Someone could make a lot of $ with Hannah. I dont understand why no one havent given her a brand yet. She would have high quality items and they would sell out so quickly. 👑 Please dear Universe let this happen!
Thank you for including images that show diversity. As a person in a wheelchair I don’t often see example images of people in my situation. Thank you for making me feel included ❤
I've been a size 4 since my 20s. I turned 47 this year and suddenly saw the effects of menopause on my size. In 8 months I went from a size 4 to a size 10 on the same diet and exercise regimen I've had for years. I finally gave in and donated almost all of my pants and bras. I needed this video.
That kind of size change over just an 8 month period seems pretty dramatic. I would see if you could get tested to ensure there's no other issues happening (eg heart, thyroid, diabetes, etc). I'm in my mid-50s and was a size 4 and 130# top weight from my 20s - late 40s, ate whatever I wanted, loved exercising, and could wear the styles I loved most with no issues. Then due to injuries and fibroids I became mostly sedentary and in peri-menopause over the past 8 years am now in the 176# range (ie a 45-50lb weight gain). It sucks but I am focusing on regaining functional movement (bc I also have a lot of physical pain and mobility limitations) rather than weight loss, bc that will make me crazy. Just moving and feeling good in this *new* body is helping me a lot.
*Menopausal Body Changes*. Menopause hit hard when I turned 50. I'm 5'3 and average weight range was 120-135. By 52, I was almost at 160, lost my curvy thighs and rear and gained a spare tire in the mid-section. I took to a very restrictive diet and intermittent fasting. I'm 56 now and have maintained around 125 for two years. The Thrift Store was my go-to place to shop during this transition. A few key pieces that you fabulous in goes a long way.
@@Anonom2012 This was me too. My weight shot up when I hit menopause combined with the pandemic sourdough I was doing all the time. I also had extreme swelling in my feet in the summer that made walking/running (my go to exercise) difficult. I started changing my eating habits focusing most on eating low/slow carbs. (I'm not keto, I don't even think keto the way it's conceptualized is a thing but that's a whole other convo). Instead of focusing on eating less carbs, I really tried to focus on eating more vegetables, especially green vegetables. I replaced my lunches with salads and bone broth soups in the winter (I live in MN). I don't have any "bad foods" or foods that I restrict entirely. I try to keep my carb portions small and will always chose beans over rice, brown rice over white, sweet potatoes over white, etc. I also found that king arthur has a really good keto flour that I can mix with regular flour and make a very low carb pizza crust. This has allowed me to enjoy my once a week pizza night and I don't feel deprived. Weightloss was pretty significant at first (2-3 pounds a week) and then tapered off to a couple pounds a month. I have lost over 70 pounds and it has really helped me get some of my health conditions back in check. I'm coming up on three years of eating this way and I don't anticipate ever changing. It's very sustainable for me.
Thank you for this, and for normalizing that all bodies change! Isn't it interesting how so many of our comments reflect the impulse to "explain" size change? What if we just...accepted it without that? Anyway, one big mindset shift for me is starting to think of clothes as something that can (if well made) circulate among many owners! If it really doesn't fit me, it's time for it to have a turn on someone else whom it will fit. No shame! We are much better at thinking of kids' clothes this way, but we attribute all kinds of weird baggage to the adult version. Let's buy good clothes and pass them on when we change! If you are in a position to do so, that is. Thanks as ever ❤️
Such a refreshing take on a forever wardrobe. So much more than the classic white button down, a blazer, a moto jacket etc. Also, being 47 and plus size, I truly appreciate that you include models of all shapes and sizes in your videos. So many videos leave out all of these body types. For once I feel included. Please allow me to explain. I usually watch a lot fashion/style videos in which the UA-camr is straight sized. I always need to use my imagination and finagle ideas for my body. (Which I have slowly weeded out of my subscriptions, it's just too toxic for me) You're inclusive photos allow me to feel like I'm in and not out. Thank you for that.
I sew a majority of my cloths, and I realized I use a lot of the tips you mentioned. I'm using elastic, wrap styles, drapy fabrics, and looser fits not only for dealing with size fluctuations in the moment, but because I want to wear these cloths for years to come. Some new techniques I'm exploring include: - pull tabs for adjusting the girth on the back of pants or coats, - having multiple button options so if you're smaller you use the tighter button and if you're bigger you use the looser button. - using a tie or lacing closure, so you can tie/lace the garment looser or tighter (for non-wrap style cloths)
I make a lot of my own clothes, and a lot of what I wear is historically inspired. When I started getting interested in historical fashion, I was struck by how adjustability was simply built in to the clothing, particularly women's clothing. Almost every garment had the ability to be adjusted a significant degree to accommodate fluctuating sizes. That made me feel so much better about my own changing body, and encouraged me to seek out clothes that could do the same for me in today's fashion. I've found that a lot of sustainable/ethical fashion brands, especially smaller brands, tend to build adjustability into their designs at least to some degree.
Oooh, I'd like to learn more about this! any videos, articles, or search terms you could point me to? i get sad walking through shops and seeing cheap stretchy fast fashion so i really would like to see clothing made with more care and longevity in mind
@@kristyphan8676 Abby Cox , Snappy Dragon, Rachel Maksy, Bernadette Banner, and Nicole Rudolph are all GREAT places on UA-cam to start! They are all extremely knowledgeable and have some good tutorials and educational content about historical fashion and sewing.
I love the way many 18th century European skirts are constructed and have enjoyed making them: two rectangles, each pleated into a a waist tie. I've had more to spend on clothing during a current period of body changes and have been so happy to be able to afford some pieces from the historically-inspired brand Voriagh. They have pants that have this genius waist construction where the zipper is in the pocket and the button can easily be moved to change waist size.
@@kristyphan8676there is a whole community of historical fashion youtube. Its quite nerdy, but i would recommend channels like bernadette banner, priorattire, nicole rudolph and morgan donner. There is so much interesting fashion/patternmaking that isnt really common anymore
A major approach to a forever wardrobe missing from this video is alterations! I realized shopping vintage that before the latter 20th century consumerism boom it was very common for garments to be taken in and let out many times during the garment's lifespan. A lot of us could benefit from this approach. Personally, I recently got a couple of things let out, and a couple of others taken in, to accommodate changes in my body, and fitting into some of my favorite clothes again (whatever that meant for a particular garment and my particular body) was delightful.
I lost 30 lbs a couple of years ago after a pregnancy and got all of my bottoms taken in once it became quite obvious I wouldn’t be gaining the weight back. While I think it’s a great option, it’s not a versatile one. Once you put darts into your pants, you can’t easily remove them. I think Hannah was focusing on offering options that ensure garments fit you through weight gain and loss over time.
Part of the problem is that because historically people altered their clothing, clothing was made with generous seam allowances and that is not the case today. You can take in a garment, but letting it out is much more difficult because there just isn't enough seam allowance built in for the purpose.
100% agree, many of my clothes have been enlarged and made smaller by the seamstress. Apart from it being good for environment, it is also beneficial for economy and supports the trade that is slowly dying with the fast fashion and single use pieces becoming more and more popular.
As a person who sews, I would love for it to be common practice for "green" clothing manufacturers to build in bigger seam allowances and include say 6" x 6" fabric samples with the garment for future mending needs. If that became the general expectation in that niche (putting pressure even on companies that are not as green as they claim to be), we would be making it SO much easier for people to keep garments longterm, regardless of style.
This is such a fabulous message that I and presumably a lot of others need to hear. As I age, I've found that the hardest part of accepting a new body is going to try on the star items in one's wardrobe only to find that they are too small, too cropped or too uncomfortable. This video is one of the kindest and most thoughtful approaches I've seen to this topic and all I can say is bravo
This kind of content is sooo much better and more helpful than the hundreds of influencers who just post what I wore in a week/clothes I bought recently/etc videos. Thank you for always going the extra mile to make creative and valuable fashion content, Hannah!
Agreed! I recently tried on everything in my closet and rotated in only the stuff that fits right now, because life is too short to wish your body was different. It is what it is. It's mine, and it deserves to be shown in its best light, not squeezed and pinched and apologized for.
Good advice for some body types but bias cut, wrap dresses and drapey, oversized and elasticated clothes really don't suit me. My solution to changing shape has been to purchase clothes that fit from charity/ thrift shops and donate the items that are never likely to fit again. I see it as 'forever' by rotation of owners.
