Whether preparing for a job interview, career fair, new job, or professional networking event, students at College of the Sequoias can receive help dressing the part. The best part? It’s completely free, thanks to Giant Threads, a program that provides business attire to support student success.
Giants Threads is run by the COS Fashion Department and was created to eliminate one more barrier between students and career opportunities. Each semester, students can receive a complete professional outfit, including a top, bottom, belt, and tie or bowtie. Giant Threads offers a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 5X.
Tiffany Wainwright, Fashion Instructor and program coordinator, explained the need for Giant Threads. “Many students come in to earn their AAs or certificates, and they’re interviewing, but they don’t know what to wear,” she said. “Even if they do know what to wear, then they don’t have it in their closet.” Not having appropriate attire, Wainwright explained, can hurt students’ chances in interviews. “It’s a barrier and a hindrance because they might not get the job.”
To qualify for an appointment, students must attend a brief workshop or a one-on-one session with the Transfer & Career Center. These sessions assist with resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, or LinkedIn profiles. Workshop dates and sign-up details are available at the Transfer and Career Center, located in Sequoia Building Room 9 on the Visalia Campus.
The Giant Threads shop is located at 1109 S. Mooney Blvd. in Visalia, in the Foster Freeze shopping center next to the Visalia campus. Students can find the shop by looking for the blue door with the Giant Threads logo on it and an orange sign out front. Upon arrival for an appointment, students check in at the front desk and complete a short survey. This helps the program track its impact and continue meeting student needs.
A stylist then guides each student through the shop, helping with sizing, styles, and suggestions based on their needs and preferences. Students are also welcome to browse independently if preferred. If for any reason a student’s size is not available on site, a stylist can help place an order to ensure the item is provided. “I will personally order what they need and get it to them in a week if we don’t have it,” Wainwright said. “But it rarely happens.”
After selecting items, students are directed to the fitting room to try on outfits and explore different combinations. Stylists are available to check in and assist with additional sizing or alternative styles as needed. Once the final outfit is chosen, students return any items they do not want to a stylist and check out at the front desk. All items are free to keep, no returns or rentals required.
Giant Threads continues to be a valuable resource at COS, helping students look and feel confident as they take the next step toward their career. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/academics/consumer-family-studies/giant-threads
