Tuesday 15 July 2008

Boobs 4 justice

Photo from Flickr user zmxncbv.com. Creative Commons licence.

Apparently Marks and Spencer have been charging extra for larger bra sizes, £2 for anything over size DD. They say it's "standard practice".

So, do larger people have to pay extra for larger clothes? I don't think so.

Do larger people have to pay more for air fares? Not that I've heard.

Would Olga the Travelling Bra approve? I'm certain she wouldn't.

Join the Busts 4 Justice protest.

19 comments:

  1. Ohhh, I can't believe this!
    I am petite and never get any discounts :)

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  2. I absolutely do NOT approve! Infact, I have a mind to report them to (BOBHS - Bras of Britain Humane Society!) They really should take note of THIS!

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  3. Yes, yes and yes! Of course I never pay full price, but the retail prices of the plus sized in the designer lines cost more. Some start charging more for bras at 38D. If you are severely obese yo would have to pay for two tickets on some airlines on some type of airplanes.

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  4. I like the ability to review.

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  5. I've seen lots of places charging more for clothes larger than XL. It's very common practice here. Also, being a larger busted woman, I always seem to pay more than the smaller bras. I guess I just never really thought about it because I'm so used to it.

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  6. Lingerie is the bane of my life - I would like to be able to wear strappy tops, especially now the weather's getting larger, but can't as all my bra straps are wide. My beef is more with the manufacturers who don't seem to produce sexy undies in larger sizes, unless you pay 'the skin of your bottom'/through the teeth for designer boutique, to have some stick insect obviously wondering why a large woman would want sexy undies in the first place.
    j

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  7. Ah hah, I just miss out in the overcharging size, but many sympathies for those who have to pay extra.

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  8. Actually, I believe that very large folks requiring 2 seats do have to pay for 2 seats. As far as clothes, when you think about it, it does require more fabric and labor to produce them, so I think it would be reasonable.

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  9. I've generally found that larger size clothes cost more - often in catalogues, for example, sizes 8-18 have one price and size 20+ has another. Which is fair enough, there is more material involved. Likewise for bras - my over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders involve considerably more material and engineering than something that's just a couple of triangles on a string.
    Although that's not to say I enjoy paying a premium for my bras! I just know that if I want something comfortable and supportive, I have to pay the extra. :(

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  10. Actually I do believe, heavier people do pay more for air fare. Not top heavy, heavy in general. Speaking from a large busted womans point of view. I would rather pay a little more for a good bra, to hold everything in its place, then be forced to by poor constructed bras that let everything hang out.

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  11. Look, I know a lot of people say: "well, it is more fabric" or "heavier people should pay more airfare" etc. But you have to understand that this isn't necessarily very heavy people or a lot of fabric. A 32D will be 12 GBP, whilst a 32DD will be 14 GBP. The only difference? A tiny bit of fabric. The 32D still has the underwire, still has the extra support. It's all nonsense really. You can't compare a DD+ size bra to a size 20! DD isn't really all that big. It compares better to a size 6 vs. a size 12. And we all know they cost the same.

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  12. I was struck by the picture I think it's funny as hell.Then I read the article and agree that it is unfair to charge more also.

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  13. I have sown jeans in a factory, It took the same amount of labor no mater what size they were. Its interesting how men pay the same for size 32 as a 42 and there's way more fabric in those slacks, than 32 or 42 size bra and between a D or DD or even an E cup. And to bring up another discrepancy, that shirt with buttons on the left will cost two and a half time more to have laundered than one with buttons on the right(male).

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  14. In my experience, larger people do actually have to pay more. There are even stores just for them (big and tall).

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  15. Well, I wouldn't call it cheating...at lease I know that you read my blog... Take care!

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  16. I have to say that I can see both sides of the argument, sure should one person pay more if they are larger, my first comment would be to say no.

    On the other side, if the product actually costs more to make, due to more materials etc, then I can understand the additional cost. (granted probably not that much but at least a small additional fee).

    Stuart

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  17. We stopped by to let you know that our Story Game is completed and published today! Since you were a Contributing Author, we just know you'd like to read it! Thanks for playing!

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  18. it does require more fabric so i think it's quite reasonable. and you have to take into consideration that maybe, even if there's a small difference between the higher priced bra size and the next size with the lower price, in terms of fabric, maybe the size (length or width of fabric) cannot accomodate more than one so if the width can fit 2 medium sized or 1 large sized, the excess fabric from the large is also included in the charge as they cannot use that piece of scrap anymore, thus it's like having 2 medium sized after all.

    i'm not really sure, but it's probably one reason.

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  19. I hadn't expected quite such a response. I'm surprised at the number of you who support the price differential. :)

    The reason I don't feel it's justified is that M & S don't charge more for other larger size garments, and they too use more material. and they aren't talking about specific bras that are designed for the larger bust. The price increase is for the exact same bra. And why that particular cut-off point? As anonymous says, DD is not necessarily all that big.

    And if taken to extremes, we'd have a different price for every size, for every sort of garment. Lady Banana makes a good point about shoes. I have very small feet (UK 3, EU 36) so I can't be certain, but I don't believe there is any price increase for size increase. There isn't a discount for small, that I do know.

    J, have you tried Bravissimo or Figleaves? I know they both deliver to France.

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Forethoughts, afterthoughts, any thoughts. Tell me.

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