Unexpected downsides of losing weight
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I just don’t think it is vanity that manufacturers are catering to by making their clothes sizes bigger to suit the population as it gets bigger. I think it is perfectly fair enough to adapt. I’m not saying that small people shouldn’t be able to get clothes, but I want, as someone who currently takes the biggest size in the shop (even after it has been “vanity sized”) I don’t think there is any shame in wanting clothes that fit. I don’t think “vanity” is the right thing to call it.
Unfortunately, that is what it is called. I truly wouldn't think too much into it. We all want the same thing - clothes that fit. At least there are plus sized stores available, I don't know of any stores that are for smaller than average individuals. I understand not everyone wants to have to shop at a separate store and I don't think that is how it should be, but at least there are stores available. I might have to resort to shopping online with stores that don't vanity size and just hoping something fits.
It is unfortunate our society as a whole is getting bigger, but I don't think that is going to change any time soon. I just read an article that women in American weight, on average, 18.5 percent more now than in 1960. Our health as a society is going to continue to suffer as our weight continues to increase. I can completely understand your point regarding vanity sizing becoming a necessity to keep with our growing population. Maybe someone will open a store for smaller individuals if there is going to be a gap in available clothing sizes.
The problem with plus size stores is that they cater to women who are shorter than average- when I was in the plus size range I had trouble buying trousers because the legs on the plus size ones were not long enough for me (I am 5”9) as they were clearly designed for someone about average height.
I always found it to be the opposite when I wore plus sizes. I was slightly shorter than you, at 5'8", but still a little taller than average. I felt like all plus sized clothing was cut perfectly for me. In fact, as I've transitioned into regular sizes over the past 6 years I've often felt that misses sized clothing is cut for someone a little bit shorter than I am. And when it comes to bust, forget it. Even at my very smallest I could never wear a size 8 dress because there was literally zero room for a large cup size. If I ever were to lose a considerable amount of weight from where I am now, I'd have to buy size 10 still and have it altered down.
I do remember a lot of plus size dress pants tended to be perfect or a little long and jeans a tad on the shorter side especially from late 90s to about 2005, and then it improved and they were long enough on me. I had several friends and acquaintances who wore plus sizing and were around 5'2"-5'5" and constantly complaining about plus sizes - especially at Lane Bryant, as I recall - being way too long for them in the leg and arm. It really never occurred to me at all that plus size stores cater to women who are shorter than average.
As for the term vanity sizing, I am a little confused about this whole conversation or debate. I have only heard the term "vanity sizing" used to describe the practice of clothing makers putting a smaller size label on a larger cut. Not calling it "vanity sized" instead of "plus sized". Perhaps I misunderstood.13 -
i think every sane human can agree that sizes that aren't an actual size are idiotic. I'll accept small medium and large, 32 inch, 38 inch, whatever, but who in the world was the moron that thought size 0 was something that made sense. Stahp it. I don't know how ladies put up with it, its just annoying to be so unclear on what you're looking at.11
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I see what you're saying, aes1219. That does make sense to me! I know when I was 14 years old I weighed the exact same as I do now, although it was 1990...and the smallest jeans I wore then were juniors 13 and ladies 14. Now I mostly wear ladies 10. Sure there are different cuts, stretchier fabrics, and I am sure my figure has changed some despite being the same weight right now. But I do think that is a sign (like others have mentioned) that TODAY'S size 10 isn't the 1980s or even 1990s size 10.4
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You didn’t say how old you are but if you’re getting up there then as you lose weight you see wrinkles on your face. The one pro of being overweight is that it plumps out the wrinkles. But better to look old than feel old right.9
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My late husband had severe raynauds syndrome. My research suggested changing from cod liver oil (for arthritis) to oil of evening promise. It worked pretty well! I hope it works.2
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To piggy back on the clothing piece: I am a US size 4/XS and I find that I cannot even find clothing at the Major department stores where things tend to be cheaper/ on sale more or I have coupons. I went shopping with my mom after I lost a good chunk of my weight and all of the department stores near me only go as far as a small, no XS and the small was rather large. At first I was overjoyed that I was too small for the smallest size in the store until I discovered that I would now have to shop almost exclusively at smaller boutique stores that carry my size but are much more expensive. If I go shopping with someone and I start to get agitated that the smallest size in the store is too big, they usually say something like or a sarcastic "poor you, you are too small for the small size" or "well that has got to be a nice problem to have!". And I know they mean well and it is a "nice problem to have" for about 5 minutes until you are trying to find a dress for a wedding and go to every single store in the mall but nothing fits and you end up having a small break down in the fitting room. I also wonder what women who are smaller than I am do for clothes. I wear an XS but there are plenty of women who are smaller than I am so I don't even know where they shop.13
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There used to be a chain store in some of the malls that catered to small sizes - it was called something like 3-5-7. Does it still exist?0
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spiriteagle99 wrote: »There used to be a chain store in some of the malls that catered to small sizes - it was called something like 3-5-7. Does it still exist?
