As a long-time Loft shopper since my college years over a decade ago, I‘ve watched this staple women’s retailer transform itself from a subdivision of boxy workwear giant Ann Taylor into a fashion destination for petite and plus size women of all ages. While some question marks around quality and ethics remain, Loft continues winning fans by filling significant gaps in the market.
In this expansive Loft brand review built on years of first-hand experience, I‘ll assess in depth:
- The evolution of Loft‘s brand image and target demographic
- Range of clothing offered from dresses to jeans
- Comparison with competitors like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and J.Crew
- Quality, sourcing and manufacturing transparency
- Customer commentary and real experiences
- Styling advice and outfit ideas for regular customers
So whether you‘re considering Loft for office appropriate sheaths or casual weekend layers, read on for an inside look at exactly what sets this retailer apart.
Who is Loft? An Affordable Destination for Extended Sizes
Although I began browsing my local Loft store for professional pieces suitable for my first corporate job, today they tout themselves as the destination for elevated everyday style catering to young careerists and busy moms.
After complete rebranding starting in 2010, Loft shifted from channeling Ann Taylor’s stuffy workwear aesthetic to infusing a casual, youthful spirit into wardrobe essentials. They smartly Zeroed in on neglected demographics like petite and plus size women facing limited stylish options cut for their curves.
According to 2020 annual data, Loft continues expanding its retail footprint, now with nearly 300 locations across the United States and Canada after opening 30 new stores last year alone. Supported by a swelling Instagram following of 865,000, the #LoftLife maintains serious influence among Millenial and Gen Z customers.
While I rely on Loft for polished staples fitting my 5’2” frame, they sell everything from swimsuits to activewear and trendy denim in sizes ranging from 00 to 26W. Compared to fast fashion players like Zara, Loft styles avoid overt branding in favor of subtle femininity with flattering details and prints. The mass expansion leaves some wondering whether growth compromised quality.
Loft Dresses Designed to Flatter
The first Loft item I ever purchased remains my favorite: A timeless navy and white polka dot fit and flare dress with a slightly vintage feel. Cut from smooth flowing cotton with structured lining that accommodates curves without frump, it suited my graduating college body then continues flattering me post-kids thanks to adjustable straps and stretch fabric.
Even as someone petite with a larger bust, I reach for that dress constantly in warmer months knowing it suits my shape. Similar design elements woven through Loft’s dress collections explain their best-selling power:
Consider these top rated picks:
Surplice Faux Wrap Dress
With feminine ruching and elastic shirring bisecting the waist, this easy jersey knit dress earns constant compliments for its slimming effect. The smooth matte jersey contains enough stretch to avoid gaping buttons while providing substantial coverage. Find this coworker favorite from size 00P to 26W.
Floral V-neck Midi Dress
Loft smartly outfits busy moms in this sleeveless, no fuss floral frock. The softly draped bodice and gentle front pleats hide stomachs without frump then flows gracefully below the knee. Made from a substantial poly-spandex blend, the weighty fabric exceeds expectations at this moderate price point. Available in sizes up to 24W in regular and petite lengths.
Off the Shoulder Sweater Dress
This fitted knit mini dress modernizes French girl charm for winter affairs. With widened off shoulder straps and ribbed texture, the curve-skimming silhouette appears tailored to showcase legs and décolletage without restriction. Pair with tights and ankle boots for easy sophistication. Runs up to size 16P.
After being let down by shoddier fast fashion sheaths, Loft’s focus on adapting styles to fit well across body types and sizes gives their dresses an edge. While mostly polyester blends lack high end luxury, they avoid seeming cheap.
Reviewing Loft Clothing Staples
Beyond occasion dresses, what sets Loft apart lies in the vast petite selections with adjusted sleeve, shorts and pants lengths for smaller frames. As someone annoyed by constantly hemming and finding well-fitting tops, their attention to detail saves me regular tailoring trips.
Here’s how some bestselling Loft clothing essentials stack up:
Linen Blend Pull On Shorts
A must for hotter months, Loft’s 4” linen shorts ace summer style with breathable comfort. The stretch linen blend contours curves without cling while the elasticized waist moves easily. With sizes spanning 00P to 20P and proper proportioning in the hips, these become my seasonal staple hemmed or unroll.
