Adding plus sizes to my COKANNA Canadian made bamboo clothing for women has been on my mind for a while now. I’ve had many inquiries. It’s hard to find good quality natural fibre clothing in the proper size. Not to mention stylish and well-fitting. There’s a lot of polyester out there that doesn’t breathe. In addition to shapeless styles with baggy sleeves and over-sized necklines.
Shop Local. Shop Canadian.
Some of you may cross border shop because there’s more choice down in the U.S. If you’re a snowbird, it’s a convenient way to shop even with the exchange rate. For the rest of us who brave the cold and snowy Canadian winters, there’s always online shopping but that can be misleading.
My fit model, Pat, relayed the story of ordering a top thinking it was coming from the U.S. She found out after the fact that it was coming from China. She never would’ve placed the order had she known up front. Her credit card company called to see if it was a legitimate purchase. Her husband happened to answer and told them, “Oh no, my wife would never order anything from China”. Hence, her credit card was cancelled. Good to know her bank is keeping an eye on her credit card. But, not so good her card was cancelled.
The top finally arrived after 5 weeks. It turned out to be nothing like the one in the picture. In Pat’s words, it was total crap, cheap material, pure junk! She threw it out.
So, I hope to give you and Pat the option to purchase high quality, well-fitting Canadian made bamboo clothing a little closer to home.
Getting The Fit Right
I want to offer well-made, soft and comfy bamboo pieces that fit your body. I’m so fortunate to have Pat and Ann as fit models. They graciously offered to be measured up and down, this way and that, to get the right proportions.
In addition, Ann generously brought me samples of her favourite clothes that fit well. She provided me with notes of her pet peeves, what works and what doesn’t work. Such valuable and insightful information!
Ann modelling the new COKANNA cardigan and Wanderlust Scarf. Photo by Anna Epp Photography
Pat was also incredibly helpful and adventurous coming on a road trip to Oshawa. We worked with my design & development team, Canadian Service Apparel. She was a little nervous getting measured by Duey, the lead designer and pattern maker. She was a trouper though. And, Duey was a gentleman and quickly put her at ease.
FAES: Fashion At Every Size
However, Pat was skeptical. She didn’t believe that bamboo pants would look good on her. So, she brought along her favourite best-fitting pants to show us what works well on her body type.
But, when she tried on my sample trousers she was shocked. Lo and behold, the pants fit well. They looked great on. And above all, they were comfortable. She didn’t think she could wear bamboo pants. So, I was delighted to prove her wrong! On our way home, she mentioned several times how surprised and excited she was about the pants.
Pat in the Claire jacket and wide leg trousers
Since then, at my last COKANNA Coffee Shop, a few women tried on my Canadian made bamboo clothing in Size 5. A Size 5 is equivalent to a 2x or 22. They loved the style, comfort, and fit. As a result, they even pre-ordered for the fall.
Where and When
My plus sizes 4 & 5 will be featured on the runway along with Wanderlust Scarves and Mansfield’s Shoes at the “Fun, Friends & Fashion” Show. It’s on Sunday, September 15th, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Amberwood Lounge and Eatery in Stittsville. So, come out and enjoy the latest fall fashions & accessories, high tea, door prizes, and shopping!
Until next week,
~ Colleen
