You are more than a size

I'd like to preface this post by acknowledging the privilege that I hold not only being able to fit into straight sized clothing, but also being able to buy a large number of items at once. I fully understand that this is not everyone's lived experience.

I posted this on social media recently and it seemed to resonate with a lot of you, so I figured it needed a longer blog post. 

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A post shared by Jennifer Neale, RD (@nutritioniq.ca)

Can we talk about clothing sizes? I saw something recently talking about fast fashion and how their sizing is all over the map because they are getting clothes out the door so quickly that they don't even use consistent patterns! It got me thinking about how many times I've let the size of my clothing dictate whether I'm going to have a good day or a bad day. 

Especially with the pandemic, it has been really difficult to buy clothes. I'm not great at online shopping, as evidenced by the above and the purchasing of 14 different pairs of shorts because I had no clue what size or style would work best for me. I am definitely an in-person shopper who likes to try things on BUT with everything closed for so long, I had to just bite the bullet. I was sick of wearing clothes that were too tight! 

When you're wearing clothes that don't fit your here and now body, it's a constant reminder that your body has changed. If you're walking around in clothes that are too tight and they're riding up or pinching, you are 100% aware of your body at all times. Who wants to live that way? For me personally, when I was constantly adjusting my clothes because they weren't fitting correctly, I felt self-conscious and exposed. I was acutely aware of my body at all times, and it made me feel like others must be aware of my body too.

It has been a few weeks since the new shorts have entered my life and I'm kicking myself for how long I let myself live in shorts that didn't fit. I went for a long walk up to a fruit and veggie stand with my family over the weekend and I realized after we got home that during that walk, I hadn't thought about my body once, which was amazing, because we had done that same walk a few weeks back, and every time we stopped at a light, I was adjusting my shorts that were riding up. I was very aware of my body every step of the way and it sucked.

Your clothes are meant to fit your body, don't change your body to fit your clothes

If you have been waiting for a sign to update your wardrobe, here it is! Go out and find some clothes to fit your here and now body. You deserve to be comfortable. You deserve to wear clothes that fit! Don't let the size of your clothes dictate whether you are going to have a good or bad day because you my friend, are more than a size. Always remember: your clothes are meant to fit your body, don't change your body to fit your clothes. 

P.S. If you're looking for some great size-inclusive brands, I highly recommend this guide from Lindley Ashline. I recently ordered from eShakti based on her recommendation and I am thrilled with the custom dresses I got from them.

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