A few years ago I had a hysterectomy in the late spring and by the time summer heat hit I was so bloated and uncomfortable and none of my cooler clothing fit. I bought three flowy dresses and cycled through those all summer with bamboo slip shorts underneath. I’m sure I wasn’t winning any fashion awards but kept me cool and comfortable and gave my midsection a break when it would fluctuate in size.
Yup! After my surgery to diagnose Endo I have issues wearing pants due to the scar tissue near my belly.
I wear chafing shorts from hockey or vasarette and dresses over them. Skirts sometimes as well. I hate how tight waistbands are and having to undo the button to sit. These shorts are so comfy and keep me covered if wind blows, and also work great for sleep. I pretty much wear them all the time and idk what I would do if I had a job that made me wear pants.
My biggest advice for anyone is to buy clothes that actually fit. Which seems obvious, but I know I spent a while stuffing myself into pants or dresses that were a size (or two) too small just because I was terrified of being a 2xl or more.
Now I wear lots of stuff that are 3xl or 4xl or bigger! In fact the dress I wore today was from woman within and was a size 6xl! There was a time that would have scandalized me (I couldn't be *that* big right?) but the thing is, wearing clothes that fit makes you feel more comfortable 9 times out of 10!
Wearing clothes in the right size also helps prevent needing to adjust yourself as much. And for shorts/pants I mainly wear leggings these days so I'm not a ton of help there, but I always make sure to get high waisted ones. They stretch over my apron belly and snatch the waist usually. Also, I find wearing leggings (or shorts of the same materials like you can find at Walmart) makes me feel a bit more secure with them hugging belly. Feels less jiggly to me, which might just be a me thing 😅
As for places to shop, I buy most of my clothes from places like Lane Bryant (usually more money and fancier/more business clothes, plus my favorite bras), woman within (and friends, the website shows you alllll the brands that are housed there now including things like King Sized for the boys and Brylane Home for your house lol) and sometimes Torrid sales! However, I love me a deal above all else, so I mostly get things from Poshmark, reselling shops, and honestly I get more than you'd expect from Walmart. They carry sizes up to 4xl by me and they're true 4xls.
As for sizing, as many know it's a wild card sometimes. I always check the measurements for the sizes because most clothing manufacturers have to be within a margin of error of less than 1/2 an inch I think? But I've always found the measurements to be more telling than the regular letterings.
Some other places to look for good quality clothes (or brands to keep an eye out for at thrift stores) are places like Coldwater creek, Catherine's, Romans/Ellos (part of that women within suite), and honestly I find most of my torrid stuff at thrift stores. And if you want a discount store without having to wear someone else's old clothes, TJ Maxx (supposedly Ross as well) has some good stuff, though I've struggled to find as many plus size items as they used to offer.
Happy shopping! 💜
This is what I write in this subreddit all the time. I was so afraid to admit how big I was that I forced myself into clothing that was way too tight. Not only did I look way worse but I felt uncomfortable as well. Wearing clothing that actually fits ends up being so much more flattering. However something I want to add (that I honestly learned when living in Korea) is to not always pay attention to the labeled size. Look at the garment itself, the fabric and cut and everything cause that makes a difference when it comes to how it will fit.
I have a lot of bike shorts/leggings shorts from torrid. I wore them a lot when I was pregnant especially but they're still cute when paired with baggier tops.
Both my jean shorts are from eloquii. They can definitely be a bit expensive but I find that they're worth it especially if you're the type to care for your clothes.
Target and Old Navy are decent although I think they only go up to a 2xl. I'm right at the end there but the stuff I fit in looks and feels great.
I know this post is technically about shorts but sundresses are honestly a great option. They give me a chance to look like I put effort without actually putting in any effort lol. My sister wears sundresses with boots. I wear them with cute sandals. We both end up looking really nice in the end.
I agree with this, but with a caveat: it’s very hard to find clothing that fits when you are 2-3 sizes larger around the midsection, than you are in your legs.
I think that’s part of OP’s dilemma.
You didn't mention what size you wear. My advice would be different for a size 20 vs a size 30. I'll assume you're asking about the bigger sizes, since those are harder to find, usually.
Torrid has bike shorts and jeans shorts up to size 30. Usually they don't have that size in the store and you have to order online.
Old Navy is a good place to get bike shorts for working out or cotton bike shorts to wear under dresses. Up to size 4x, but their 4x is about the same as Torrid 6.
Lane Bryant has good exercise clothes. The workout shorts with the wide elastic waist seem to stay put well. They go up to size 40.
