Embrace your curves
When you’re shopping, nothing is more upsetting than trying on a full basket of clothes that don’t end up fitting right. One shopping episode can result in a negative spiral towards self-loathing. But hear me on this – there’s nothing wrong with your or your body. You cannot be defined by a pant or dress size.
What if we start shifting the blame to the clothing instead of blaming our bodies?
- Those jeans that are too tight to button up? The jeans just aren’t good enough for me. Time to go look at another size or a new style.
- The beautiful green shirt that is way too baggy for my taste? Let’s grab another size.
- This coat that looked really good on my friend but looks different on me? If it’s not right for me, then no need to buy it! Our bodies are different. Let me look for another coat.
If these scenarios sound familiar to you, keep reading for some great body positive shopping tips!
1. Do your shopping when you are in a good mood
Your mood can have a huge impact on your body image. Be sure to do your shopping when you are feeling nourished, happy and rested. Grab a snack before you go so you (hangry shopping is never a good idea) and play some fun music in the car on your way to the store. Adequate preparation and timing can help you have a positive shopping experience and feel comfortable in your skin.
2. Buy clothes that fit you now
Be sure to pick out the sizes that fit your body the best. Wearing clothes that don’t fit well can make you feel uncomfortable. It is also common for our bodies to change sizes over time, so finding clothes that fit you can help you support your body and embrace your personal style.
Comfort is key – if it doesn’t fit JUST RIGHT, don’t buy it. Nobody got time or energy to tug or constantly have to fix a piece of clothing to make it work. We’ve got world issues to solve, careers to pursue, and people to love. Don’t settle for any piece of clothing that isn’t just right.
Less is more – it’s better to have a few pieces of clothing that fit right and feel amazing than a whole wardrobe of clothing that doesn’t fit right and requires constant tugging, twisting, or pinning.
3. Make it fun
Shopping can be stressful sometimes, but going with your friends can make it much more fun! You can hang out and pick out cute outfits for each other. If you don’t feel comfortable going to stores, it can be fun to look at clothes online together too. Shopping is a great way to spend time with your friends and get some positive support. Only shop with friends who are body positive.
4. Don’t be afraid to send it back – online shopping and COVID
Many stores have closed their dressing rooms because of COVID. This can make it difficult to shop for the right sizes. If something doesn’t fit when you get home, don’t be afraid to go back to the store and exchange it for a better size. If you shop online, look at the company’s return policy to find the best way to return unwanted items.
5. Only buy outfits you feel confident in
Try making confidence and comfort your main priorities when you are shopping. Ask yourself, do these clothes make me feel good about myself? Does this outfit express who I am? Finding clothes that make you feel confident can help you spice up your wardrobe and support your body image.
6. Use positive affirmations
Positive affirmations are a great way to appreciate and support your body. When you are trying on clothes try using positive comments about how you feel rather than negative comments about your body. Remember to appreciate all parts of your body and find clothes you feel comfortable in. Remember – if something doesn’t look right or feel right, it’s not you, it’s that the piece of clothing was made for a different body…and differences are what make us beautiful.
7. Shop at body positive stores
Many stores are becoming more inclusive with their sizing and advertising. Shopping at inclusive stores can help you find the sizes that best suit your body. Check out these stores that have inclusive sizing and advertising:
American Eagle
American Eagle sells jeans in sizes 000-24 in women’s and 26×28-48×34 for men’s. They also have an Abilitee Adaptive Clothing Accessories section which includes cath clips, waistbands, and ostomy covers.
ModCloth
ModCloth sells vintage clothes ranging in sizes xs to 2xl. They also have a no photoshop policy for models on their website.
Universal Standard has clothes with inclusive sizing. They also have a policy called fit liberty where they will exchange your clothes if your size changes within the 1st year.
The Girlfriend Collective is a sustainable fashion company that uses recycled materials to make their clothes. They specialize in athletic clothes and have size diverse models.
And if you’re short on cash, consider a trip to Goodwill or other thrift stores. You never know what you might find!