Why is it so difficult to find clothes for a person at a healthy weight/size?

[GF DF]

I recently lost weight to get down to a healthy size (within the lower end of my recommended weight - from being medically considered overweight). I've now noticed that clothing in America is catered towards larger people and it is difficult to find clothing for a person who is smaller. I go to find shirts and only a small amount will be Small or XS - the rest are Large, with a few Med. This is actually quite a bit upsetting for me... after working so hard to reach a healthy weight I'm now finding it difficult to find clothing to show off the body I worked so hard for. Anyone else notice this or am I just shopping in the wrong stores? Gap shirts, and Forever 21 shirts are too big on me.. Target's Juniors section is limited to only a few items, and most of those are ugly and too trendy for my taste. I'm 27, not 17, lol. Women's clothing is all made too big for me. I can't even fit into an XS shirt in women's.

Any suggestions as to where I can shop and find inexpensive shirts that will fit that aren't too trendy?
I've found great luck in Aeropostle - I wear a small/med in shirts there. But they don't have "dressy" shirts there, know what I mean? I need stuff to wear to work. And work clothes are only made in Women's sizes, and I can't find a shirt in Womens small enough to fit me.

 

[Sarah]

If you're on the petite side, look in that section of stores (if you haven't already, and you probably have checked!) You may have to spend a little extra on more brand names or even designer clothes, because usually they fit a little smaller than some less expensive clothes. If this is out of your budget range, show off your new curves with belts, elastic, or shirts with ties at the front or back. Also, you can get clothes you love altered, it can be a lot less expensive than buying specialty stuff. Lastly, if you're really desperate and have a crafty side, you could try making your clothes (there are some nice modern patterns on the market now) Hope you find some fantastic clothes, congrats on the weight loss!