I‘ve heard from a couple of sources that I should give United Colors of Benetton a try for items that run small and finally made the trek over there this weekend. Results were mixed, but I did find some stuff that would work for tiny petites, and picked up this awesome little number.
Trench jacket, size 38 Benetton has European sizing, so size 38 is their equivalent to XS/0. This trench style jacket is in size 38, and except for the sleeves being a bit too long, is absolutely perfect right off the rack. I’m very impressed with the fit across the back and shoulders, which is surprisingly narrow! Perfect for someone around my size. Here are a few different shots of the jacket so you can see how great the fit is.
The sleeves need to be taken up just a bit 
Back and side view I also saw a few other tops and sweaters at Benetton that were fitting pretty small, so check them out for great preppy pieces.
The other thing I tried on for fit was a pair of pants in size 38. The waist was very small, and the pants fit well just below my natural waistline. There was a gap in the waist at the back, which is a pretty common occurrence and can be easily taken in by a tailor. However, the front and crotch area on the pant did the strangest thing! I’ve never experienced this before. There is this fold of extra fabric that hangs down in a very unflattering way, and no amount of pulling, pinching, or adjusting seemed to get rid of it.
What is the fabric doing at the crotch? Anyone know what that is? I’m going to show this picture to my tailor and ask her what’s going on with the fit of this pant. I’m so curious!
Other than that, the fit in the hip and thigh was pretty good. These pants might work for someone of a different body type than myself, so it’s worth taking a look if you have a Benetton near by.
United Colors of Benetton does not have e-commerce at this time, so unfortunately only ladies near an actual Benetton store will benefit from this brand. The style at Benetton is a bit preppy, so if you like argyle and tartan, then Benetton should be on your list of stores to check out. As for me, I LOVE argyle, and will be coming back often!
looks like a pair of pants cut for a hermaphrodite
The fit is so weird! I did for a second think I might have accidentally grabbed a pair of men's pants. But then I realized there was no way a pair of men's pants would fit so small. I'm curious as to what their fit model looks like.
I love that trench jacket! Do you mind posting how much it was? I always have problems finding jackets that fit well.
Hi Nukem!
The jacket retailed for $219.00, but it was on sale for $76.65 as of just two weeks ago!
Hi: I am not an expert sewer, but I can see from the photo that there is fabric being drawn by the back and bunching up from the front. Either the crotch is just too short, or you need a little more fabric in the rear section to allow the fabric to drate naturally. Hope this helps.
Hi Nukem!
The jacket retailed for $219.00, but it was on sale for $76.65 as of just two weeks ago!
I love that trench jacket! Do you mind posting how much it was? I always have problems finding jackets that fit well.
Hi: I am not an expert sewer, but I can see from the photo that there is fabric being drawn by the back and bunching up from the front. Either the crotch is just too short, or you need a little more fabric in the rear section to allow the fabric to drate naturally. Hope this helps.
The fit is so weird! I did for a second think I might have accidentally grabbed a pair of men's pants. But then I realized there was no way a pair of men's pants would fit so small. I'm curious as to what their fit model looks like.
Wow, I wear tops in 34-36 from benetton (very rarely they have 32 ) and 0-2 from BR, I think you could definitely try size down! Or is the store in US have different sizes supply? I’ve never been in their store here, though I love their bright style and vibrant colors!
That weird pant fit happens to me CONSTANTLY, particularly with business pants (less of a problem with jeans.) Would love to know what your tailor said.
Hi MountainMiss! My tailor didn’t help too much by way of telling me what was wrong. She just told me to find a different pair of pants. LOL. I think it has a lot to do with the rise being too high, and I also see it with pants where the hip is too tight or not contoured enough for shapely hips.