetics of the website in terms of how the clothes are shown - it appeals to me image-wise even if I wouldn't necessarily wear the clothes that way. I like the deliberate intention not to appeal to a very traditional ideal of western feminine dress. I suspect this allows them to distinguish themselves from other brands quite successfully because there isn't really any other store that presents quite the same look. (THis is a branding/marketing issue - they are actually owned by H&M).

In terms of functionality, though, I think the information could be clearer, the website could be more usable (the ability to search by fabric, for instance), and they should offer free delivery and returns!

I don't think they lose business by their website. They have far more information on every clothing item than other websites. Their method of showcasing the clothes is IMO to let the clothes speak for themselves. I find this far more helpful than other websites that use models standing in a particular stance/pinning clothes to give more shape/creative photography and generally care more about style than substance. Give me Cos's website any day.

Good news Bristolians! COS and Monki (also a fan) opening in Bristol soon. I shall hold off my big winter shop 😀www.bristolshoppingquarter.co.uk/offers-and-whats-on/whats-on/2016/8/31/cos-and-monki-heading-to-cabot-circus-a4507

admitting that Cos is crap is akin to the little child in the emperor's new clothes, everyone knows it, yet really can't bring themselves to pipe up.

crap
crap
grey
crap

Ok here are three tops I like the look of. It would be really helpful if Cos always listed you the dimensions of the garment and the model's height and dress size. They do it sometimes but not consistently. Some customer reviews wouldn't go amiss either.

Cropped wool jumper: www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Knitwear/Ribbed_panel_jumper/46889-50909514.1#50909515

Drapey top: www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Tops/Asymmetric_drape_top/46885-43990640.1#c-24480

V neck top: www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Tops/Crossover_v-neck_top/46885-17575533.1#c-85354

Has anyone seen these in real life? Are they great or are they grim?

I have tried on the first two of those, Flo. The jumper is lovely, I tried it in a dark blue but couldn't justify as I have something similar. Great quality, elegant. I tried both S and M and the S was better, more fitted. I didn't see the green in store but it looks good.

The drape top I love the idea of but I'm not a fan of the fabric and I'm not sure what I'd wear it with tbh. It's a substantial jersey but I avoid polyester so it's a no go for me. Pretty sure it was hip bone length on me - actually the pics are a pretty good representation of it.

Incidentally, I took delivery of this today. I tried it on at the start of the year, didn't buy it and have been thinking about it ever since, so I'm very happy to have caught it in the sale

Ah, yes, teaaddict, I recognise you; dual winner of most stylish person and most weirdly opinionated person awards 2016.

My most recent purchases are
www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Knitwear/Roll-neck_merino_jumper/46889-44104810.1#c-22755
www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Trousers/Wide-leg_trousers_with_side_button/46887-52971076.1#c-22755
Which look bloody awesome together, and
www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Trousers/Slim_press_fold_trousers/46887-50388418.1#c-24479
www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Trousers/Wool_Melange_Trousers/46887-48835318.1#c-24480
Both of which are incredible basics. Good fit, good fabric, am wearing them turned up while the weather is slightly warmer. The black ones are wash and wear the next day (no ironing) and I wear them virtually every other day.
I ❤️❤️❤️ Cos. As for you shitey Monsoon wearers...well, you I just don't get at all 😁

I've tried on that drape top so many times. I like it on but there is something about it that I can't put my finger on that I disliked. I think it is perhaps, the length of the sleeves. I thought it would be a great style as a dress yet when they brought out the dress, I still wasn't keen on it.

phoolani I really like those last two trousers, I can imagine they'd get a lot of use. I really must brave a trousers trying on session.

I have the drape top and I love it

Just for a moment I thought this thread was about lettuce.

Janey - I laughed!!

I haven't bought a pair of trousers for about 10 years (honest truth) - those ones are really tempting!

Dulci - I'm wearing the black ones again today (with a cos jumper of course!). In the 6 weeks I've had them I've worn them for work, going out and just hanging round the house (they're really comfy), so they work hard enough! I love the grey ones, too, but as they're unlined, I'd avoid them if you have a thing about wool against the skin.

Thanks everyone. I may send for the ribbed panel jumper in dark green. I like the shape and rib detail and I think it's a good price for wool.

So size... I'm normally 8 or 10 so do you think XS or S or would I need to try both? If returns are free maybe that doesn't matter.

I'll probably have to wait until next pay day now so it may take a couple of weeks but if I do, I'll report back. Even if this thread has gone, there's bound to be another.

Floisme The drape top is one of the three items I tried on because I liked the colour. My bust and waist are 106 cm/86 cm and I tried on a L, wasn't keen, didn't think the fit suited me. Would have tried on a M to see if I liked it better with a closer fit, but couldn't be arsed because the colour wasn't as nice on. However, the L did fit me, just wasn't great on a broad-shouldered broad like myself, I felt very baggy and boxy.

Thanks banivani think I'll sidestep the draped top unless I get to see it in real life.