I think the store was 5-7-9 and at least near me I have not seen any in the past few years. They also catered mostly to teenagers so everything was crop tops and short-shorts, it would not be a place to go shop for work clothes or really anything I would want to wear lol1 -
I had this problem when I was younger and a size 4. I was actually pleased when I gained weight and found my new size, 8 or 10, everywhere. Have you tried Ann Taylor? In my experience the sizes there tend to run small.1
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I had this problem when I was younger and a size 4. I was actually pleased when I gained weight and found my new size, 8 or 10, everywhere. Have you tried Ann Taylor? In my experience the sizes there tend to run small.
Yes that is the main place I shop Ann Taylor or LOFT, sometimes New York and Company but like I was complaining about they are on the pricier end so I have to wait for sales or coupons. Luckily I have been at maintenance for a few years so I have a decent wardrobe built up, but that took quite a bit of time and when things need replacing or I need something new for a special event it can be rough. You have no idea how many weddings I have worn the same 2 dresses to lol.4 -
I just don’t think it is vanity that manufacturers are catering to by making their clothes sizes bigger to suit the population as it gets bigger. I think it is perfectly fair enough to adapt. I’m not saying that small people shouldn’t be able to get clothes, but I want, as someone who currently takes the biggest size in the shop (even after it has been “vanity sized”) I don’t think there is any shame in wanting clothes that fit. I don’t think “vanity” is the right thing to call it.
Unfortunately, that is what it is called. I truly wouldn't think too much into it. We all want the same thing - clothes that fit. At least there are plus sized stores available, I don't know of any stores that are for smaller than average individuals. I understand not everyone wants to have to shop at a separate store and I don't think that is how it should be, but at least there are stores available. I might have to resort to shopping online with stores that don't vanity size and just hoping something fits.
It is unfortunate our society as a whole is getting bigger, but I don't think that is going to change any time soon. I just read an article that women in American weight, on average, 18.5 percent more now than in 1960. Our health as a society is going to continue to suffer as our weight continues to increase. I can completely understand your point regarding vanity sizing becoming a necessity to keep with our growing population. Maybe someone will open a store for smaller individuals if there is going to be a gap in available clothing sizes.
The problem with plus size stores is that they cater to women who are shorter than average- when I was in the plus size range I had trouble buying trousers because the legs on the plus size ones were not long enough for me (I am 5”9) as they were clearly designed for someone about average height.
Vanity sizing may be what people call that phenomenon but I think that term is inherently insulting to people who need bigger sizes through no fault of their own and we should find something else to call it that doesn’t put people down.
This was not my experience a few years back at Lane Bryant at all - in fact, the opposite - pants were too long. I'm almost 5'7" and had to buy Petites in jeans.3 -
wannabeskinnycat wrote: »QuinntessentiallyMe wrote: »Some of us, especially those of us who live on little money, get tired of having to buy new clothes. I've dropped 14 sizes, and have gone through at least 3 wardrobes. Even thrift store prices get to become a burden. At this point, I'm scouring 25 cent clothing piles at yard sales, and even yard sale leftovers left outside for free because I can't afford even Community Aid's half-off day prices. I'm still working on my body, and I appreciate the positive changes, but they come with a price.
This is something I’m not looking forward to. I’m only 22lb into a 100+lb loss and it’s going to take me a long time so I know I’ll be in each size for a while. I know I’ll be happy about being in a smaller size but not being able to afford nice new clothing will be tough. I’m already looking at skipping the next size down and thinking tracking bottoms, leggings etc. I can’t wear them for work so I’ll just have to take the hit on a few items and wear the life out of them. And I’m dreading buying new bras in each size.
I moaned to my hubby about it just the other day and he said think of the money we’re saving on food! I nearly launched my phone at him. Not that I’d ever say he’s right but it has made me think about putting away a little each week for when I’m ready to size down. And I’m going to check the charity shops each week for good quality pieces even if they’re way too small. Hopefully I’ll only spend the same amount I normally would over the same period.