I'm personally not changing sizes too much, but as a seamstress, I try to build in some level on adjustability in the clothes I make for myself, especially when it's made with good quality fabric that I intent to be super long lasting. I make adjustable skirts with lacings and ties, I put extra fabric on the side seam of my tops to be able to upsize those later if I need to. I especially like gathered garments because if I need to, it's easy to go back and just expend or reduce the size. It's not ment to adjust to extreme changes, but a least a size or two up or down. Hope this is helpful to someone... Thanks a lot Hannah for yours videos, it's inspiring even if my style is completely different from yours. And it's so cool that you're talking about this subject.
This is what I aspire to! I recently inherited a sewing machine from my late grandmother and want to learn to sew my own clothes (I have dreams of an almost entirely me-made + thrifted/secondhand wardrobe). I have been thinking of the styles I like and how I would (eventually) build that same flexibility into clothes I make. This is helpful!
Another tip that has worked for me in the past is buying a little oversized. I think it can look really chic and then my range for when the garment will still fit me is wider. Obviously this only works for some types of clothes and silhouettes but I really had my mind blown when I realized I could buy whatever size I wanted no matter what the size guide told me I “should” buy.
Finally letting myself watch this video! Must be something in the air (or bodies). LOVED your points, I definitely missed some of these in my video but also glad I finished making mine before seeing that you'd covered similar ground because we come at it from such different angles - I hardly own ANYTHING bias cut and now it's something I will definitely watch out for, all the examples you pulled out look SO DREAMY! I'm also now on a mission to try and sew a version of that Billie dress as I have some extra brown linen fabric in the back of my wardrobe and that silhouette looks perfect! In awe of your work as always x
I appreciate you making your videos accessible to the neuro atypical community by doing just basic edits. Some other people’s videos I can not watch as a tbi survivor because they jump all over the place. So that’s another way you are making your videos more accessible and inclusive in a way that you may not even realize 😊
After 5 yrs of 3 pregnancies + following breastfeeding, I agree with all strategies mentioned. Now, breastfeeding and caring for toddlers presents a whole new challenge if you wanna dress sustainably & longterm: Easy boob access & heavy duty materials that handle proper washing (like 60-90 d.C. and bleaching). I always hated dedicated ”pregnancy -& breastfeeding” clothes, since they are mostly in stretchy cheap materials that aren’t made to last longer than 1 season. Also, I personally don’t find them very pretty. Trial & error led me to the following shopping rules: 1. Simple tank tops with deep V or U neckline OR cropped tanktops are your best friend - you can easily pull down / up the top for boob access and add a layer over shoulders. Works even with a normal bra! (For comparison, T-shirts require a good breastfeeding bra.) 2. Buttons on everything - shirts, dresses, cardigans… My favourite combo is an oversized button down shirt over a tank top - the shirt provides protection, coverage AND helps you looking like an adult that has her shit together (which you will need, trust me..!😅) The oversize fit keeps it flexible if you need to pull down straps. 😌 3. Classic wrap designs as mentioned in video - just make sure there’s enough fabric to hide whatever you wanna hide while feeding 😉 4. Off the shoulder designs with a flexible (eg. rubber) seam that can easily be pulled down. Lovely either oversized or combined with a shirred bodice to keep boobies in place. 😉 Especially great for summer! 5. Though it sounds counterintuitive, woven ”stiff” fabrics are generally better than stretch. First and foremost it is way sturdier and holds up better in the wash, even at high temperatures. Also, it’s more breathable & looks more elegant (while stretchy clothes easily start to feel a bit pajamas-ey.). Furthermore, it provides more support - something you’ll start to appreciate with a postpartum and breastfeeding body. 🙃 An exception is underwear - like the above mentioned tank tops, where some stretch is quite nice to have, or panties. 6. Skirts or dresses with lots of fabric are also great postpartum to cover up a bit at the tummy region, keep things airy as well as accomodate a changing waistline. Skirts are more of a no-brainer with regards to breastfeeding, but dresses can be great too if they have buttons to open or a strappy design and / or a generous neckline / amount of fabric. Bonus: they require minimal effort to put on since it’s a whole outfit already - something that becomes increasingly important as a mother of multiples! Thanks & you’re welcome. 😉
Just wanted to say, not only is your content interesting and well thought out, and genuinely helpful - i love how inclusive your illustrative images are! Thank you for being a grounded and 'real' voice in the youtube fashion world.
As a mom of three who has been pregnant and nursing for NINE years, hooray!! I’ve found so much value in your style videos and have been really rediscovering myself, and rebuilding my mind-body connection, through a foundation of mindfulness and therapy… and skincare, beauty and personal style are an incredible tool when approached in a slow and thoughtful way!
There is one more girth related style and that is the gurka trouser. This has a centre wrap over closure instead of a zip and can thus have a flat waist profile at a range of about two sizes. I was fortunate enough to find a pair 20 years ago and wore them till they were sadly ruined. No idea why they are unobtainable now but I really want to find someone offering them!
Yes! I have a chronic illness that has my weight going up and down like a roller coaster. Thank you so much for this video! And thank you for all of the thoughtful and intelligent videos you post ❤
I personally also recommend having trousers that have belt loops, that way the stretchy waist: 1. will not look frumpy 2. will not look "weird" with a shirt or a t-shirt tucked in 3. will look more polished, stylish and professional Also, it won't be as prone to get loose and will be more versatile for the weight loss.
I have recently discovered the joys of pleated trousers with either a small section of rouched elastic in the back of the waist or tabs along the waist either on the side, the back, or the inside where you can loosen or tighten them. They end up looking very polished with the right fabric, but then having a super wide range of sizes. You can also buy a size or two up and sew in your own tabs if you're confident in your sewing skills. Some seamstresses and tailors will also do this for reasonable prices
I appreciate this video on so many levels. First being, of course, acknowledging that changing bodies can be a challenge to continue dressing over time. And second, that you didn't cop out and just talk about focusing on shoes, accessories and makeup (super valid too) but actually focused entirely on the C*L*O*T*H*I*N*G of it all. Thank you!
Fun fact, during pregnancy women's shoe sizes can temporarily or permanently increase up one or two sizes (just as hips and ribcage widen permanently), so my guess is that there will be several things that can even affect shoe size!
I feel ya. I've been 160 to 200 in the last 8 years, currently 180. Discovered men's cargos a year ago and the fit and straight leg works on me, my life is mostly casual now but I wanna get back to mingling and making money. Presentation is important.
Knits help a lot, too, especially those that don’t have any Spandex. Natural fiber knits are naturally stretchy and maintain their stretch. I’ve been losing weight for nearly ten years, probably because of aging, and they help.
Yesss! Thank you for verbalizing all the overthinking I do in the fitting room before purchasing! While this may not apply to all fabrics, I find that simply sizing up than my default size really helps fix most of my immediate "belly pudge" concerns (and I do wear cycling shorts underneath my dresses anyway)
Super helpful for me to hear someone else thinking this way. I've been coming to terms with my own body changing after an injury that really altered my excercise levels for the past few years, with a commensurate weight gain. "Losing access" to my favorite pieces in my wardrobe has been a really hard part of that.
Thank you, Hannah. I am 43 and perimenopause. It’s amazing how much weigh I’ve gained in a short amount of time. I’ve had to unlearn how I “thought” I should be dressing. I appreciate your video. I have been embracing the elastic waistband and flowy fabrics.
So glad for a discussion on this topic! I've been thinking a lot about this lately. It even ties in with the fantasy self concept. For me, the first fantasy involved achieving an ideal body shape/size, then acquiring a closet perfectly tailored to that ideal. Then the fantasy evolved into just maintaining my current physique and tailoring my closet to THAT ideal. Now there is no ideal, just the understanding that clothing needs to have figurative and literal flexibility in order to be worth my hard earned money.
So RIGHT! I had to switch to elastic waistbands and stretchy fabrics due to regular attacks of diverticulitis- pain and sudden bloating where I can go up 2 or 3 sizes in an attack. I was checked for ovarian cancer and I don’t have it. If anyone reading this comment has a similar problem please check with your dr that it’s not ovarian cancer as that’s one of the few early signs of that.
I love a wrap in my wardrobe. Kimonos are also very versatile pieces of clothing. Something that can be wrapped or loose, dressed up or down, but can fit you if your body changes for whatever the reason. What a great and very helpful vid Hannah.
Thank you for putting out approachable, realistic and practical content. I’ve wavered between a size 0-6 up and down for the last few years due to physical and mental health, and it’s exhausting to have to buy new clothes or hope something fits or feel terrible on what you can get on. This really helps me think about pieces that I have already in a new way. I mean all your fashion content makes me think. But I so appreciate you approaching this topic.
