Wardrobe questions for fuller figures....

[catnapper]

I have a bunch of "new" clothes -- they are new to me, given to me by some friends and freecyclers. A lot of it is for winter so I haven't been too rushed in washing and inspecting them (one freecycler gave me a box of clothes needing repair, but it was all missing button type stuff)

Anyhow, now I am finally getting around to sorting through the winter stuff and choosing what's right for work vs. casual, what flatters my shape (in other words, what makes my big belly seem less pronounced) and what I just feel good in. I had a friend over this afternoon helping me sort through. and it seems we have totally different views on how clothes should fit.

I am able to wear one size comfortably, but can also slip into the size lower. I feel the size lower makes my tummy more pronounced and it bothers me a lot. My friend thinks the smaller size is better because it gave my bottom some shape. (I am all belly, with no butt to speak of, so I usually look like I have saggy diaper syndrome ) Whenever pants fit the butt, they pull across the belly and seriously outline the tummy to make me look like I'm pregnant (not something I generally try to enhance). Nothing is tight or constrictive feeling in the smaller pants. I can breathe, button and zipper everything easily.

The larger size almost always feels more comfortable, roomier, etc. (unless they feel like they're falling down -- I consider that too big) The smaller size always feels more comfortable in the fit around the inseam.

Soooo.... I know a lot of PTers are also in this dilemma. Which way do you go? Comfort first, feeling more confident about what you're most conscious of? Or tighter fit that flatters one other area?

Did this question make sense?

[caseysmom]

Sometimes when things are too baggy it makes you look bigger but I tend to like things roomy. Maybe you can go with the bigger size and do alterations to the bottom? Or maybe you can buy one of those bottom padding things

[kimlovescats]

Kim, I have very much your same problem, except I have a butt too to worry about! When I get things that give my belly and behind room, then I have the saggy crotch sydrome! HATE THAT!!!! I would go the smaller size, if it is not too tight and uncomfortable and just wear longer shirts and sweaters to that conceal your belly a bit. I tend to buy smaller pants to feel comfortable and not sag or risk falling down, and bigger shirts to fit more loosely!

Hope this helps!
Kim

[jazzcat]

I tend to buy smaller pants to feel comfortable and not sag or risk falling down, and bigger shirts to fit more loosely!

Me too.
My mother always told me I inherited a disease from her. It's called "Noassatall Disease". Get it? I have no butt. Anyway, I tend to do what Kim does.

[columbine]

Isn't it good to look pregnant your whole life, so people will give you their seat (because you don't have a seat of your own)? Yep, that's me too! I agree with the long shirts, empire waists, and go for comfort, because when you feel uncomfortable, you look uncomfortable, and people pick it up from your body language and tend to be more critical of your looks without even knowing they're doing so.

Love, Columbine

[Callie]

Sure glad I don't have your behinder problem but I sure do the other one.

Used to love the 'sleek' fit of things...until one day I saw a picture of me in one of my favorite outfits. I looked like a stuffed sausage! Enough of that...so now I go for comfort and alter as needed.

Overblouses are a god-send for those with a prominent tummy. No more fussing with tucking/untucking either...blessed relief from ripped out sleeves, too. High bosom and broad shoulders don't mesh with tucked in tailored shirts very well.

Be comfy and take in the pant legs, if needed.

Callie

[jackie]

Go with whatever you feel comfortable.

At the end of the day, you are the one wearing it!