Plaid Wrap Top
Effortlessly transitioning between season, this versatile plaid button-up flatters all frames. Tailored yet breezy with a touch of stretch and a waist-cinching tie, it wears well tucked, loose or layered. The meticulous bust darts and cropped sleeves suit petite proportions. Find sizes up to 20W and 18P.
Curvy Cheeky Straight Jeans
Expertly designed to lift rears and smooth thighs, Loft’s cheeky bootcut jeans merit their TikTok famous status. Offering the curve-accentuating appeal of AE’s Curvy styles at an accessible price point, this stretch denim accommodates hourglass shapes sizes 25-35 in regular and tall lengths. The sculpting rear pockets prove they know their demographic!
While occasionally letting down with thinner fabrics prone to holes, Loft generally meets affordable quality standards, especially with tailored pieces and smart stretch additions suiting real bodies.
How Loft’s Petite Range Delivers
Given how Loft built itself as the destination for polished workwear in hard-to-find petite sizes, how does the current extended offerings measure up?
Overall, Loft still leads the competition delivering flattering, feminine favorites adapted for shorter waisted customers under 5’4”. By shrinking standard items down proportionally and tailoring bust, shoulders and sleeves rather than just shortening hems, they ensure pieces best showcase smaller frames.
Here are some favorite petite picks:
Ruffle Neck Poet Blouse
Effortlessly chic and made to move with the wearer, this billowy top flatters narrow shoulders with the perfect neckline ruffle. Tailored shoulders and refined cuffs soften petite proportions without overwhelm; easily dressed up with skirts for dinner dates but equally darling tucked into jeans. Sizes up to 18P accommodate busty builds.
Faux Leather Moto Jacket
Exuding just enough edge for petite figures while remaining polished, Loft’s take on the iconic moto jacket suits those seeking out rebellious cool. Cropped to the waist and cut slim in the shoulders, the luxe vegan leather flatters short torsos. Layer over dresses for an unexpected bad girl touch; available up to 16P.
Crew Neck Linen Tee
The ideal basic linen tee meets breezy lightness with polish, cut in sustainably sourced fabric topped by a feminine grosgrain ribbon neckline. A curved hem accenting hips and bust darts grants this spare silhouette discreet shape. Size down for ideal drape on petite frames up to 18P.
For smaller women accustomed to settling for loose, shrunken hand-me-downs, Loft’s attention to tailoring and detail in their petite range makes clothing shopping effortless. Their casual polish perfectly complements busy lifestyles.
How Sustainable and Ethical is Loft?
While customers praise Loft’s inclusive sizing, accommodating styles and feminine detailing, many today prioritize ethical and sustainable production in choosing brands. Does Loft deliver feel good fashion and what steps are they taking to improve?
Materials and Manufacturing Analysis
Delving into Loft’s supply chain transparency proves challenging; most clothing materials list generic “imported” blended fabrics lacking clarity around processing impacts. They claim to adhere to ethical standards but share minimal evidence validating worker treatment down their complex web of vendors.
However, based on available manufacturing details, we can deduce:
- Synthetic blends like rayon, polyester and nylon comprise 50-60% of materials
- Majority of non-natural fabrics likely produced in China or Southeast Asia
- Cotton garments transitioning to certified organic sources like Supima
- Limited utilized of environmentally demanding silks, wools or cashmere
- Some accessories like hats and scarves made domestically to reduce shipping miles
Compared to fast fashion giants routing abusive overseas factories, Loft’s production seems less exploitative based on corporate responsibility reports. But they trail dedicated sustainable brands ensuring living wages and safe conditions throughout all contracting vendors.
Sustainability Goals and Progress
In their 2021 environmental and social impact report, Loft announced new initiatives to reduce footprints including:
- Route 100% of emissions through renewable energy within 2 years
- Divert 80% of waste from landfills through recycling and donations by 2025
- Work exclusively with sustainable cotton sources by 2025
- Eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging going to landfills
While lacking aggressive carbon neutral commitments of eco leaders like Reformation and Christy Dawn, Loft demonstrates moderate dedication towards ethical initiatives plead consumers demand. Still substantial work remains transitioning fully to renewable inputs and transparent processing.