This is such a helpful and refreshing video! I have a lot of health issues and in the last 10 years I've has a VERY dramatic up/down fluctuation (70+ lbs). It's so expensive to have to buy new things constantly, and I've been trying to get a handle on my wardrobe. I love these ideas, and will definitely incorporate!
I love sewing and knitting, but this exact topic is always an obstacle when I want to make something - will it even fit by the time I'm done? Something made with a lot of care can take months, and it's beyond disheartening to finish something you're proud of that fits your old measurements. Thank you for encouraging the discussion on how we can ask our wardrobe to fit our bodies for as long as possible without demanding that our bodies never change!
I really appreciate your language in this video. It's a helpful, practical topic and you discussed it without anything judgey or shamey...both of which often creep their way into convos about body changes...espeically for feminized people. You are lovely, Hannah.
I'd also recommend a drawstring waist! The last few years I've been dealing with health issues that have caused extreme fluctuations in my body, and my favorite pants are a beautiful cotton trouser from Wildfang with a drawstring. They always fit & always look amazing, and longevity wise--there's no elastic that might need replacing.
I wish clothes would literally live forever. I get so sad when one of my favorite pieces gets beyond repair and I often avoid wearing my favorite clothes to not "use them up" 🙈
I find that layering can be really helpful with keeping a consistent style even if a few pieces need to be swapped out. A cardigan that fits snugly and closed can also be worn open and layering camisoles and leggings as needed can help with a top that has got too short/low and shorts that have done the same. Also belts if you have jeans that are too big/small or even big statement belts you can use to pull in clothes as you need
My waist of the only part of me that fluctuates from a 26 to a 29 😭 I’ve learned to buy things with stretchy waistbands or strings that can tighten and loosen up. Not worth buying 3 sizes of work pants. And most clothing has elegant looking waistbands these days, it’s not childish and bunched up how it was in our childhood.
what i love about your videos is that you make your content (and your world) accessible to someone who’s very in their head. as a somewhat spacey individual, i often feel excluded from fashion and beauty content. not so with yours!! ah, you’re really wonderful
Love love loved this video and the full genuine body neutrality you express. I have gone up a few sizes in the past couple years and it has been hard to mentally adjust to this new version of myself, especially since it seems to be a more long-lasting change than I thought it would be. I have gravitated towards all of these recommendations you shared (along with getting very comfortable getting pieces taken in or out at the tailor). On top of making me feel most confident and comfortable, generally choosing clothing items in these categories has made me feel less apprehension about my size changing again because I will probably be able to still wear almost everything I currently own. This is a genuinely sustainable approach to choosing and caring for and wearing clothing (that most people have practiced in some form throughout history until very recently), and I’m glad you’re promoting it.
I found the wrap dress and wrap tops to be great suggestions! Those styles work well for me, and I am now always on the lookout for them. As a curvy petite woman, stretch waist bands and overly draped garments are not flattering. I’m a little surprised you did not mention alterations as a solution for more structured clothing. For example taking in garments that are too big currently and making sure plenty of seam allowance is left so it’s possible to let out if needed in the future. Thanks for the video 😊
Button tabs and ties inside (or outside as an accent) are so clutch for this! Everlane’s fatigue barrel pants are a currently trendy example of what I mean. I’m also curvy and petite but I love an oversized drape (for personal style reasons) and find the texture and weight of the fabric matters a LOT whether I can get away with that looking chic rather than frumpy, much like Hannah’s comments on drape. Flowy linen pants? Hell no on me. Flowy cotton-linen or silk-linen blend? Absolutely. Flowy jersey? Not unless it’s the super thick, heavy, high quality kind. Silks almost always works, but I think it’s because it’s almost always bias cut so it doesn’t cling and pull in that way I’m sure you’re familiar with.
Love these suggestions! Thank you! New things to add to my list of things to look for in future clothing ❤ Also sometimes just moving a button over a little can make a big difference in how comfortable a piece is. And that’s a simple thing that I can do myself.
I really appreciated your language and how you talked about your own body. I always thought of myself as a body positive person until I got sick and gained more weight than I'm comfortable with. It's hard work thinking and talking about your own changing body with love. Thank you for modeling this for me and for great suggestions along with it
Also, I love how body neutral everything is. I remember being pregnant and feeling such pressure to shrink the whole time. It’s almost all I thought about pp. how much more would I have helped myself if I’d just accepted that bodies change! Love that message and how it’s supplied through these videos.
I am petite and prefer structured clothing (high collared shirts and pleated pants are my daily uniform). As I’m gaining weight, I’m becoming curvier but not bigger and I’m finding there are no pants that I feel confident in- I personally hate the look and feel of elastic and the crinkled fabrics BUT one workaround for me has been leaning into dresses that still have structure and can accommodate my hips…. I’m still holding out for classic, structured skirts in my measurements to pair with tights in the colder months, but I think I’m on the right track now!
Thank you! Over the last 3 years birth control, cancer, spinal instability, injuries and then becoming wheelchair bound has really done a number on my body. My weight change has covered a 50lbs span and I’ve comfortably worn clothes in size 0 to size 14. It’s been an experience to say the least. One thing I would add is knowing your body type and how you tend to gain weight. For me personally, I’m pear shaped and I gain weight in my hips/ upper thighs first, stomach second and then everywhere else much more slowly. As a result I need more size versatility in lower body garments. Since my upper body and lower body are frequently different sizes and in different proportions to each other one and done garments like dresses, bodysuits or one piece bathing suits need to be very specific cuts to be good choices for me. Rompers I tend to avoid altogether, dresses need to be a-line with a relatively full cut, bodysuits I tend to skip again, and bathing suits are necessary for aquatic therapy but I purposely get ones with high cut leg holes so they are versatile over a wider range of hip sizes. Bathing suits also fall into a similar category as underwear where sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and realize that you’ll need to repurchase them as sizes change in order for them to be comfortable/ supportive and serve their purpose. However, I am a big fan of supportive wire free bras with bra extenders. They’ve been a huge help financially, so I can keep wearing bras I have instead of repurchasing more when I’m bouncing between sizes. Specifically, I really like Kindred Bravely Nellie Simply Wireless Bra. Great for people like me with smaller rib cage and larger bust, also if you happen to have a connective tissue disorder (hEDS) and ribs that love dislocating with pressure, I can confirm the wide soft band is both supportive and gentle so it’s a great choice. It also come with the extender included and the straps are wide enough that they don’t dig in!
Flowy dresses with high waist (like Empire style or babydoll style) can also accomodate some body changes in a nice way. Clothing alteration also seems to be a good solution. Although it does not always work great for each and every garment, especially in a long term, it might still be a way to make wardrobe sustainable. Works great for people who often experience minor size fluctuations. Fabrics tend to wear over time, colors fade a bit, and inseam that you might wish to let out won’t look the same as the rest of garment’s surface; some materials just keep needle holes forever and undone seams will be visible… it all depends.
I've been pretty consistent in size for most of my life, but like many have fluctuated smaller and bigger depending on the season of my life. The last few years I have been wearing exclusively stretchy waists and flowy dresses/skirts. It has been liberating.
I can recommend skirts in the style of the 18th century petticoat (lots of tutorials on YT, it's a really easy beginner sewing project!). It's basically two rectangles, gathered or pleated into tie belts, and the side seams are left open for about 15-20 cm at the top to allow for adjustments. Then you simply tie it as needed, it does look way better than elastic waistbands imho. Also great if you change sizes over the course of one day, as I do, due to bloating or food belly. ;-)
I love your ideas. Texture makes sense! Even pleats make sense, but I’ve not had a great experience with pleats. They’re so high maintenance! When they start to fall out, you have to iron each one back in?! No!!
Love these ideas. Unfortunately, I look best in very structured garments. The suggested garments, other than the wrap dress, wouldn’t really look good on my body type. However, I can try and use some of the ideas here, such as a bias cut garment to build a more versatile wardrobe. As I get older, my body continues to change and fluctuates where I hold weight. Some good guidelines to look for in things like dresses or sweaters. Thank you. Always enjoy your videos.
From someone who makes and her own clothes, and doesn’t like oversized styles, don’t underestimate the power of tailoring! You can take clothing that fits your largest possible dimensions, and adjust details to looks precise while leaving room for size changes. Think about the features of your body that don’t fluctuate much, like height and vertical proportions, shoulder width. You can get shoulder seams, sleeve, and hem lengths, and necklines tailored to hit you just right. You can also get side seams taken in while leaving the extra fabric to let out as needed. I don’t feel confident in oversized clothing like Hannah does, but I can wear loose styles when the shoulders and waist are well placed. It also helps to choose clothing with ties to bring in extra fabric at the waist, or add a sash/belt.
