Searching for Peter Nygard clothing at Dillard's today is a weirdly frustrating experience if you don't know the backstory. You might find a few stray listings on secondary resale sites, but the department store shelves? Completely empty. This wasn't just a simple seasonal swap or a case of a brand fading into obscurity. It was a fast, messy, and very public divorce.
For decades, the Nygard name—specifically lines like Nygard Slims and Alia—was a staple for Dillard's shoppers. Then, it all vanished.
If you're wondering what happened to your favorite pair of $SLIMS$ or why a brand that once generated millions in revenue just evaporated from one of America’s biggest retailers, the answer involves a mix of federal raids, high-stakes legal battles, and a total corporate collapse. Honestly, it’s one of the most dramatic stories in the history of modern retail.
The Sudden Split: Why Dillard's Cut Ties
The relationship between Dillard's and Peter Nygard didn't just cool off; it imploded. In February 2020, FBI agents and NYPD officers raided Nygard International’s headquarters in New York City. The investigation centered on serious allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering involving the company’s founder.
Dillard's reacted almost instantly.
Within days of the news breaking, the department store chain issued a blunt statement. They weren't just "monitoring the situation." They officially severed ties. They refused current deliveries, canceled every existing order, and permanently suspended all future business with the brand. It was a massive blow. At the time, Dillard's was arguably Nygard's most important American partner, representing a significant chunk of his U.S. wholesale business.
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By June 2020, as Nygard's fashion empire spiraled into receivership and bankruptcy, Dillard's made one final move to clean up the mess. They reached a court-approved settlement to purchase remaining inventory and, perhaps most importantly, the trademark for Allison Daley.
Where the Clothing Went
If you go to the Dillard’s website right now and search for Nygard, you’ll get a very specific result. The site basically says they don't carry the brand anymore but suggests a line called Slim Factor instead.
This isn't a coincidence.
When Nygard International went under, it left a massive void in the "fit-focused" women's apparel market. Dillard's basically filled that hole with its own private label and other brands that mimicked the compression technology that made Peter Nygard clothing so popular.
- The Inventory Clearance: The last of the actual Nygard-branded stock was liquidated years ago. Most of it was sold off through off-price channels or cleared out during the receivership process.
- The Brand Pivot: Dillard's transitioned their loyal "Nygard shopper" toward internal brands like Allison Daley (which they now own) and Slim Factor.
- Secondary Markets: You can still find Nygard Slims on Poshmark, eBay, or ThredUp. But buying "new" from a retail store? That ship has sailed.
The Business Fall of Nygard International
It's hard to overstate how big this company actually was. Before the 2020 collapse, Nygard was selling clothes in over 6,000 locations worldwide. Peter Nygard himself was a billionaire who had been a titan of the industry since 1967.
The fall wasn't just about bad PR. It was a total financial disintegration. When the companies entered receivership, the receiver (Richter Advisory Group) found that the finances were a tangled web. There were millions in inter-company loans, and the brand's reputation had become so toxic that selling the remaining inventory became a monumental task.
In late 2023, Peter Nygard was convicted in Toronto on four counts of sexual assault. By late 2025, while some charges in other jurisdictions faced legal hurdles due to evidence issues, the fashion mogul's legacy remained firmly cemented in the "defunct" category. For a retailer like Dillard’s, which prides itself on "core values" and a family-oriented brand image, staying associated with that name was simply impossible.
What to Buy Instead of Nygard Slims
If you were a die-hard fan of the Nygard Slims fit, you're probably still looking for a replacement. The "compression waist" and "sculpting" features were what made those pants a bestseller.
Honestly, the retail landscape has moved on. Dillard's has leaned heavily into Slim Factor by Investments. These pieces use similar high-stretch fabric and wide waistbands designed to mimic the Nygard fit without the baggage of the original brand.
Another alternative often found in similar department stores is Ruby Rd. or certain lines from Alfred Dunner. They hit that same demographic—women looking for comfortable, professional attire that offers a bit of "tummy control."
Actionable Insights for Former Nygard Shoppers
If you still have Nygard pieces in your closet or are looking for replacements, here is the current reality:
- Check Private Labels: At Dillard's, look specifically for Slim Factor. It is the direct spiritual successor to the Nygard fit.
- The Allison Daley Connection: Since Dillard's bought the Allison Daley trademark during the Nygard bankruptcy, that brand is now an "in-house" staple. If you liked the style but not the Nygard label, this is your best bet.
- Resale is the Only Way for Originals: If you absolutely must have the original Nygard Slims, set alerts on Poshmark or Mercari. Just be aware that "new with tags" items are becoming increasingly rare as the years pass.
- Watch the Fabrics: Nygard’s secret was often a specific blend of rayon, nylon, and spandex (often around $4%$ to $6%$ spandex). When looking for replacements, check the tag for that specific ratio to get the same "snap-back" feel.
The era of Peter Nygard clothing at Dillard's ended abruptly and permanently. While the legal cases against the founder continue to make headlines, the clothes themselves have effectively been scrubbed from the retail mainstream.