If you love shopping for a swimsuit, stop reading. This is a hands-up celebration dance for those who abhor the search but have emerged better for it. Like our new friend, Jill, from Newtown, CT.

Jill from Newtown, CT

She writes:
I have been shopping your clothes for a while. I am a plus size woman who likes to wear stylish clothes and I thank you for striving to offer more each year.

I have never written to thank you, but yesterday I stood in the dressing room at (the Lands’ End shop at) Sears for a good 30 minutes, wanting to cry tears of joy.

I have to tell you I haven’t bought a new bathing suit in 4 years, and I swim almost every day in the summer.  So when I brought in the new high-waisted skirted bottom and a few bathing tops I wasn’t feeling very positive. I could not believe the fit on the skirt, it is fantastic!  Long enough and still covering the tummy so if my top inches up when I swim I will not scare little children!  Thank you.

The tops were even better.  One of them had a built in liner and bra hook in the back.

When I tried it on, a miracle occurred: I actually looked good. I have not felt this way since I was in my 20′s (I am in my 50′s)!

I send my love to your designers (they got it right) and I send a big thank you for making a plus size girl feel comfortable in a bathing suit for the first time in a long time!  Happy swimming! I can’t wait for warm weather.

As one of the largest purveyors of water-worthy fashions, we help women find their footing time and time again. Each new success story makes us dance. Yes, out of our seats, high-fives, smiles everywhere. Today, we dance with you, Jill!

Have a story or photos you’d like to share?
Email it to us at MyStory@landsend.com
(Please keep any images under 12 Mb.)

The post From Ugh to Amazing: Swimsuit Shopping Isn’t Always Horrible. appeared first on The Lands' End Blog.

I’m the CEO and President of Lands’ End … and have an equally rewarding job as father of a five-year old. Indeed, she is one of the biggest reasons my wife and I are so passionate about this company.

In a world saturated with poorly made clothing for kids, often in styles that would have them grow up too fast, Lands’ End Kids is a beacon for real-kid clothes. Like our Iron Knee® Pants, which won a 2013 Good Housekeeping VIP award. Everything we bring your family reflects quality that is Guaranteed. Period.® Style that is timeless. And value we feel is unrivaled.

2013 is the fiftieth year of a voyage that has taken us from Chicago to Wisconsin to the front porches and apartment doors around the world where our packages arrive every day. We remain committed to delivering the very best experience we can for our extended family. And family you are, in our eyes. Always deserving of friendly help and fair treatment.

Thank you for connecting through product reviews, Facebook, phone calls, store visits, email and now this blog. Half a century along, we are still listening.

That’s guaranteed, too.

Sincerely,

Edgar Huber
CEO and President
Edgar@landsend.com

The post Welcome To The View From The Lighthouse! appeared first on The Lands' End Blog.

… when you want to look stylish (and stay covered) as you keep up with little ones: “After 2 kids and the effects of gravity, it is nice to feel confident in a swimsuit again.” (MTmomof2)

Cute. Colorful. Comfortable. Flattering. Versatile.

Our largest swim collection means so much to so many. No other has gained such a loyal following.

And does it ever rake in the rave reviews from real women of all shapes, sizes and ages, grateful to have found a suit that lets them love who they are. It has something for everyone.

Beach Living is for when …

… you’ve just about given up ever finding a suit to fit your figure: “Thank you for making a top by cup sizes – I finally have a suit that fits!” (shann8171)

… you prefer a bit more modesty: “I no longer feel comfortable having my thighs exposed so much when in swimwear. A SwimMini is the perfect solution.” (Happy12be)

From cruises to kayaking, waterparks to water aerobics, beaches to backyards, women have happily paraded their Beach Living favorites. Because they truly love the way it makes them feel.

Beach Living isn’t just a collection, it’s become a state of mind. Like the saying goes, “as relaxing as a day at the beach.”

The post What Is Beach Living Anyway? appeared first on The Lands' End Blog.

While down there we had the opportunity to work with legendary model India Hicks and her daughter – who took quite an interest in setting up her own little photo shoot of her mom.

“Say Cheese”

Like mother, like daughter.

India, and her other half, David, have designed four West Indian style houses on the island, which have become hugely popular with fashion crews.  She owns The Sugar Mill Boutique (a treasure trove of eclectic finds), wrote a book called Island Life, has a fine jewelry line and oh yeah – she’s also raising four kids.

We also got to hang out with Ben – one of the coolest locals who had a knack for wrangling up unique props for us to use throughout the shoot. Ben was constantly on-the-go but always found time towards the end of the day to strap on his kiteboard and carve the shallows with his dogs in chase.

“Ben sporting a pair of our Lands’ End Board Shorts”

“Salty dogs”

“Waverunner”

While it may still look and feel like winter outside your window, we promise summer is on its way.

The post On Island Time. . . appeared first on The Lands' End Blog.

“At least 30 years ago my mother purchased a bathrobe from your company. It is her favorite.”

~ Jean

EXPERT CUSTOMERS

Because we use grade “A” Inner Mongolian cashmere, considered the world’s finest, or cashmere sweaters are guaranteed to feel luxurious.

“As a former cashmere product development exec for a very well known, high-end company, I am a VERY critical judge of cashmere products. I’ve been to the mills and farms in Inner Mongolia so I know the best procedures of how it is spun and knitted. I am, needless to say, very picky. So I was skeptical when I ordered both the cardigan and shell…I was blown away by the quality: incredibly soft and smooth with excellent knitting. Even the black, which is the toughest to get soft, was amazing. This is, in all honesty, the best cashmere I have felt and owned for the price.”