Cotton lawn _is_ flowy, a lot less stiff than linen! It's a little sheer, smooth to the touch, very easy to tuck in, it's actually really nice because it can be loose and flowy on a small frame without it getting bulky and overwhelming.
I would also suggest "gurkha"-style pants. I have a few that are meant to be regular women's casual pants, but they have what I learned is called the gurkha-style waist: two sets of buttons on the waistband so you can cinch tighter or looser. They help if I've put on a few pounds and want to still look/feel put-together.
Love investing & prioritizing pieces that have a lot of versility & longevity. You captured this idea so well & I got a lot of inspiration! Thank you ❤ TIP: If you still like tighter fits in a fluctuating body, get a few things that compliment the 'forever close'. For example a plain fitting tanktop with linen trousers.
I got a linen wrap dress that's cut on the bias with vertical panela last year on Poshmark. When I tell you that's been my best second-hand investment ever... 🤩
Ty for doing this video..i was diagnosed with AS (ankylosing spondylitis) this year and as a result of the inflammation and mobility issues I've gained 20lbs and i also have GI issues because of it so I can't stand jeans anymore. I have a hard time wearing comfortable pants without looking sloppy (being plus size doesnt help IMO). My go-to's are soft fit and flair dresses, loose maxi skirt, pull on stretchy dress pants, leggings, and sweatpants. I haven't tried overalls but a soft pair is on my to try list. I also can't tolerate high % polyester clothes I get too hot as I'm temperature sensitive. I would love for you to do a "comfortable but put together looks" for chronically ill ppl like myself who want to feel good and look good but comfortable clothes are priority #1.
Love this topic, thank you! And the way you deliver the word 'girth' is HILARIOUS. It makes me wonder if you had a bet that you could fit it in a certain number of times.
I have recently been enjoying three new dresses with beautiful drape. I purchased them, because I have a dress that has been a staple in my wardrobe for 12 years through dramatic body fluctuations. The poor thing will probably only make it through the rest of this season and be retired after a long, loved life. I used it as the template for the new purchases since it has been so versatile over the years.
Im 16 and the fear of my body changing later on is keeping me from investing in clothes i actually love and that will last me a long time, thank you so much for this video Hannah as I’ve been trying to change my mindset on this topic
Do not be afraid of your body, no matter what form it takes over time. Clothe it comfortably, feed it regularly, hydrate it fully. Take it for medical care when needed. Go on walks, bike rides, enjoy active play. Female bodies change with the years. It is how we are evolved to live best. Pay attention to how good it feels to move. Choose food and drink mindfully. Dress for the weather and activities you will be experiencing on a given day. If it itches, pinches, or has to repositioned to preserve modesty (or legality) it is not for you. You will look best when you are comfortably covered for the time and place, and can move your body in a full range of motion appropriate for you.
@@valariebrown3768 Beautifully said, Valarie. Yes, always dress the body you have now, Selma! Don’t worry about the body you will have. We can never predict the future. Try things and experiment. You are young! Enjoy a little.
For most women, in between 15 to 25 years we mostly get a size bigger and get a bigger ass 😅 so i think you can even now buy things that can accommodate 1-2 sizes fluctuations, and if you're going to buy a high-end piece - buy it in a bigger size and take it to tailor. Ask the tailor to leave all the excess seem allowances, meaning not cutting it away, just making new seams. That'll be your "insurance" for the case if you will get slightly bigger.
8 months postpartum, wrestling with this exact question- thank you so much for this thoughtful video! One other element I consider when thinking about clothes for a changing body is “how much can I play with this?” Does it have multiple buttons on the shoulder straps/waistband to allow me to adjust fit? Can it be worn in multiple configurations? (Like a button-down: as mini dress, oversized shirt, tied into a crop top, light outer layer, and more.) Does it look good belted/tied/etc.?
When you are in your 50's to 90's, the body goes through many changes. Typically, you can weight during menopause, and then you can get really small later on, or stay about the same. I say that because living in a huge 55 plus community, I see these bodies every day. I love that you are thinking ahead. Jewelry will have more longevity if they are larger pieces. Also, collared blouses have great lasting power for the reasons you gave, but also to hide sun damage or neck image issues.😊
Mom of three here and I needed this. I’m definitely going to look into these ideas. My one thing that always seems to look good no matter what size I am is A line dresses, especially in thicker, sturdy materials. The structure of the dress looks like it belongs on my body despite changes. Some of my favorites that have lasted years have been Calvin Klein dresses.
Im working on building up from an unintentional minimalist wardrobe to something that "fits" me better but am also anticipating being pregnant in a few years. Finding the ballance in buying quality but anyicipating major body changes is a challenge.
I'm a huge fan of shirt dresses for fluctuation body sizes. When I increase in size I don't button it, but wear a great pair of leggings and a form fitting tank top and wear the dress over the top with coordinating scarf as a belt. I have also worn your basic jersey dress under them. Basically anything to fill in the gap. When I get smaller then the shirt dress is made for then I use clothing cinch clips on the back (or one at each side) to give it more of a waistline and gather up the excess cloth. If I am feeling fancy I use a large brooch to gather the excess cloth and pin it to do the same that the cinch clips would. Hannah's suggestion on texture is priceless too. I swear if you find a well made ribbed knit pieces that floats your boat - buy it! Items made from that just seem like liquid that you pour over your body no matter what your body decides to do. Must look for more textured items...
Just adding on to say that once again you've given this subject the full HLP treatment, and how lucky are we. Like I knew lots of these things, but the 'texture' section!? and to have links new brands is so awesome.
I love seeing you in that Ozma wrap top. I've been eyeing it for years, but haven't been sure if it was the right silhouette for me. It does fit you beautifully.
I don’t know if anyone experienced this, but anyone who is planning a first pregnancy- your shoe size can change!! I invested in some beautiful heels before I got pregnant for my forever wardrobe, and found that they’re too small now because my feet flattened 😭 I wish someone would have told me before I bought a bunch of curated investment shoes before baby
Another aspect of "forever clothes" is long lasting quality so that not only is it size versatile, but you actually can keep it around long enough to experience those various lufe stages.
I love overalls for their girth versatility and comfort factor . No need to worry about a waistband when there's no waistband whatsoever - My Levis overalls are my favorite garment for how insanely adjustable the straps are, I'm convinced I could gain 50 lbs or lose 20 lbs and mine would still fit and look great. : )
Hannah, I think you would like the company Hackwith Design House. They have lots of pieces that remind me of your style. They have a top called The Everything Top which can be worn so many different ways (I own it in 3 colors). Also, they have a swimsuit that I own in 2 colors that can also be tied in many different ways so you feel like you are wearing different bathing suits each time - I always get complimented on it but not just compliments - they NEED to know where I bought it. Only thing is that the clothing can be pricey; I think the pieces I own have been worth it but definitely an investment.
This was so helpful! I love that you included such unique materials and recommendations. I appreciate that you steered away from just stretchy clothing. Thank you for making such insightful fashion videos, I’m learning a lot!
Who else wants to see a Hannah-designed forever wardrobe line?
Yes and makeup!❤
Please and thank you yes
YES❤
Someone could make a lot of $ with Hannah. I dont understand why no one havent given her a brand yet. She would have high quality items and they would sell out so quickly. 👑 Please dear Universe let this happen!
I would definitely get something from that line. I love her style.
Thank you for including images that show diversity. As a person in a wheelchair I don’t often see example images of people in my situation. Thank you for making me feel included ❤
❤️❤️❤️
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
She’s been so good about this for years and I’ve always loved that aspect of her work!! I’m happy you feel included❤😊
I've been a size 4 since my 20s. I turned 47 this year and suddenly saw the effects of menopause on my size. In 8 months I went from a size 4 to a size 10 on the same diet and exercise regimen I've had for years.
I finally gave in and donated almost all of my pants and bras.
I needed this video.
This is me too. I am so...shocked. Do you think it is possible for us to reverse this? (If you want to...I know I do.)
That kind of size change over just an 8 month period seems pretty dramatic. I would see if you could get tested to ensure there's no other issues happening (eg heart, thyroid, diabetes, etc). I'm in my mid-50s and was a size 4 and 130# top weight from my 20s - late 40s, ate whatever I wanted, loved exercising, and could wear the styles I loved most with no issues. Then due to injuries and fibroids I became mostly sedentary and in peri-menopause over the past 8 years am now in the 176# range (ie a 45-50lb weight gain). It sucks but I am focusing on regaining functional movement (bc I also have a lot of physical pain and mobility limitations) rather than weight loss, bc that will make me crazy. Just moving and feeling good in this *new* body is helping me a lot.
