LOFT: Petite, Tall and Plus Fits, and How the Sale Cycle Works

LOFT sells women's workwear and casual clothing, and it is known for two things: a wide range of fits — petite, tall and plus — and near-constant promotions. Getting the fit right and timing the purchase are the two things that matter at LOFT.

Petite, tall and plus are cut differently

LOFT's petite, tall and plus ranges are not simply shorter, longer or larger versions of the regular line. They are proportioned differently.

LOFT Petite is designed for around 5'4" and under. Shoulders are narrower, sleeves and torso shorter, and waistlines sit higher. If regular tops always fall off your shoulders or trousers bunch at the ankle, try petite.

LOFT Tall adds length to inseams and sleeves. It matters most in trousers and jeans.

LOFT Plus is cut for a fuller figure rather than a scaled-up regular pattern.

Not every style comes in every fit. Check the fit options on the product page before settling for a regular size that needs altering.

Trousers: rise and inseam

LOFT lists rise and inseam on most trousers and jeans. Those two numbers decide more than the waist size.

Measure a pair you already like from crotch seam to waistband (rise) and crotch to hem (inseam), and compare with the LOFT listing.

LOFT's trouser fits have their own names, and the difference between them is mainly the hip and thigh cut. The fit guide on the site explains each; use it.

Fabric check

LOFT uses a lot of blends. Check the composition line.

For workwear you will wash often, blends with some stretch hold their shape and resist wrinkles. Pure viscose or rayon drapes beautifully but can shrink and should often be washed cold or dry cleaned.

LOFT knitwear varies from cotton to wool blends. For warmth, look for wool content; for easy care, cotton.

The LOFT sale cycle

LOFT runs promotions almost constantly — percentage-off events, extra off sale, and stock-up offers. Paying full price at LOFT is rarely necessary.

If something you want is full price today, it will very likely be discounted within a week or two. Add it to your bag and wait unless you need it now.

Extra-off-sale events stack on already-reduced items, which is where the deepest LOFT prices are.

Workwear at LOFT: what to buy first

LOFT's strongest category for most shoppers is office wear that does not need dry cleaning, and a few pieces do most of the work.

Start with trousers in a neutral colour, because a trouser that fits is the hardest thing to replace. Add a couple of blouses or knit tops that wash easily, then a blazer or cardigan to layer over them.

LOFT dresses are cut to cross from work to weekend, and a knit or crepe dress with some stretch is the easiest single piece for a busy week. Check the length against your height, especially if you sit between the regular and petite ranges.

Buy the basics in the fit that suits you before buying trend pieces. A LOFT trouser that fits well gets worn weekly; a print that looked good in the photo often does not.

Returns and exchanges at LOFT

LOFT has generally accepted returns both online and in store, but the window, whether return shipping is free, and the rules on final-sale items all change, so check the current policy before a big order.

Items marked final sale during the deepest LOFT promotions often cannot be returned. Be surer of the size on those than on full-price pieces, and try on anything else as soon as it arrives.

If a size is wrong, an exchange in a LOFT store is usually quicker than a postal return and reorder, provided the store has your size in stock.

Where the LOFT savings are

LOFT codes are tied to specific promotions and change frequently. The terms often limit which items qualify — full-price only, or sale only.

Many LOFT promotions apply automatically in the bag. Check your basket total before entering a code, and compare which gives the lower price.

LOFT's rewards programme and its card offer additional discounts. The card is only worth it if you pay it in full every month.

LOFT codes rarely stack with each other, so pick the biggest one your basket qualifies for. A 50% code on full-price items usually beats 20% off something already reduced, but compare the final totals.

Free-shipping thresholds at LOFT change with promotions. If you are just short, adding a basic you will wear anyway beats paying delivery.

Common questions

Should I buy LOFT Petite?

If you are around 5'4" or under and regular tops and trousers feel long, yes. The proportions differ, not just the length.

When does LOFT have sales?

Nearly all the time. If something is full price, wait a week or two.

Why was my LOFT code rejected?

Most codes are limited to full-price or sale items, or a single promotion. Check the terms.

Does LOFT Plus use the same sizing as regular LOFT?

It has its own size chart and proportions. Measure and use the LOFT Plus chart rather than converting from a regular size.