# Who are these women that buy these hideous tops from the QVC "Quacker Factory" **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 8, 2006, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836 "2006-04-08T05:37:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2006, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/41 "2006-04-09T19:01:00Z")
Er, I shop a lot for clothing on the QVC website and I love it. Yes, I’m plus-sized and I like simple classic sets that are easy to wear, care for, and are no-brainers to put on for work. That being said, I pick out outfits from Citiknits, Dialogue, etc, because I don’t like busy clothing which will just emphasize my size. I checked out the Quacker Factory on the QVC website and found some tops that are toned down and are actually something I’d consider wearing. Those sparkly, sequinned tops certainly are attention getters but if a woman likes those, she might investigate the rest of the line to see if there’s anything else she might like to get. ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2006, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/42 "2006-04-09T20:35:14Z")
Just FYI, clothing manufacturers make their samples in size 6 for women’s clothing, and the plus size models are size 12. Since the clothes are made months ahead of time, there isn’t a variety of sizes and the models all have to be a 6 or a 12. This is ordinary clothing, however, the sort of thing you see in women’s magazines, not runway styles. As a solidly-built woman (I’m not fat, but I’m definitely not slim), I would never be caught dead in those glittery things. I like dark colors and classic styles. It’s very depressing to go to a store in spring and see all those cute pastels, that all look terrible on me! I look great in chocolate brown though, so I’m pretty happy this year. ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2006, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/43 "2006-04-09T21:41:31Z")
> [@Veuve\_ClicquotNJ](#): > > Not exactly. Plus sizes are womens sizes - 12/14/16/18/ and up - with a W after the number, indicating a fuller cut. _Misses_ sizes generally run to an 18 (sometimes a 20) and are not as fully cut. > > VCNJ~ > [@Mrs O'Malley's Cow](#): > > You have 16W which is plus sized and then you have 16 misses. W sizes are cut fuller around the hips and such. Typically misses go up to a 18. I wear anything from a 12 to an 18 misses. I can also wear around a 14W (usually). One good thing about being a 12 on up is you can (usually) go back and forth between plus size and misses. We must be shopping at different stores then (I’m in Alberta ftr), its very rare when I see a 16W or 18W and that’s only a couple of brands (actually, the only brand I can recall trying on that went like that was Nygard). Most places I shop for pants go 12/14/16 then you have to go next door/across the hall to the plus size store (unless its all in the same store) where it goes 18/20/22/24. One store I shop at has S/M/L in the regular and the plus size (small in plus size being bigger than large in regular). So here I am, towering over most (if not all) the other women in the store while I try to find something that is the right length and not too loose (as most plus size clothes are cut) or too tight (as most tall girl clothes are cut) ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/44 "2006-04-10T00:58:24Z")
C’mon people. There are tons of cute things for plus sized ladies; it just takes some, y’know, effort to find it. But that’s the same for a size 8 lady who has to wade through some nasty low-rise muffin-top jeans or shirts that are too short, etc. I’ll just take Lane Bryant as an example (although obviously the mannequins are not a size 18 or 24, but the clothes look nice in person as well). Sure, they have some [freaking hideous tunics](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L1009590&nav=L9), but they also have: - nice [suit jackets](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L1009365&nav=L1) - short sleeved [button downs](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L1009437&nav=L9) in a dressy fabric (and these are nicely fitted to skim curves without revealing, uh, rolls) - nice [basic shells](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L1009612&nav=L9) made of supima cotton, which you can wear under similar cardigans or under suit jackets - basic [camisoles](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L1009266&nav=L9) that are great for under button downs, suit jackets, whatever - cute [dressy -casual tanks](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L1009408&nav=L9) like this one - [knee-length skirts](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L9800012&nav=L9) that are a nice A-line shape to help minimize the hip and booty - [jeans](http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.com/Shopping/product.aspx?product_id=L9700017) that can be distressed, embellished, plain; bootcut, flared, straightleg (thankfully they seem to be getting rid of the tapered legs :: shudder :: ); light, medium, dark, etc. ---
**Author:** ![ladybug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/46a35a/32.png) [@ladybug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladybug)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/45 "2006-04-10T01:13:14Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > If you want _really_ tacky handbags, you head for [Dooney & Bourke](http://store.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=19078). You’re telling me that women pay money for these bags? On purpose? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/46 "2006-04-10T03:19:23Z")
I thought the Quacker Factory was so hideous and silly, I of course signed up Mrs. RickJay’s best friend to be a Quacker. I am so looking forward to her tales of frustration at receiving all their E-mail. ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/47 "2006-04-10T03:43:49Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > I thought the Quacker Factory was so hideous and silly, I of course signed up Mrs. RickJay’s best friend to be a Quacker. I am so looking forward to her tales of frustration at receiving all their E-mail. You’re evil. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/48 "2006-04-10T06:40:52Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > See? I’m sorry to upset y’all, but dammit, share my pain!!! That site is full of almost equally ugly bags, most of which seem aimed at the pre-teen market. Many of them appear to have been made my pre-schoolers with glitter glue. The one you linked to seems to have that “Girl Scout Camp project” look - but those only cost $5 and a permission slip signed by your legal guardian. They also got “lost” quickly. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/49 "2006-04-10T11:12:26Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > If you want \*really \* tacky handbags, you head for [Dooney & Bourke](http://store.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=19078). I was going to mention the Louis Vuitton bags, specifically the white ones with the multi-colored LVs all over them, but this thing wins, hands down. Damn, looking at that thing first thing on a Monday morning is better than a gallon of coffee for waking up. It’s just freaking ugly. Don’t click on the swatches to make it change colors! It’ll make your eyes bleed. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/50 "2006-04-10T12:46:20Z")