*Menopausal Body Changes*. Menopause hit hard when I turned 50. I'm 5'3 and average weight range was 120-135. By 52, I was almost at 160, lost my curvy thighs and rear and gained a spare tire in the mid-section. I took to a very restrictive diet and intermittent fasting. I'm 56 now and have maintained around 125 for two years. The Thrift Store was my go-to place to shop during this transition. A few key pieces that you fabulous in goes a long way.
@@Anonom2012 This was me too. My weight shot up when I hit menopause combined with the pandemic sourdough I was doing all the time. I also had extreme swelling in my feet in the summer that made walking/running (my go to exercise) difficult. I started changing my eating habits focusing most on eating low/slow carbs. (I'm not keto, I don't even think keto the way it's conceptualized is a thing but that's a whole other convo). Instead of focusing on eating less carbs, I really tried to focus on eating more vegetables, especially green vegetables. I replaced my lunches with salads and bone broth soups in the winter (I live in MN). I don't have any "bad foods" or foods that I restrict entirely. I try to keep my carb portions small and will always chose beans over rice, brown rice over white, sweet potatoes over white, etc. I also found that king arthur has a really good keto flour that I can mix with regular flour and make a very low carb pizza crust. This has allowed me to enjoy my once a week pizza night and I don't feel deprived. Weightloss was pretty significant at first (2-3 pounds a week) and then tapered off to a couple pounds a month. I have lost over 70 pounds and it has really helped me get some of my health conditions back in check. I'm coming up on three years of eating this way and I don't anticipate ever changing. It's very sustainable for me.
@@Anonom2012 read or listen to the good dr Mindy Pelz! She has the solution ;)
Thank you for this, and for normalizing that all bodies change! Isn't it interesting how so many of our comments reflect the impulse to "explain" size change? What if we just...accepted it without that? Anyway, one big mindset shift for me is starting to think of clothes as something that can (if well made) circulate among many owners! If it really doesn't fit me, it's time for it to have a turn on someone else whom it will fit. No shame! We are much better at thinking of kids' clothes this way, but we attribute all kinds of weird baggage to the adult version. Let's buy good clothes and pass them on when we change! If you are in a position to do so, that is. Thanks as ever ❤️
Such a refreshing take on a forever wardrobe. So much more than the classic white button down, a blazer, a moto jacket etc.
Also, being 47 and plus size, I truly appreciate that you include models of all shapes and sizes in your videos. So many videos leave out all of these body types. For once I feel included. Please allow me to explain. I usually watch a lot fashion/style videos in which the UA-camr is straight sized. I always need to use my imagination and finagle ideas for my body. (Which I have slowly weeded out of my subscriptions, it's just too toxic for me) You're inclusive photos allow me to feel like I'm in and not out. Thank you for that.
I sew a majority of my cloths, and I realized I use a lot of the tips you mentioned. I'm using elastic, wrap styles, drapy fabrics, and looser fits not only for dealing with size fluctuations in the moment, but because I want to wear these cloths for years to come. Some new techniques I'm exploring include:
- pull tabs for adjusting the girth on the back of pants or coats,
- having multiple button options so if you're smaller you use the tighter button and if you're bigger you use the looser button.
- using a tie or lacing closure, so you can tie/lace the garment looser or tighter (for non-wrap style cloths)
I make a lot of my own clothes, and a lot of what I wear is historically inspired. When I started getting interested in historical fashion, I was struck by how adjustability was simply built in to the clothing, particularly women's clothing. Almost every garment had the ability to be adjusted a significant degree to accommodate fluctuating sizes. That made me feel so much better about my own changing body, and encouraged me to seek out clothes that could do the same for me in today's fashion. I've found that a lot of sustainable/ethical fashion brands, especially smaller brands, tend to build adjustability into their designs at least to some degree.
Oooh, I'd like to learn more about this! any videos, articles, or search terms you could point me to? i get sad walking through shops and seeing cheap stretchy fast fashion so i really would like to see clothing made with more care and longevity in mind
@@kristyphan8676 Abby Cox , Snappy Dragon, Rachel Maksy, Bernadette Banner, and Nicole Rudolph are all GREAT places on UA-cam to start! They are all extremely knowledgeable and have some good tutorials and educational content about historical fashion and sewing.
I love the way many 18th century European skirts are constructed and have enjoyed making them: two rectangles, each pleated into a a waist tie.
I've had more to spend on clothing during a current period of body changes and have been so happy to be able to afford some pieces from the historically-inspired brand Voriagh. They have pants that have this genius waist construction where the zipper is in the pocket and the button can easily be moved to change waist size.
@@kristyphan8676there is a whole community of historical fashion youtube. Its quite nerdy, but i would recommend channels like bernadette banner, priorattire, nicole rudolph and morgan donner. There is so much interesting fashion/patternmaking that isnt really common anymore
A major approach to a forever wardrobe missing from this video is alterations! I realized shopping vintage that before the latter 20th century consumerism boom it was very common for garments to be taken in and let out many times during the garment's lifespan. A lot of us could benefit from this approach. Personally, I recently got a couple of things let out, and a couple of others taken in, to accommodate changes in my body, and fitting into some of my favorite clothes again (whatever that meant for a particular garment and my particular body) was delightful.
I lost 30 lbs a couple of years ago after a pregnancy and got all of my bottoms taken in once it became quite obvious I wouldn’t be gaining the weight back. While I think it’s a great option, it’s not a versatile one. Once you put darts into your pants, you can’t easily remove them. I think Hannah was focusing on offering options that ensure garments fit you through weight gain and loss over time.
Part of the problem is that because historically people altered their clothing, clothing was made with generous seam allowances and that is not the case today. You can take in a garment, but letting it out is much more difficult because there just isn't enough seam allowance built in for the purpose.
100% agree, many of my clothes have been enlarged and made smaller by the seamstress. Apart from it being good for environment, it is also beneficial for economy and supports the trade that is slowly dying with the fast fashion and single use pieces becoming more and more popular.
As a person who sews, I would love for it to be common practice for "green" clothing manufacturers to build in bigger seam allowances and include say 6" x 6" fabric samples with the garment for future mending needs. If that became the general expectation in that niche (putting pressure even on companies that are not as green as they claim to be), we would be making it SO much easier for people to keep garments longterm, regardless of style.
@@habituscraeftigthis is a fantastic idea!
This is such a fabulous message that I and presumably a lot of others need to hear. As I age, I've found that the hardest part of accepting a new body is going to try on the star items in one's wardrobe only to find that they are too small, too cropped or too uncomfortable. This video is one of the kindest and most thoughtful approaches I've seen to this topic and all I can say is bravo
Thank you for saying exactly what I wanted to articulate!
Well said! I deeply appreciate this video!!
This!
Love the underlying body acceptance that came thru. We are not meant to spend our energies focused on shrinking our bodies.
This kind of content is sooo much better and more helpful than the hundreds of influencers who just post what I wore in a week/clothes I bought recently/etc videos. Thank you for always going the extra mile to make creative and valuable fashion content, Hannah!
i'm getting older, my body's changing and that's not something i'm going to apologise for :3
Agreed! I recently tried on everything in my closet and rotated in only the stuff that fits right now, because life is too short to wish your body was different. It is what it is. It's mine, and it deserves to be shown in its best light, not squeezed and pinched and apologized for.
Good advice for some body types but bias cut, wrap dresses and drapey, oversized and elasticated clothes really don't suit me. My solution to changing shape has been to purchase clothes that fit from charity/ thrift shops and donate the items that are never likely to fit again. I see it as 'forever' by rotation of owners.
I'm personally not changing sizes too much, but as a seamstress, I try to build in some level on adjustability in the clothes I make for myself, especially when it's made with good quality fabric that I intent to be super long lasting. I make adjustable skirts with lacings and ties, I put extra fabric on the side seam of my tops to be able to upsize those later if I need to. I especially like gathered garments because if I need to, it's easy to go back and just expend or reduce the size. It's not ment to adjust to extreme changes, but a least a size or two up or down.
Hope this is helpful to someone...
Thanks a lot Hannah for yours videos, it's inspiring even if my style is completely different from yours. And it's so cool that you're talking about this subject.
This is what I aspire to! I recently inherited a sewing machine from my late grandmother and want to learn to sew my own clothes (I have dreams of an almost entirely me-made + thrifted/secondhand wardrobe). I have been thinking of the styles I like and how I would (eventually) build that same flexibility into clothes I make. This is helpful!
I really love these tips thank you!