– A NYC fan

CUSTOMERS DOWN UNDER

“These jeans have seen mustering, roust-abouting, sheep drenching, cattle droving and many other things and still have a lot of wear left in them yet!”
– Beverly in Australia

REJUVENATED CUSTOMERS

“When I get depressed thinking about the way society is going, I call Lands’ End. It is like talking with your grandmother, and they know the product, are not speaking from a stupid script and actually seem to care.”
– Steve

NEWLYWED CUSTOMERS

“All of the bridesmaids at the wedding I was in this weekend received Lands’ End totes from the bride! I love all the colors!”

BORED CUSTOMERS

“Dear Lands’ End,
I think you make your clothes too well. For those of us that are frugal, we like to buy classic clothes and make them last as long as we can. Unfortunately, the coats you sold us back in 1982 still look good… I can’t bring myself to part with a perfectly good coat…”
–Dee and Bill in VA

Show us what your kids in Iron Knee® pants can do!

VERY ACTIVE SCHOOL UNIFORM CUSTOMERS
“This skort climbs trees and monkey bars.”

HAPPY THEN NOT HAPPY THEN REALLY HAPPY CUSTOMERS
“I have said in the past that the measure of a company is how they react when things go wrong… By that scale, Lands’ End is tops.”

JAZZED CUSTOMERS
“The shirts arrived just before we went on, and were a great hit!”
– Randy

LANDS’ END SHOP GROUPIE CUSTOMERS
“So I went to the Lands¹ End shop at the Sears in Cherry Creek about two weeks ago and went crazy. I bought 4 pairs of your slim fit ankle chinos in different colors, three different colors in the Supima cardigans, several scarves, the purple suede Ashby pumps, and a couple of belts. Since then, I have returned THREE MORE TIMES!!! New pea coat, more footwear and some fleece. I’m a total Land’s End groupie.”
– Robin, CO

CUSTOMERS WHO DON’T CARE TO WAIT
“I’ve been a Lands’ End Customer for a long time, this is the first time I’ve needed Customer Service.

My expectations are high. I’ve been buying quality products from a quality company and have come to expect quality in every way from you. I had sent two items back for exchange. Canada Post shows them delivered, your system hasn’t seen them yet. Robert sorted everything out. He put me first! He’s sending the items out and will put the waiting on your end to find my returned package.

“I was a loyal customer BEFORE I experienced Robert, now I’m a customer for life.”

ANTI-GRAVITY CUSTOMERS
“Thanks for designing such great swimsuits! We’ve put them to the test this summer and they still look great!”
– Kim

We make your favorite swimsuit styles in mastectomy options. They have higher necklines and armholes plus sewn-in soft cups and prosthesis pockets – no uncomfortable underwire! See our latest collection here.

5-KID CUSTOMERS
“As a family with 5 children it is very important that when I shop for clothing I not only look at price but quality. For our family Lands’ End has proven themselves time and time again.”
– Kim in Ohio

CUSTOMERS IN SIBERIA
“My mother, who is residing in Russia, totally fell in love with Lands’ End products.

“She lives in Siberia where it is -30 degrees C in the winter time, and all the dresses, down jackets, and down coats that I bought from you keep her warm and comfy. She said thank you very much, (Bolshoe spasibo).”
– Jason

CUSTOMERS GROWING UP
When I was 11 my mom got me children’s monogrammed sweats, and about 8 pairs of socks. I didn’t think much of it when I got them, but every year those items have been the first things I bring out for winter and the last things stored for summer.

I am turning 24 next month and they still show absolutely no wear and tear. Thank you so much for making such incredible products! When I have children someday, I know where I’ll come.

Thank you!!
– Meghann, NE

PETITE CUSTOMERS
It comes in petite! … I’ve looked a long time and cannot tell you how happy I am to have found this parka. I’ve received many compliments on it. Good old Lands’ End.
– Cynthia, PA

LIFELONG CUSTOMERS
Superb quality along with off-the-charts customer satisfaction and easy return/exchange has earned a lifelong customer!”
– a Michigan customer

ISLAND CUSTOMERS
Long ago, actually in 1980/81, I bought your wonderful jacket, the Squall, as I was living on the big island and would hike to the top of Mauna Loa where it could get cold. Yes, cold is relative but I would start in a rain forest at 1500′ and walk to 13,000′. I would walk through some wonderful scenery and quickly changing climate.

When I came back to the mainland it kept me warm as I acclimatized to San Francisco weather.

Both of these items are still in good condition and I have figured that the only way I will be able to replace them is to burn them and plead insanity.
– Rev. John

4-SON CUSTOMERS
I bought this coat 9 years ago for my oldest son. It was his first winter coat. Probably with a few tears in my eyes, I will put this coat on my youngest son this winter. We have four boys, and they have all worn it for at least one season.
– Anne

SHOVED-AROUND CUSTOMERS
“Lands’ End even replaced my new khaki pants when I told them that they had been ripped when someone accidentally bumped me into a bridge abutment at a crew race in Saratoga Springs! That’s good service!”
– Amy, MA

BURGLARIZED CUSTOMERS
“Our house was robbed and my son’s diaper bag was used to put in the items they had stolen. The bag was super heavy, so we think the folks that robbed us got tired of carrying it, and they threw the bag and contents into the bushes down the block. I want to send a thank you to the appropriate department because when they found our stuff, all of the electronics, the wii, iPad, etc., were still in perfect condition even though it rained and hailed all night long!!”

The post What Kind Of Customers Write To Lands’ End? appeared first on The Lands' End Blog.