> [@MrJackboots](#): > > Ow. My eyes. Why did I click on that? Morbid curiosity is one thing, but _damn…_ > > I’ve been Goatse-linked before and only raised an eyebrow, but I believe weird feeling in my face means that I’m actively twitching at that one. > > Thanks a lot. Actually [This banana bag](http://store.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=20220) isnt too bad, but holy crap on a stick, $175US :eek: ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/51 "2006-04-10T12:52:05Z")
People at work think I am a bit nuts [but we wont go there 🙂] I have 5 pair of [black, identical palazzo pants](http://www.devalifewear.com/mm5/) - partway down the page. I have 5 identical model MENS polo shirts, in assorted different colots. I have identical black socks, and mens comfy loafers. I simply point out to them I dont have to stop and think about what to wear to work, teh mens loafers and polo shirts are better made, longer lasting and much cheaper than the nearest womens equivalent. I _always_ am dressed suitably for office casual. I spend a hell of a lot less on work clothes, that I dont give a crap about [I go to work, I work, I go home. Then I dress how I like] and I do my work laundry once a week, hang it all up and I can get dressed in the dark with a hangover and never worry about mismatching anything=) ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/52 "2006-04-10T13:28:13Z")
Thanks, **BiblioCat**. I just had to. Thanks to you. Ouch. ---
**Author:** ![UntouchedTakeaway](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d78d45/32.png) [@UntouchedTakeaway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UntouchedTakeaway)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/53 "2006-04-10T13:33:10Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > People at work think I am a bit nuts [but we wont go there 🙂] > > I have 5 pair of [black, identical palazzo pants](http://www.devalifewear.com/mm5/) - partway down the page. I have 5 identical model MENS polo shirts, in assorted different colots. I have identical black socks, and mens comfy loafers. > > I simply point out to them I dont have to stop and think about what to wear to work, teh mens loafers and polo shirts are better made, longer lasting and much cheaper than the nearest womens equivalent. I _always_ am dressed suitably for office casual. I spend a hell of a lot less on work clothes, that I dont give a crap about [I go to work, I work, I go home. Then I dress how I like] and I do my work laundry once a week, hang it all up and I can get dressed in the dark with a hangover and never worry about mismatching anything=) I work this way a lot too. I have several wardrobe staples - tailored white shirts, black seasonal wool trousers & skirts, twin sets, tailored jackets. I can pull together an outfit in about 5 seconds if I have to, and pull it all together with accessories. Everything else in my wardrobe is icing. VCNJ~ ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/54 "2006-04-10T15:05:56Z")
Same here, with the work “uniform”. Chino-type pants in khaki, brown and black. Lee Riders Stretch cotton, size 24. Lands End 3/4 length or short sleeve shirts, black or dark blue, cotton with a little stretch, size 3X. Mix and match, but except for brown and blue, everything coordinates. Winter: blue, blue or brown Dansko clogs Spring/summer/fall: Birks in a variety of colors. Done, and done. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/55 "2006-04-10T15:10:14Z")
Oh, and a friend of mine has a number of Dooney and Bourke bags, but they are the classic-style ones (something like [this](http://store.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=18937) but more classic); they were classy and preppy then, I don’t know what’s happened! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/56 "2006-04-10T18:41:34Z")
arquvan, thanks for that link. ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/57 "2006-04-10T19:02:43Z")
What bothers me _most_ about Quacker Factory stuff is that, unless the stuff is cut _very_ generously, there’s no way Jeanne Bice, the woman hawking them, can wear her own stuff. Her stuff comes up to size 3X, and she’s a 4X, minimum, which seems rather hypocritical. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/58 "2006-04-10T19:29:00Z")
> [@norinew](#): > > What bothers me _most_ about Quacker Factory stuff is that, unless the stuff is cut _very_ generously, there’s no way Jeanne Bice, the woman hawking them, can wear her own stuff. Her stuff comes up to size 3X, and she’s a 4X, minimum, which seems rather hypocritical. I don’t know. I am superfat (5’10", 300#) and I can fit a 3X, depending on the product. From the picture, I would say I am bigger than that woman by a good bit. I worked in a family shelter in NYC and we would try to help the moms figure out their financial situation. A disproportionate number would list Fingerhut as one of their creditors. ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/59 "2006-04-10T19:41:42Z")
After a certain age, women outnumber men by something like 10 to 1. At that point, I can certainly understand many women deciding they don’t want to dress for men any more–they dress for comfort, to please their grandchildren and to connect with other women like themselves. In my sunset years, I plan to dress at least that comfortably. I may skip the appliques, or find something a bit more edgy, though. Maybe an applique of the rolleyes smiley. ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2006, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836/60 "2006-04-10T20:04:44Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > I don’t know. I am superfat (5’10", 300#) and I can fit a 3X, depending on the product. From the picture, I would say I am bigger than that woman by a good bit. > > I worked in a family shelter in NYC and we would try to help the moms figure out their financial situation. A disproportionate number would list Fingerhut as one of their creditors. It’s amazing to me how differently people can be built! I’m 5’8, 320, and mostly need at 4X. She looks to me like she’d be at least my size, although shorter and rounder. If I’m wrong about her size, then I take back the remark about being hypocritical. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-women-that-buy-these-hideous-tops-from-the-qvc-quacker-factory/351836.md?page=4)