Good luck on your clothing quest x
With bra extenders I can wear the same bra plus or minus a lot of weight. These come in two hooks and three hooks: https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-Pcs-3-Hooks-Ladies-Womens-Bra-Extenders-Extension-Expander-Black-White-Beige/440032201?selected=true
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grinning_chick wrote: »RE: Vanity sizing. If you want to for real, on purpose, be shamed as an obese person (or even "just" overweight per BMI) try shopping in an REI brick and mortar store. That'll do the trick every time. The majority of outdoor clothing manufacturer's never adopted the vanity sizing manure and it's nearly impossible to find anything above an "old school" (circa early 2000s) women's size 16 in pants/shorts unless you don't feel humiliated having to shop in the men's department.
Seriously. I'm on the slimmer side of a normal BMI, but have linebacker shoulders (thanks, swimming!) and boobs. Trying to find a running jacket at REI was an interesting experience.1 -
grinning_chick wrote: »spiriteagle99 wrote: »Re: Vanity sizing - I was a size 10 most of my life. During that time, my weight varied from 120 to 175. My body changed and grew bigger but manufacturers labeled the clothes smaller and smaller so I was in denial that I was actually getting fat. If I still wear a 10, I have nothing to worry about, right? I have a very old pair of sized 10 jeans that fit me now, at 123, but if I go to the store I have to buy a 4 or a 2. It makes it impossible to shop online because I have no idea what will fit.
Yeah, I am dreading this. I have a ton of clothes in storage from the early-mid 2000s when I was 138 through ~165 lbs. Most will be okay as far as not standing out as "old", but when they wear out? If I finally succeed in my weight loss and maintenance endeavors now that determination has shown up to the party, I will be adrift in a sea of new clothes sizing I don't understand as I missed the whole vanity sizing thing. I missed it because I have bought used/old stock clothes off of ebay as I've gained weight that are from circa early to mid 2000s as well so the sizing is still the same scale I've always known. But I can't dress like that forever 'cause that would be weird. And I can't exactly wear nylon shorts/skirts/pants/tops from outdoor companies who never adopted vanity sizing for business attire. And let's be honest; it will be hard for me to justify buying off the rack new and giving up on online shopping after so many years of perfectly good discounted clothing.
! 90s is back in and early 2000s fashion is making a come back. Ahhh you are so lucky and smart for keeping them.
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Fitnessgirl0913 wrote: »spiriteagle99 wrote: »There used to be a chain store in some of the malls that catered to small sizes - it was called something like 3-5-7. Does it still exist?
I think the store was 5-7-9 and at least near me I have not seen any in the past few years. They also catered mostly to teenagers so everything was crop tops and short-shorts, it would not be a place to go shop for work clothes or really anything I would want to wear lol
Yeah i noticed everything in those type of stores run small. Walmart too if you buy out of the Jr's area. So getting to a size 9.. it's hard to find stuff because a teenage size 9 doesn't fit an adult.
I did finally find size 9 adult pants on Amazon. yay!
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kshama2001 wrote: »wannabeskinnycat wrote: »QuinntessentiallyMe wrote: »Some of us, especially those of us who live on little money, get tired of having to buy new clothes. I've dropped 14 sizes, and have gone through at least 3 wardrobes. Even thrift store prices get to become a burden. At this point, I'm scouring 25 cent clothing piles at yard sales, and even yard sale leftovers left outside for free because I can't afford even Community Aid's half-off day prices. I'm still working on my body, and I appreciate the positive changes, but they come with a price.
This is something I’m not looking forward to. I’m only 22lb into a 100+lb loss and it’s going to take me a long time so I know I’ll be in each size for a while. I know I’ll be happy about being in a smaller size but not being able to afford nice new clothing will be tough. I’m already looking at skipping the next size down and thinking tracking bottoms, leggings etc. I can’t wear them for work so I’ll just have to take the hit on a few items and wear the life out of them. And I’m dreading buying new bras in each size.
I moaned to my hubby about it just the other day and he said think of the money we’re saving on food! I nearly launched my phone at him. Not that I’d ever say he’s right but it has made me think about putting away a little each week for when I’m ready to size down. And I’m going to check the charity shops each week for good quality pieces even if they’re way too small. Hopefully I’ll only spend the same amount I normally would over the same period.
Good luck on your clothing quest x
With bra extenders I can wear the same bra plus or minus a lot of weight. These come in two hooks and three hooks: https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-Pcs-3-Hooks-Ladies-Womens-Bra-Extenders-Extension-Expander-Black-White-Beige/440032201?selected=true
But the cups shrink too right?
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