Normally I love shopping but I am finding it increasingly difficult to buy for female relatives who are over 70 years of age.

Try looking on the high street for a blouse or top that is not too low at the neck or too short in the sleeves. 

Most older ladies like to keep their upper arms covered and not show off any cleavage but having wandered round my local mall the clothes designers do not seem to realise this.

With the average woman now living into her eighties you would think that there would be more choice.  I went to the Edinbugh Woollen Mill thinking they would be bound to have something suitable and yes they did until that is I looked at the sizing.  The small was size 10 -12 the medium size 14 -16 but the difference in each size was 5".  I got a tape measure out and measured the difference because I could not believe my eyes.  To go up one size meant a jump of 5"

Who thinks up these sizes?  I left the shop feeling very frustrated and without buying anything.

In the end I went to Marks & Spencer and bought a nightie.

Last Updated: April 23, 2009