I make some of my own clothes, and the one nonnegotiable I have for the garments I sew is that they MUST be able to accommodate my body (and look good!) at a variety of sizes. Whether that means a lace-up waist panel, an elastic waist, or a floaty silhouette (or even just room in the seams to take in or let out), I intentionally build size flexibility into the clothes I make for myself.
This is amazing, I wish I was talented like you and could do that! I’ve been buying things precisely that fit that description — especially with pants, the waist MUST be adjustable.
What a perfect article to stumble upon. One of my goals this year was to allow myself permission to grow. For years I’ve fit the same clothes but in the past couple years (as I’ve emerged into my 40s), I’ve noticed things fit but not the same and I’m uncomfortably pulling and sucking in. It’s been hard but when I listen and wear things that feel good- WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
Yessssss! This! Our bodies change in all sorts of ways and things just fit differently as that happens. It’s not a failure of our body, it’s the clothing. We just have to keep coming back to what feels kind, rather than trying to force our bodies into things that keep us from living with a bit more ease.
The freedom to grow is a revolutionary act! That’s the journey I had to allow myself to take and is the exact issue we talked about when I was on the podcast. When I finally allowed myself to buy clothes in January I was so proud. It was the first time I allowed myself to feel comfortable in my clothes as I was and not bit off buying clothes until I was smaller and had “earned” the privilege. Never again! Comfort for all!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your experience! It’s so true, being physically uncomfortable in our clothes impacts us SO much. Mood, ability to concentrate, self-judgement…the list goes on!
This is why I did my best writing and editing after 4 pm, when the C suite left and I could change into loose track pants and a big sweatshirt. It’s likely a huge force in why I became a massage therapist. In recovery, I’ve thrown out so many pairs of leggings and any pant that leaves an outline on my body.
Well THAT would be an absolute honor!! I'd be delighted. Thank you, Dacy -- and thank you for everything you do, it makes such a difference. And we are long overdue for another podcast date!!!
I've learned this one the hard way during my current pregnancy--a very worthwhile lesson for me. If I'm not comfortable in my clothes, I don't feel good about my body!! https://substack.com/@shadowlands/note/c-192810968
Thank you for sharing this! Comfort makes such a huge difference, it’s hard to believe how much it affects us until we choose it. Definitely a lot of grief in this though ❤️ Sending you support and compassion.
I wish every parent could read this because we underestimate the power of comfortable clothing when it comes to our kids' body image. When they're growing so rapidly, it's really easy to get caught off guard and get surprised that our kids desperately need bigger clothes (and by that point they may have been dealing with the slow-burn irritation of too-tight clothing for a while).
Love this! I’m so glad you included shoes!! I have some chronic foot issues & am slowly updating my shoes with ones that are supportive of that… it’s been life changing!!
It feels liberating to wear comfy clothes! I think back to my younger self, who squeezed and cinched myself into uncomfortable clothes. No freaking way any more! I’m here for the outfits that make my body feel good.
I keep thinking about this article and considering that most of us just buy whatever our shoe size is, so how about doing the same with clothing? I will say that I bought too small shoes when I was in high school so I could wear the brand the rich girl wore, but the only way I could afford it was to shop the sale rack. Then I was very lucky to live in Seattle in the 90s during the Birkenstock days! I was shocked to see men in suits and Birks. I am definitely dressing for comfort now, and your work is a lot of the inspiration behind it. Plus, I hit menopause and am out of both eggs and “Fs” - lol!
The world would be a kinder, happier place if we all wore pyjamas all day!!
Ohhhh I love this take!!
I make some of my own clothes, and the one nonnegotiable I have for the garments I sew is that they MUST be able to accommodate my body (and look good!) at a variety of sizes. Whether that means a lace-up waist panel, an elastic waist, or a floaty silhouette (or even just room in the seams to take in or let out), I intentionally build size flexibility into the clothes I make for myself.
This is amazing, I wish I was talented like you and could do that! I’ve been buying things precisely that fit that description — especially with pants, the waist MUST be adjustable.
I have made myself a couple of wrap-style skirts for this exact reason!
What a perfect article to stumble upon. One of my goals this year was to allow myself permission to grow. For years I’ve fit the same clothes but in the past couple years (as I’ve emerged into my 40s), I’ve noticed things fit but not the same and I’m uncomfortably pulling and sucking in. It’s been hard but when I listen and wear things that feel good- WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
Yessssss! This! Our bodies change in all sorts of ways and things just fit differently as that happens. It’s not a failure of our body, it’s the clothing. We just have to keep coming back to what feels kind, rather than trying to force our bodies into things that keep us from living with a bit more ease.
The freedom to grow is a revolutionary act! That’s the journey I had to allow myself to take and is the exact issue we talked about when I was on the podcast. When I finally allowed myself to buy clothes in January I was so proud. It was the first time I allowed myself to feel comfortable in my clothes as I was and not bit off buying clothes until I was smaller and had “earned” the privilege. Never again! Comfort for all!!
It’s crazy how a tight waistband can completely destroy my mood. Thank you for writing this piece.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your experience! It’s so true, being physically uncomfortable in our clothes impacts us SO much. Mood, ability to concentrate, self-judgement…the list goes on!
Honestly, it probably has a bigger impact than any mirror or scale.
This is why I did my best writing and editing after 4 pm, when the C suite left and I could change into loose track pants and a big sweatshirt. It’s likely a huge force in why I became a massage therapist. In recovery, I’ve thrown out so many pairs of leggings and any pant that leaves an outline on my body.
Yessss I am definitely doing my best work (whether that’s “work” or resting or socializing or anything else) when I’m comfy. Love this!
I actually might need to quote this in my book. You put it so well!
Well THAT would be an absolute honor!! I'd be delighted. Thank you, Dacy -- and thank you for everything you do, it makes such a difference. And we are long overdue for another podcast date!!!
I've learned this one the hard way during my current pregnancy--a very worthwhile lesson for me. If I'm not comfortable in my clothes, I don't feel good about my body!! https://substack.com/@shadowlands/note/c-192810968
Thank you for sharing this! Comfort makes such a huge difference, it’s hard to believe how much it affects us until we choose it. Definitely a lot of grief in this though ❤️ Sending you support and compassion.
Needed this reminder!!
Appreciate you! So glad it was helpful 🙏🏼
I wish every parent could read this because we underestimate the power of comfortable clothing when it comes to our kids' body image. When they're growing so rapidly, it's really easy to get caught off guard and get surprised that our kids desperately need bigger clothes (and by that point they may have been dealing with the slow-burn irritation of too-tight clothing for a while).
Love this! I’m so glad you included shoes!! I have some chronic foot issues & am slowly updating my shoes with ones that are supportive of that… it’s been life changing!!
It feels liberating to wear comfy clothes! I think back to my younger self, who squeezed and cinched myself into uncomfortable clothes. No freaking way any more! I’m here for the outfits that make my body feel good.
I keep thinking about this article and considering that most of us just buy whatever our shoe size is, so how about doing the same with clothing? I will say that I bought too small shoes when I was in high school so I could wear the brand the rich girl wore, but the only way I could afford it was to shop the sale rack. Then I was very lucky to live in Seattle in the 90s during the Birkenstock days! I was shocked to see men in suits and Birks. I am definitely dressing for comfort now, and your work is a lot of the inspiration behind it. Plus, I hit menopause and am out of both eggs and “Fs” - lol!