Another tip that has worked for me in the past is buying a little oversized. I think it can look really chic and then my range for when the garment will still fit me is wider. Obviously this only works for some types of clothes and silhouettes but I really had my mind blown when I realized I could buy whatever size I wanted no matter what the size guide told me I “should” buy.
Finally letting myself watch this video! Must be something in the air (or bodies). LOVED your points, I definitely missed some of these in my video but also glad I finished making mine before seeing that you'd covered similar ground because we come at it from such different angles - I hardly own ANYTHING bias cut and now it's something I will definitely watch out for, all the examples you pulled out look SO DREAMY! I'm also now on a mission to try and sew a version of that Billie dress as I have some extra brown linen fabric in the back of my wardrobe and that silhouette looks perfect! In awe of your work as always x
I appreciate you making your videos accessible to the neuro atypical community by doing just basic edits. Some other people’s videos I can not watch as a tbi survivor because they jump all over the place. So that’s another way you are making your videos more accessible and inclusive in a way that you may not even realize 😊
After 5 yrs of 3 pregnancies + following breastfeeding, I agree with all strategies mentioned. Now, breastfeeding and caring for toddlers presents a whole new challenge if you wanna dress sustainably & longterm: Easy boob access & heavy duty materials that handle proper washing (like 60-90 d.C. and bleaching). I always hated dedicated ”pregnancy -& breastfeeding” clothes, since they are mostly in stretchy cheap materials that aren’t made to last longer than 1 season. Also, I personally don’t find them very pretty. Trial & error led me to the following shopping rules:
1. Simple tank tops with deep V or U neckline OR cropped tanktops are your best friend - you can easily pull down / up the top for boob access and add a layer over shoulders. Works even with a normal bra! (For comparison, T-shirts require a good breastfeeding bra.)
2. Buttons on everything - shirts, dresses, cardigans… My favourite combo is an oversized button down shirt over a tank top - the shirt provides protection, coverage AND helps you looking like an adult that has her shit together (which you will need, trust me..!😅) The oversize fit keeps it flexible if you need to pull down straps. 😌
3. Classic wrap designs as mentioned in video - just make sure there’s enough fabric to hide whatever you wanna hide while feeding 😉
4. Off the shoulder designs with a flexible (eg. rubber) seam that can easily be pulled down. Lovely either oversized or combined with a shirred bodice to keep boobies in place. 😉 Especially great for summer!
5. Though it sounds counterintuitive, woven ”stiff” fabrics are generally better than stretch. First and foremost it is way sturdier and holds up better in the wash, even at high temperatures. Also, it’s more breathable & looks more elegant (while stretchy clothes easily start to feel a bit pajamas-ey.). Furthermore, it provides more support - something you’ll start to appreciate with a postpartum and breastfeeding body. 🙃 An exception is underwear - like the above mentioned tank tops, where some stretch is quite nice to have, or panties.
6. Skirts or dresses with lots of fabric are also great postpartum to cover up a bit at the tummy region, keep things airy as well as accomodate a changing waistline. Skirts are more of a no-brainer with regards to breastfeeding, but dresses can be great too if they have buttons to open or a strappy design and / or a generous neckline / amount of fabric. Bonus: they require minimal effort to put on since it’s a whole outfit already - something that becomes increasingly important as a mother of multiples!
Thanks & you’re welcome. 😉
Just wanted to say, not only is your content interesting and well thought out, and genuinely helpful - i love how inclusive your illustrative images are! Thank you for being a grounded and 'real' voice in the youtube fashion world.
9 months pregnant here! Baby is due in a month or so! Sammmmeeee
As a mom of three who has been pregnant and nursing for NINE years, hooray!! I’ve found so much value in your style videos and have been really rediscovering myself, and rebuilding my mind-body connection, through a foundation of mindfulness and therapy… and skincare, beauty and personal style are an incredible tool when approached in a slow and thoughtful way!
I love the diversity of the models for the images that you choose (age, weight, skin color, gender, wheelchair) 😭😭😭
Watching this as I sew a wrap skirt, how fitting! Pun intended.
very funny! :)
There is one more girth related style and that is the gurka trouser. This has a centre wrap over closure instead of a zip and can thus have a flat waist profile at a range of about two sizes. I was fortunate enough to find a pair 20 years ago and wore them till they were sadly ruined. No idea why they are unobtainable now but I really want to find someone offering them!
The way you talk about clothes is so healing to hear. Thank you.
Love the casual attitude to changing bodies, i feel like it's not often embraced (unless they're changing the "right" way). Such a helpful video
As a nurse, this is an incredibly thoughtful valuable for patients dealing with temporary or permanent life changes. Thanks again Hannah!
Yes! I have a chronic illness that has my weight going up and down like a roller coaster. Thank you so much for this video! And thank you for all of the thoughtful and intelligent videos you post ❤
I personally also recommend having trousers that have belt loops, that way the stretchy waist:
1. will not look frumpy
2. will not look "weird" with a shirt or a t-shirt tucked in
3. will look more polished, stylish and professional
Also, it won't be as prone to get loose and will be more versatile for the weight loss.
I have recently discovered the joys of pleated trousers with either a small section of rouched elastic in the back of the waist or tabs along the waist either on the side, the back, or the inside where you can loosen or tighten them. They end up looking very polished with the right fabric, but then having a super wide range of sizes. You can also buy a size or two up and sew in your own tabs if you're confident in your sewing skills. Some seamstresses and tailors will also do this for reasonable prices
I appreciate this video on so many levels. First being, of course, acknowledging that changing bodies can be a challenge to continue dressing over time. And second, that you didn't cop out and just talk about focusing on shoes, accessories and makeup (super valid too) but actually focused entirely on the C*L*O*T*H*I*N*G of it all. Thank you!
Fun fact, during pregnancy women's shoe sizes can temporarily or permanently increase up one or two sizes (just as hips and ribcage widen permanently), so my guess is that there will be several things that can even affect shoe size!
I needed this video! In the last 5 years I have been anywhere from 140-190 lbs. I have gotten rid of so many clothes and it's really frustrating.
I feel ya. I've been 160 to 200 in the last 8 years, currently 180. Discovered men's cargos a year ago and the fit and straight leg works on me, my life is mostly casual now but I wanna get back to mingling and making money. Presentation is important.
Knits help a lot, too, especially those that don’t have any Spandex. Natural fiber knits are naturally stretchy and maintain their stretch. I’ve been losing weight for nearly ten years, probably because of aging, and they help.
The only thing I would add are two-panel adjustable skirts. They are designed to be completely adjustable and can have HUGE pockets.
Yesss! Thank you for verbalizing all the overthinking I do in the fitting room before purchasing!
While this may not apply to all fabrics, I find that simply sizing up than my default size really helps fix most of my immediate "belly pudge" concerns (and I do wear cycling shorts underneath my dresses anyway)
My body changes in size and shape very often due to chronic illness, thank you for this video ❤
Your introduction is so gentle and kind. You pick the kindness words to introduce topics like this. 🙂
I wish I could say something more eloquent; however, all I can say is: I L O V E THIS.
Super helpful for me to hear someone else thinking this way. I've been coming to terms with my own body changing after an injury that really altered my excercise levels for the past few years, with a commensurate weight gain. "Losing access" to my favorite pieces in my wardrobe has been a really hard part of that.
I love your channel. Thank you for this video; it addresses an issue almost all women face. One of the best garments for a changing body is the sari.
Thank you, Hannah. I am 43 and perimenopause. It’s amazing how much weigh I’ve gained in a short amount of time. I’ve had to unlearn how I “thought” I should be dressing. I appreciate your video. I have been embracing the elastic waistband and flowy fabrics.
This is a really relevant topic to a lot of people, so Thank You!
So glad for a discussion on this topic! I've been thinking a lot about this lately. It even ties in with the fantasy self concept. For me, the first fantasy involved achieving an ideal body shape/size, then acquiring a closet perfectly tailored to that ideal. Then the fantasy evolved into just maintaining my current physique and tailoring my closet to THAT ideal. Now there is no ideal, just the understanding that clothing needs to have figurative and literal flexibility in order to be worth my hard earned money.
I always buy stretchy no button pants (majority of time) and neutral colors . I also get tops that are a lil roomier
So RIGHT! I had to switch to elastic waistbands and stretchy fabrics due to regular attacks of diverticulitis- pain and sudden bloating where I can go up 2 or 3 sizes in an attack. I was checked for ovarian cancer and I don’t have it. If anyone reading this comment has a similar problem please check with your dr that it’s not ovarian cancer as that’s one of the few early signs of that.
I love a wrap in my wardrobe. Kimonos are also very versatile pieces of clothing. Something that can be wrapped or loose, dressed up or down, but can fit you if your body changes for whatever the reason. What a great and very helpful vid Hannah.
