Clothing Sizes and Eating Disorder Recovery
Written by CCTC Staff Writer
Bringing attention onto one's body and the physical changes seen and/or felt can be distressing to someone in recovery no matter where they are in the process. This is why shopping for new clothing may be a significant trigger for someone struggling with their body image.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
How clothing may play a role in an eating disorder
Why sizes impact us as much as they do
Tips to manage shopping in eating disorder recovery
Body inclusive brands that can improve the shopping experience
Reminders for when shopping feels overwhelming
During the process of recovery and letting go of eating disorder behaviors, healing negative body image and finding a healthier relationship to one's body is a big focus. A challenge many in recovery face, regardless of whether or not they experience physical changes to their body, is not allowing clothing and shopping to keep them trapped in their illness or trigger a relapse.
When clothing plays a role in an eating disorder
Clothing can serve as a way to body check and monitor one's weight based on how a size fits. If something is fitting differently, this may trigger feelings of discomfort and trigger a relapse or reinforce behaviors to control one's weight. It is not uncommon for the sizes on the tag to become more than just a number to someone struggling with an eating disorder. These numbers become another source of pride or shame in their body and reinforce the use of behaviors.
Why do sizes impact us as much as they do?
“I went from a size X to a size X in only a matter of weeks!”
“I dropped X sizes with this program.”
“I can’t believe I now am a size X”
Phrases like these are commonly heard in commercials, seen on the cover of magazines, or used to promote the success of yet another diet program on our Instagram feed. Diet culture has reinforced the idea of using clothing sizes as a measurement of what is acceptable or unacceptable. For many, with a history of an eating disorder or not, clothing sizes can become a trigger for negative feelings about themselves.
Tips to manage shopping in eating disorder recovery
1. Use your treatment team for support.
There may be a lot of apprehension, anxiety and fear around tackling shopping for clothing in eating disorder recovery. Talking to your treatment team about these concerns and possible triggers can be an important step to keeping you on track. With your team, you can identify possible triggers, how to best handle difficult situations, and debrief on the experience afterwards.
2. Let go of clothing that no longer fits.
In our society we have internalized the dangerous message that we are supposed to fit into our clothing, not that our clothing is supposed to fit us. Rather than donating or getting rid of clothing that no longer fits, there may be a whisper from your eating disorder to keep those jeans or that dress just in case you are able to fit back into it or to use as motivation to return to that size. An important step in letting go of your eating disorder is letting go of all pieces of your eating disorder, including clothing that no longer fits. Ask a family member or friend to help you sort through clothing, and aid you in donating them.
3. Try on clothing at home instead of at the store.
Dressing rooms can be a triggering place for many. The focus on your body and the vulnerability of trying on clothes in recovery can feel overwhelming. If budget allows, you could order items from a store in multiple styles and sizes and return what does not work. There are also many companies that now offer 'try before you buy' shopping, allowing you to get multiple items sent to you to try before you purchase them so you can try things in the comfort of your home with a member of your support system with you. Some companies to consider are Stitch Fix, Amazon Prime Wardrobe, Nordstrom Trunk Club, or Third Love.
4. Shop from brands that support body inclusivity and diversity.
Whether you are shopping online or in a store, it can feel empowering to shop from brands that support body diversity. Seeing models and mannequins that are all different sizes and defy beauty standards can remind you that you do not have to fit a certain size or mold to be 'perfect.' Luckily, more brands have increased their size range and how they represent their clothing.
Athletic wear: Girlfriend Collective, Nike, Beyond Yoga, Amazon, Athleta, Fabletics, Lane Bryant, Torrid, Old Navy, Target
Everyday clothing: Old Navy, Madewell, H&M, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, American Eagle, ASOS
Undergarments: MeUndies, Aerie, ThirdLove, Parade, Torrid, Target, Old Navy, Knix, Bombas
Bathing suits: Target, Aerie, Lane Bryant, Old Navy, Summersalt
5. Focus on one item at a time or create a list
Rather than trying to build up an entirely new wardrobe, focus on one item or a list of items before you begin shopping. Do some research beforehand to narrow down styles and colors and what stores you want to shop at. This can help you tackle one challenging item at a time without feeling too overwhelmed by options.
6. Shift your perspective when trying on clothes
Instead of focusing on whether or not a size fits, shifting your language and assessment of the clothing can be a helpful tool to determine what works best for you. When trying on items, step away from the size on the tag or the way you perceive yourself in the mirror and ask yourself questions that focus on functionality, comfortability and style. If you have a support person with you, see if they’d be able to ask you these questions to open a dialogue with you beyond what you see in the mirror.
Do I feel comfortable in this? Would a different size or style feel more comfortable?
Do I like this fabric and/or color?
Is this length comfortable for me?
Do they feel too tight or loose in any areas?
Does this make me feel confident?
Am I letting the size on the tag dictate whether or not I like or dislike this?
A reminder to hold onto when shopping feels overwhelming…
Clothing sizes do not dictate your worth. If any negative thoughts creep in when navigating this part of recovery, ask yourself what words would you use to talk to a friend or loved one if they said they were struggling with body changes and different sizes? Would you reinforce their negative thoughts and feelings, or would you challenge them with compassion?
Letting go of an eating disorder is difficult, but beginning to accept your body where it is makes room for a life beyond disordered behaviors.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, take the first step today and talk to someone about recovery or simply learn more about the holistic, flexible eating disorder recovery programs we offer.