For budget conscious shoppers balancing style with ethics, Loft offers satisfactory fast fashion alternatives at affordable price points but cannot claim leadership in either domain.
Loft vs. Competing Brands: The Verdict
How does Loft compare beyond just key competitor Ann Taylor when assessing value, style, quality and brand ethos? Here I pit them against other staples for petite professionals.
Loft vs. Banana Republic
Once Gap Inc. stablemates, Banana Republic beats Loft targeting aspirational career shoppers with luxe materials, travel-inspired styling and prices 20-30% higher. With fewer petite offerings yet better executes edgy sophistication, I choose Banana for statement investable suiting and coats but Loft for everyday polish.
Loft vs. J.Crew
Also a former sister brand, preppy classic J.Crew offers comparable petite options more saturated in natural fibers and smart menswear inspired tailoring. While Loft’s frequent discounts close price gaps, J.Crew‘s luxe finishing and detailing justifies costs. I pick J.Crew for sharply refined staples but get experimental with Loft trend pieces.
Loft vs. Madewell
My former go-to for durable denim and leather, Madewell traffics in effortless cool centering relaxed classics coveted by hip creatives. Though lacking formal office attire, their quality far exceeds Loft with longer lasting fabrics and ethical manufacturing. I rely on Madewell for weekend wear but Loft for affordable workwear.
For shoppers solely needing polished, flattering affordables, Loft becomes their petite mecca. Seeking elevated investment pieces, other brands edge them out on material quality and detailing while lacking size diversity. Loft strikes an ideal balance between price, style and fit for moderate spenders trying to build inclusive wardrobes.
Loft Styling Tips from a Petite Fashion Lover
Having honed my personal style over years as a Loft loyalist, I learned which silhouettes best flatter my shorter, curvier frame and ways to incorporate their staples within my existing wardrobe.
For petite ladies struggling to build a functional closet, try these tips:
Size Down for Tailored Pieces
As you assess tops, blazers and dresses, don’t just shop your numerical size. Try going down a size in structured pieces without spandex for an ideal tailored shape. Loft often runs large and boxy on petites.
Balance Loose Fits on Bottom
Pairing an oversized knit or slouchy button-down? Add definition wearing with leggings, skinnies or fitted midi skirts so proportions don’t overwhelm a small frame.
Maximize Sleeve Details
Whether bell sleeves, subtle ruffles or eye-catching patterns, play up Loft’s feminine sleeve accents on your diminutive arms. Cropped and cap versions also lend polish.
Incorporate Visual Interest at Neckline
Since petite torsos run short, draw the eye upwards with lovely loft necklines like lace collars, grosgrain bows, ruffled poet’s tops and wrap styles to add proportion and detail.
While building a functional wardrobe takes time, Loft helps busy professional women pull together polished looks suiting their shape, lifestyle and budget. Start by identifying foundational pieces flattering your body then slowly build unto trendier statement items.
What tips would you add for succeeding with petites proportions? Share your ideas below!
Final Recommendations: Is Loft Worth Buying From?
For budget conscious working women needing an accessible one-stop for presentable professional wear, Loft absolutely merits consideration especially for petite or plus size shoppers. The expansive size range accommodate curves other retailers ignore while detail-oriented tailoring ensures pieces best flatter shorter limbs.
However, customers expecting high end luxe fabrics or investment piece quality should browse brands focused on mastering versatile staples for elevated costs. Loft prioritizes affordability using mostly synthetic blends, meaning delicate handling and limited longevity comes expected at lower price points.
Personally, having relied on Loft through every adult life stage from first job to motherhood, the mix of dependable classics periodically augmented with trendy seasonal drops suits my needs. Are pieces identical in fabric and construction to premium brands? Of course not. But they fulfill my requirement for attractively fitted, office appropriate options washing easily and pairing with existing items.
For the budget conscious professional woman looking put-together while navigating life’s ups and downs, Loft comes recommended by this decade-long devotee. No other accessible retailer offers such expansive sizing diversity and accommodating styles specifically tailored for curves that complicate ready to wear shopping. If you often feel excluded from fashion suited for your shape, I say give Loft a try. You won’t regret having polished pieces cut for bodies beyond sample sizes.
What has your experience been with Loft? Share your reviews below!