Thank you for putting out approachable, realistic and practical content. I’ve wavered between a size 0-6 up and down for the last few years due to physical and mental health, and it’s exhausting to have to buy new clothes or hope something fits or feel terrible on what you can get on. This really helps me think about pieces that I have already in a new way. I mean all your fashion content makes me think. But I so appreciate you approaching this topic.
This is such a helpful and refreshing video! I have a lot of health issues and in the last 10 years I've has a VERY dramatic up/down fluctuation (70+ lbs). It's so expensive to have to buy new things constantly, and I've been trying to get a handle on my wardrobe. I love these ideas, and will definitely incorporate!
I love sewing and knitting, but this exact topic is always an obstacle when I want to make something - will it even fit by the time I'm done? Something made with a lot of care can take months, and it's beyond disheartening to finish something you're proud of that fits your old measurements. Thank you for encouraging the discussion on how we can ask our wardrobe to fit our bodies for as long as possible without demanding that our bodies never change!
I really appreciate your language in this video. It's a helpful, practical topic and you discussed it without anything judgey or shamey...both of which often creep their way into convos about body changes...espeically for feminized people. You are lovely, Hannah.
I'd also recommend a drawstring waist! The last few years I've been dealing with health issues that have caused extreme fluctuations in my body, and my favorite pants are a beautiful cotton trouser from Wildfang with a drawstring. They always fit & always look amazing, and longevity wise--there's no elastic that might need replacing.
I wish clothes would literally live forever. I get so sad when one of my favorite pieces gets beyond repair and I often avoid wearing my favorite clothes to not "use them up" 🙈
I find that layering can be really helpful with keeping a consistent style even if a few pieces need to be swapped out. A cardigan that fits snugly and closed can also be worn open and layering camisoles and leggings as needed can help with a top that has got too short/low and shorts that have done the same.
Also belts if you have jeans that are too big/small or even big statement belts you can use to pull in clothes as you need
My waist of the only part of me that fluctuates from a 26 to a 29 😭 I’ve learned to buy things with stretchy waistbands or strings that can tighten and loosen up. Not worth buying 3 sizes of work pants. And most clothing has elegant looking waistbands these days, it’s not childish and bunched up how it was in our childhood.
what i love about your videos is that you make your content (and your world) accessible to someone who’s very in their head. as a somewhat spacey individual, i often feel excluded from fashion and beauty content. not so with yours!! ah, you’re really wonderful
Love love loved this video and the full genuine body neutrality you express. I have gone up a few sizes in the past couple years and it has been hard to mentally adjust to this new version of myself, especially since it seems to be a more long-lasting change than I thought it would be. I have gravitated towards all of these recommendations you shared (along with getting very comfortable getting pieces taken in or out at the tailor). On top of making me feel most confident and comfortable, generally choosing clothing items in these categories has made me feel less apprehension about my size changing again because I will probably be able to still wear almost everything I currently own.
This is a genuinely sustainable approach to choosing and caring for and wearing clothing (that most people have practiced in some form throughout history until very recently), and I’m glad you’re promoting it.
I found the wrap dress and wrap tops to be great suggestions! Those styles work well for me, and I am now always on the lookout for them. As a curvy petite woman, stretch waist bands and overly draped garments are not flattering. I’m a little surprised you did not mention alterations as a solution for more structured clothing. For example taking in garments that are too big currently and making sure plenty of seam allowance is left so it’s possible to let out if needed in the future. Thanks for the video 😊
Button tabs and ties inside (or outside as an accent) are so clutch for this! Everlane’s fatigue barrel pants are a currently trendy example of what I mean. I’m also curvy and petite but I love an oversized drape (for personal style reasons) and find the texture and weight of the fabric matters a LOT whether I can get away with that looking chic rather than frumpy, much like Hannah’s comments on drape. Flowy linen pants? Hell no on me. Flowy cotton-linen or silk-linen blend? Absolutely. Flowy jersey? Not unless it’s the super thick, heavy, high quality kind. Silks almost always works, but I think it’s because it’s almost always bias cut so it doesn’t cling and pull in that way I’m sure you’re familiar with.
Love these suggestions! Thank you! New things to add to my list of things to look for in future clothing ❤ Also sometimes just moving a button over a little can make a big difference in how comfortable a piece is. And that’s a simple thing that I can do myself.
Amazing video! A line dresses are also great for weight changes.
I really appreciated your language and how you talked about your own body. I always thought of myself as a body positive person until I got sick and gained more weight than I'm comfortable with. It's hard work thinking and talking about your own changing body with love. Thank you for modeling this for me and for great suggestions along with it
Also, I love how body neutral everything is. I remember being pregnant and feeling such pressure to shrink the whole time. It’s almost all I thought about pp. how much more would I have helped myself if I’d just accepted that bodies change! Love that message and how it’s supplied through these videos.
I am petite and prefer structured clothing (high collared shirts and pleated pants are my daily uniform). As I’m gaining weight, I’m becoming curvier but not bigger and I’m finding there are no pants that I feel confident in- I personally hate the look and feel of elastic and the crinkled fabrics BUT one workaround for me has been leaning into dresses that still have structure and can accommodate my hips…. I’m still holding out for classic, structured skirts in my measurements to pair with tights in the colder months, but I think I’m on the right track now!
Thank you! Over the last 3 years birth control, cancer, spinal instability, injuries and then becoming wheelchair bound has really done a number on my body. My weight change has covered a 50lbs span and I’ve comfortably worn clothes in size 0 to size 14. It’s been an experience to say the least.
One thing I would add is knowing your body type and how you tend to gain weight. For me personally, I’m pear shaped and I gain weight in my hips/ upper thighs first, stomach second and then everywhere else much more slowly. As a result I need more size versatility in lower body garments.
Since my upper body and lower body are frequently different sizes and in different proportions to each other one and done garments like dresses, bodysuits or one piece bathing suits need to be very specific cuts to be good choices for me. Rompers I tend to avoid altogether, dresses need to be a-line with a relatively full cut, bodysuits I tend to skip again, and bathing suits are necessary for aquatic therapy but I purposely get ones with high cut leg holes so they are versatile over a wider range of hip sizes.
Bathing suits also fall into a similar category as underwear where sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and realize that you’ll need to repurchase them as sizes change in order for them to be comfortable/ supportive and serve their purpose. However, I am a big fan of supportive wire free bras with bra extenders. They’ve been a huge help financially, so I can keep wearing bras I have instead of repurchasing more when I’m bouncing between sizes. Specifically, I really like Kindred Bravely Nellie Simply Wireless Bra. Great for people like me with smaller rib cage and larger bust, also if you happen to have a connective tissue disorder (hEDS) and ribs that love dislocating with pressure, I can confirm the wide soft band is both supportive and gentle so it’s a great choice. It also come with the extender included and the straps are wide enough that they don’t dig in!
Flowy dresses with high waist (like Empire style or babydoll style) can also accomodate some body changes in a nice way.
Clothing alteration also seems to be a good solution.
Although it does not always work great for each and every garment, especially in a long term, it might still be a way to make wardrobe sustainable. Works great for people who often experience minor size fluctuations.
Fabrics tend to wear over time, colors fade a bit, and inseam that you might wish to let out won’t look the same as the rest of garment’s surface; some materials just keep needle holes forever and undone seams will be visible… it all depends.
Love your approach and way of speak. Didn’t know you were expecting- wishing you all the best.
I started making these changes during lockdown and reached my heaviest weight. I am so happy all the new clothes I bought in that time still fit.
Your fashion videos especially are always so informative I'm actually taking notes lol
I've been pretty consistent in size for most of my life, but like many have fluctuated smaller and bigger depending on the season of my life. The last few years I have been wearing exclusively stretchy waists and flowy dresses/skirts. It has been liberating.
I can recommend skirts in the style of the 18th century petticoat (lots of tutorials on YT, it's a really easy beginner sewing project!). It's basically two rectangles, gathered or pleated into tie belts, and the side seams are left open for about 15-20 cm at the top to allow for adjustments. Then you simply tie it as needed, it does look way better than elastic waistbands imho. Also great if you change sizes over the course of one day, as I do, due to bloating or food belly. ;-)
I love your ideas. Texture makes sense! Even pleats make sense, but I’ve not had a great experience with pleats. They’re so high maintenance! When they start to fall out, you have to iron each one back in?! No!!
Love these ideas. Unfortunately, I look best in very structured garments. The suggested garments, other than the wrap dress, wouldn’t really look good on my body type. However, I can try and use some of the ideas here, such as a bias cut garment to build a more versatile wardrobe. As I get older, my body continues to change and fluctuates where I hold weight. Some good guidelines to look for in things like dresses or sweaters. Thank you. Always enjoy your videos.
