Shopping for clothes can bring up unpleasant feelings, especially if you struggle with food and body distress. Everything from seeing pictures of models to not finding clothing options that fit comfortably to the harsh store lighting can be challenging. Even shopping online can be tricky. When pursuing recovery, finding ways to make clothing shopping less daunting is crucial.
By: Elizabeth Low
Here are six tips for dealing with clothes shopping while in recovery.
Remember that Clothing Should Fit You and Your “Now” Body
You do not need to alter your body to fit into clothing. If you do not fit into an item of clothing, find a different size or an item better suited to you. It is okay if the clothing does not look the same on you as on someone else. It may feel easier said than done, but if you try an item of clothing and do not feel comfortable in it, take it off and do your best not to think about it anymore.
Try and Shop Brands with Inclusive Sizes
It can be upsetting if a store or brand does not carry the size you need. Although it might make you upset with your body, remember you are not the problem, the store’s sizing is. There is no need to beat yourself or your body up if you cannot fit into the limited sizing available in many stores. You can find two lists of inclusive brands of clothing here and here.
Shop By Yourself or with a Trusted Loved One
If it feels better, you can take the space you need and shop alone. However, this may be daunting. If it feels overwhelming, try shopping with people who support your recovery. Shopping with someone else could help you feel more at ease in stressful situations while allowing you to process the emotions that shopping might bring up.
Buy Clothes that Make You Feel Comfortable
You do not have to dress in the latest trends if you are uncomfortable with them. Experiment with different styles, fabrics, and fits, and see what makes you feel best. Do not compare yourself to the models, other people, or even your past body type. Try finding clothes that feel good on the body you have now. Prioritize your experience in the clothes over the appearance that you see.
Do Not Focus on the Sizes of the Clothing
Clothing sizes vary based on brand, style, and more. They are arbitrary labels. Focus on how clothing feels instead of seeking out a particular size, whether bringing several sizes to the fitting room or ignoring sizes altogether.
Check-In With Yourself and Take Breaks if Needed
Take a walk to get some fresh air or a drink of water. If shopping and trying on clothes become upsetting, take a break. You can always try again another day. Remember, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Take it at whatever pace you need to.
It is not easy to shop for clothes, especially in recovery from an eating disorder. Shopping for clothes sometimes means being bombarded by socially constructed beauty standards, confronting the mirror, or focusing on how your body looks. This task will become more neutral and less stressful with time and the skills mentioned above. Be compassionate with yourself.
Try to remember some of these tips. Remember, you are not alone on your healing journey. Enlist the support of a treatment team or care provider. They can help you navigate clothing shopping, no matter where you are on your journey.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we know one of the most challenging aspects of body image is navigating body changes, especially regarding the clothes you wear. It can feel like your body is wrong for not fitting into clothes, which can trigger disordered thinking and behaviors. In reality, clothes are meant to fit you, not the other way around. Watch our recent Dress for Recovery: What to Wear to Honor Body Acceptance Webinar with BALANCE’s Intuitive Eating | HAES Content Creator, Alexandra Carter (she/her), here.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Elizabeth Low (she/her).
Elizabeth graduated from San Jose State University with a sociology degree concentrating in social interaction and a minor in psychology. She understands firsthand the difficulties of having an eating disorder and body image issues. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in dietetics. She would love to help individuals have a healthy relationship with food and their body image. She hopes to actively counteract social messaging linked to disordered eating, overexercise, and body dissatisfaction.
