Zero Is The Size You’re Looking For And Also The Amount We Care

A woman in her late 30s is browsing racks near the fitting rooms while I restock folded jeans on a display. She picks up a pair of high-waisted jeans, checks the tag, and scoffs.

Customer: *Loudly.* “Oh, come on. XXL? Really? Since when did we start selling circus tents?”

I pause, but she’s not done. She holds up a hanger for emphasis.

Customer: “This brand used to be aspirational. Now anyone can wear it. Doesn’t that… cheapen it?”

She looks around as if expecting me to agree.

Me: “No, ma’am. It just means more people get to wear something that makes them feel good.”

Customer: “Well, I’m just saying, when I buy something cute, I’d rather not see it stretched across someone three times my size. Fashion sure has changed…”

She chuckles at her own cruelty. I don’t.

Me: “You’re right, fashion has changed. It left that attitude behind. I don’t think our clothes are the right fit for you anymore, ma’am.”

She rolls her eyes, drops the jeans on the floor, and struts out.