Clothes that fit

[brooklyngirl]

Hey all!
So I'm in that weird stage with clothes right now and feeling frustrated. These are the 2 main issues I'm having with clothes right now...

1- I'm having a problem with the proportion of my belly/panni to the rest of my body. I currently have 3 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of pants that fit my legs/butt but won't zip. With other pants, by the time they were able to close comfortably, the legs and butt were so saggy and not flattering. I started wondering if I should look into maternity pants or if a good tailor can help?
2- I'm trying not to waste money on clothes and thredup seems like a great site to get decent stuff without spending a bunch of money, but I wear like 3 or 4 different sizes now, depending on the brand, cut and fabric. I wish there was a standard size measurement!

Did this happen to you? Any tips to share? Just want to commiserate?

 

[jpcello]

Try consignment shops. Alot of people also shop good will. It's hit and miss. Wish I had better advice.

I still have issues with pants - it's the waist not the belly (had a TT years ago). If it fits the waist, it's usually too big everywhere else. I've learned that pants that sit just below the waist work best for me. I've been known to try on 20 pair of jeans and walk out of the store with nothing.

 

[southernlady]

And Lauren, there is a BOATLOAD of good thrift shops around here...not goodwill but like the one that supports a local hospice right down the road. And I know of a few others right in these two tiny burgs up here, LOL.

@jpcello, it's odd how pants fit each of us...I have no problems with my tush...I've been a proud supporting member of the noassatall club. IF I went by my ass, I'd wear 2 sizes smaller than I do. But I much prefer my pants to fit ON my waist (such as it is) cause those that sit lower allow my spare tire to spill over. The pants up to my natural waist allows me to keep some of it tucked in.

 

[brooklyngirl]

Well, my mom just called because she hauled a box of clothes that I was saving for "when I lost weight" out if the attic and she's gonna ship em down here. Liz- I noticed that there were a ton of thrift shops in Landrum. Maybe we do some shopping after my next doc appointment?

 

[hilary1617]

I can relate with the proportion issues. I have a swollen fluid-filled abdomen (ascites-not from DS!) which gives me a pregnant shape. I'm trying to avoid maternity clothes as I deal with a constant barrage of well wishes from strangers on "expecting" the "baby" as is. I use jackets to hide everything as best as possible. I have curves in the backside, but their volume doesn't come close to the belly. I also have swollen legs (lipedema), most prominently in the calves.

It's both a blessing and a curse that I've reached "average" sizes which means that clothing design tends to be more structured and the fabric involved tends to be less flexible than what is available in "plus" sizes. I can fit in almost anything up top. Pants are my problem item as they dangle behind if they cover my front and the lined pants that match my jackets rarely fit over my calves, and if they do, tend to cling there.

I buy multiple pairs of the rare pants I find that fit well, mainly sourced from Lord & Taylor and Soft Surroundings. I look for "wide-leg" and "boot cut" in terms of design and some spandex in the fabric for the best fit. I also had a tailor size down some of my plus size pants when I was still shrinking.

 

[southernlady]

Well, my mom just called because she hauled a box of clothes that I was saving for "when I lost weight" out if the attic and she's gonna ship em down here. Liz- I noticed that there were a ton of thrift shops in Landrum. Maybe we do some shopping after my next doc appointment?

YEAP!!!!

And glad you had some things you squirreled away!

 

[Happy DSr]

I think we all have "fit" challenges. Our original sizes and shapes were unique to us, and same for what we have left. I was always heavy on the bottom, with the family "thunder thighs". Now 200 pounds lighter, I am a size 4-6 on top, and a 8-10 on bottom. But hard to find though big enough

edited to add....

the last sentence cut off. Sorry. Was trying to say:

But it's hard to find pants with the thighs big enough, still. And my calfs are also still large. I hate the current "skinny jeans" that are in style. The boot cuts, or generous cuts are better on me. I often buy men's jeans. And the men's jeans at Walmart are inexpensive too!

 

[southernlady]

I think we all have "fit" challenges. Our original sizes and shapes were unique to us, and same for what we have left. I was always heavy on the bottom, with the family "thunder thighs". Now 200 pounds lighter, I am a size 4-6 on top, and a 8-10 on bottom. But hard to find though big enough

If we combined you and me together and split it in half, we might be okay...I am a 4-6 on bottom and a large on top.

 

[jpcello]

For the first couple of years after I had my surgery we had a large group - our local support group had 10-15 people and the surgeon's monthly group at that time was sometimes 40 people. We would have clothing exchanges were which awesome. I even still have some items I picked up 10 years ago.

I meant to say thrift shops, not good will (guess I was having a senior moment).

 

[brooklyngirl]

YEAP!!!!

And glad you had some things you squirreled away!

And apparently things I forgot I ever owned plus things with tags still on them!

 

[brooklyngirl]

For the first couple of years after I had my surgery we had a large group - our local support group had 10-15 people and the surgeon's monthly group at that time was sometimes 40 people. We would have clothing exchanges were which awesome. I even still have some items I picked up 10 years ago.

I meant to say thrift shops, not good will (guess I was having a senior moment).

Well, I'm not opposed to trying goodwill. One of my girlfriends texted me that there's a 50% off President's Day sale at goodwill today, lol, so we might go tonight. Can't hurt, right? I think the universe heard me complaining about clothes earlier

 

[southernlady]

The nice thing...if timed right, is the $1.00 sale on all clothing at the Hospice Thrift Store...I got 4 new tops, a sweater, and a pair of pants last week. 8 items, $8.00

 

[Munchkin]

At 11 years out with no money for plastics, I am still stuffing my stomach into pants that fit the rest of me OR living with pants that are too big to fit my stomach. The leftovers are NOT good!