From someone who makes and her own clothes, and doesn’t like oversized styles, don’t underestimate the power of tailoring! You can take clothing that fits your largest possible dimensions, and adjust details to looks precise while leaving room for size changes. Think about the features of your body that don’t fluctuate much, like height and vertical proportions, shoulder width. You can get shoulder seams, sleeve, and hem lengths, and necklines tailored to hit you just right. You can also get side seams taken in while leaving the extra fabric to let out as needed.
I don’t feel confident in oversized clothing like Hannah does, but I can wear loose styles when the shoulders and waist are well placed. It also helps to choose clothing with ties to bring in extra fabric at the waist, or add a sash/belt.
Cotton lawn _is_ flowy, a lot less stiff than linen! It's a little sheer, smooth to the touch, very easy to tuck in, it's actually really nice because it can be loose and flowy on a small frame without it getting bulky and overwhelming.
Yes please revisit this topic!❤❤❤
Only contribution for now: Also wrap skirts not just dresses :)
I would also suggest "gurkha"-style pants. I have a few that are meant to be regular women's casual pants, but they have what I learned is called the gurkha-style waist: two sets of buttons on the waistband so you can cinch tighter or looser. They help if I've put on a few pounds and want to still look/feel put-together.
Love investing & prioritizing pieces that have a lot of versility & longevity.
You captured this idea so well & I got a lot of inspiration! Thank you ❤
TIP:
If you still like tighter fits in a fluctuating body, get a few things that compliment the 'forever close'.
For example a plain fitting tanktop with linen trousers.
I got a linen wrap dress that's cut on the bias with vertical panela last year on Poshmark. When I tell you that's been my best second-hand investment ever... 🤩
Ty for doing this video..i was diagnosed with AS (ankylosing spondylitis) this year and as a result of the inflammation and mobility issues I've gained 20lbs and i also have GI issues because of it so I can't stand jeans anymore. I have a hard time wearing comfortable pants without looking sloppy (being plus size doesnt help IMO). My go-to's are soft fit and flair dresses, loose maxi skirt, pull on stretchy dress pants, leggings, and sweatpants. I haven't tried overalls but a soft pair is on my to try list. I also can't tolerate high % polyester clothes I get too hot as I'm temperature sensitive. I would love for you to do a "comfortable but put together looks" for chronically ill ppl like myself who want to feel good and look good but comfortable clothes are priority #1.
I love how you addressed changing bodies, as I age, this advice is so helpful to me ❤
This video is so fun! I dont wear a lot of "real clothes" due to sensory issues but i want to find clothing that works in this way
Love this topic, thank you! And the way you deliver the word 'girth' is HILARIOUS. It makes me wonder if you had a bet that you could fit it in a certain number of times.
I have recently been enjoying three new dresses with beautiful drape. I purchased them, because I have a dress that has been a staple in my wardrobe for 12 years through dramatic body fluctuations. The poor thing will probably only make it through the rest of this season and be retired after a long, loved life. I used it as the template for the new purchases since it has been so versatile over the years.
Im 16 and the fear of my body changing later on is keeping me from investing in clothes i actually love and that will last me a long time, thank you so much for this video Hannah as I’ve been trying to change my mindset on this topic
Do not be afraid of your body, no matter what form it takes over time. Clothe it comfortably, feed it regularly, hydrate it fully. Take it for medical care when needed. Go on walks, bike rides, enjoy active play. Female bodies change with the years. It is how we are evolved to live best. Pay attention to how good it feels to move. Choose food and drink mindfully. Dress for the weather and activities you will be experiencing on a given day. If it itches, pinches, or has to repositioned to preserve modesty (or legality) it is not for you. You will look best when you are comfortably covered for the time and place, and can move your body in a full range of motion appropriate for you.
@@valariebrown3768
Beautifully said, Valarie.
Yes, always dress the body you have now, Selma! Don’t worry about the body you will have. We can never predict the future. Try things and experiment. You are young! Enjoy a little.
For most women, in between 15 to 25 years we mostly get a size bigger and get a bigger ass 😅 so i think you can even now buy things that can accommodate 1-2 sizes fluctuations, and if you're going to buy a high-end piece - buy it in a bigger size and take it to tailor. Ask the tailor to leave all the excess seem allowances, meaning not cutting it away, just making new seams. That'll be your "insurance" for the case if you will get slightly bigger.
You are so wise! It took me 50 years to achieve a mindset as healthy as yours!
8 months postpartum, wrestling with this exact question- thank you so much for this thoughtful video! One other element I consider when thinking about clothes for a changing body is “how much can I play with this?” Does it have multiple buttons on the shoulder straps/waistband to allow me to adjust fit? Can it be worn in multiple configurations? (Like a button-down: as mini dress, oversized shirt, tied into a crop top, light outer layer, and more.) Does it look good belted/tied/etc.?
thank you for this. maternity clothes are great for those of us who got big ONLY in the belly (without the FUN reason.....)
When you are in your 50's to 90's, the body goes through many changes. Typically, you can weight during menopause, and then you can get really small later on, or stay about the same. I say that because living in a huge 55 plus community, I see these bodies every day. I love that you are thinking ahead. Jewelry will have more longevity if they are larger pieces. Also, collared blouses have great lasting power for the reasons you gave, but also to hide sun damage or neck image issues.😊
Mom of three here and I needed this. I’m definitely going to look into these ideas. My one thing that always seems to look good no matter what size I am is A line dresses, especially in thicker, sturdy materials. The structure of the dress looks like it belongs on my body despite changes. Some of my favorites that have lasted years have been Calvin Klein dresses.
I love an A line dress
Love you, love this video. I could NAWT stop laughing every time you said girth 😂
I need more girth versatility in my life.
Im working on building up from an unintentional minimalist wardrobe to something that "fits" me better but am also anticipating being pregnant in a few years. Finding the ballance in buying quality but anyicipating major body changes is a challenge.
Oh, hey! What about drop waist dresses (in the right fabric , of course) They work for me!
I'm a huge fan of shirt dresses for fluctuation body sizes. When I increase in size I don't button it, but wear a great pair of leggings and a form fitting tank top and wear the dress over the top with coordinating scarf as a belt. I have also worn your basic jersey dress under them. Basically anything to fill in the gap.
When I get smaller then the shirt dress is made for then I use clothing cinch clips on the back (or one at each side) to give it more of a waistline and gather up the excess cloth. If I am feeling fancy I use a large brooch to gather the excess cloth and pin it to do the same that the cinch clips would.
Hannah's suggestion on texture is priceless too. I swear if you find a well made ribbed knit pieces that floats your boat - buy it! Items made from that just seem like liquid that you pour over your body no matter what your body decides to do. Must look for more textured items...
Just adding on to say that once again you've given this subject the full HLP treatment, and how lucky are we. Like I knew lots of these things, but the 'texture' section!? and to have links new brands is so awesome.
I love seeing you in that Ozma wrap top. I've been eyeing it for years, but haven't been sure if it was the right silhouette for me. It does fit you beautifully.
I don’t know if anyone experienced this, but anyone who is planning a first pregnancy- your shoe size can change!! I invested in some beautiful heels before I got pregnant for my forever wardrobe, and found that they’re too small now because my feet flattened 😭 I wish someone would have told me before I bought a bunch of curated investment shoes before baby
Another aspect of "forever clothes" is long lasting quality so that not only is it size versatile, but you actually can keep it around long enough to experience those various lufe stages.
I love overalls for their girth versatility and comfort factor . No need to worry about a waistband when there's no waistband whatsoever - My Levis overalls are my favorite garment for how insanely adjustable the straps are, I'm convinced I could gain 50 lbs or lose 20 lbs and mine would still fit and look great. : )
Great tips for early pregnancy and postpartum too!
THANK YOU!! This mama is grateful for your informed guidance ❤
Hannah, I think you would like the company Hackwith Design House. They have lots of pieces that remind me of your style. They have a top called The Everything Top which can be worn so many different ways (I own it in 3 colors). Also, they have a swimsuit that I own in 2 colors that can also be tied in many different ways so you feel like you are wearing different bathing suits each time - I always get complimented on it but not just compliments - they NEED to know where I bought it. Only thing is that the clothing can be pricey; I think the pieces I own have been worth it but definitely an investment.
This was so helpful! I love that you included such unique materials and recommendations. I appreciate that you steered away from just stretchy clothing. Thank you for making such insightful fashion videos, I’m learning a lot!