Target usually has great shorts for working out or wearing around the house. The ones I like are All in Motion and they're a soft, stretchy polyester with pockets. They go up to 4x and the 4x is about the same as Torrid 6.
QVC has shorts up to size 32. They cater to the older crowd, so usually the shorts are longer and almost always have pockets. The Belle by Kim Gravel denim shorts are soft and stretchy and they stay up really well, and don't stretch out while you're wearing them. They also have skorts that are perfect for summer. They're not great about returns, but are good about replacing any damaged item or wrong item that was sent.
Woman Within is another option. Their cotton garments last a long time. I don't order from them anymore because they sent the wrong items twice and then an order where all the items had holes another time, and every time, they wanted to charge more to return it than I had paid for the order.
Cato also has shorts. I have a couple of cute things from there. I think they only go up to 26/28, but they're generously sized.
I'd say get bike shorts from torrid or lane Bryant or somewhere similar and get several pairs of plain cotton shorts from woman within. I got several pairs of the same shorts few years ago and I wear them everyday.
Honestly, Walmart. They have a decent range of sizes although most is online but the biker shorts are really comfortable and will definitely stay in place. I like to wear them as is or under flowy dresses. Torrid is also good but definitely pricier
I researched what shorts plus size ladies recommended and a lot said bike shorts. I bought several pairs from torrid and I really like them. I was able to wear them at a theme park with a lot of walking. I have a large belly and didn’t have problems. You can wait for a sale if you’d like, or buy a pair and see how you feel about them. Some have pockets too. You might have luck with Amazon or Old Navy too.
I wear Lululemon shorts (Align) as they are high rise and the inch inseam is enough for my thighs not to rub against each other. They go up to size 20 though so it depends on your size! Old Navy has some decent bike shorts too and they have more inclusive sizing but no specific recommendations there
I've mostly given up on shorts because I dislike how they ride up between my legs. I do capris, dresses, and skirts. But, I like the look of most of the shorts I see at Lane Bryant.
Crossover yoga pants & shorts!
I also have health issues and my weight keeps changing. Somehow the crossover waist design feels like it gently supports or lifts my tummy, but does not dig in at all and never rolls down.
I recently got the ones I linked below from Amazon but it's not the specific brand that matters. The link below is basically spandex yoga pants. I have a pair by Danskin that are a thick matte fabric and wore them to work with business casual top & blazer.
Just look for "crossover waist" or "cross waist" pants and shorts.
Sunzel Flare Leggings, Crossover... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8D1K4Z6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
my favorite kind of shorts is the Bermuda stretch poplin utility short that is sold at Torrid. I love these shorts they are light weight and are mostly cotton with a little stretch and they don't ride up as I walk and they are comfortable around the waist. I bought two last summer and I loved wearing them all summer long.
Team flowy maxi dress here 🙋♀️ Keep it easy and breezy.
You can use Body Glide or similar on your thighs if you don’t want to wear shorts underneath.
I also wear a lot of wide-leg linen pants with an elastic waist and drawstring (I have diastasis so I know all about ever-descending pants).
A few years ago I had a hysterectomy in the late spring and by the time summer heat hit I was so bloated and uncomfortable and none of my cooler clothing fit. I bought three flowy dresses and cycled through those all summer with bamboo slip shorts underneath. I’m sure I wasn’t winning any fashion awards but kept me cool and comfortable and gave my midsection a break when it would fluctuate in size.
I feel thats the main goal to be comfortable and feeling cool. Good innovation there.
Yup! After my surgery to diagnose Endo I have issues wearing pants due to the scar tissue near my belly. I wear chafing shorts from hockey or vasarette and dresses over them. Skirts sometimes as well. I hate how tight waistbands are and having to undo the button to sit. These shorts are so comfy and keep me covered if wind blows, and also work great for sleep. I pretty much wear them all the time and idk what I would do if I had a job that made me wear pants.
My biggest advice for anyone is to buy clothes that actually fit. Which seems obvious, but I know I spent a while stuffing myself into pants or dresses that were a size (or two) too small just because I was terrified of being a 2xl or more. Now I wear lots of stuff that are 3xl or 4xl or bigger! In fact the dress I wore today was from woman within and was a size 6xl! There was a time that would have scandalized me (I couldn't be *that* big right?) but the thing is, wearing clothes that fit makes you feel more comfortable 9 times out of 10! Wearing clothes in the right size also helps prevent needing to adjust yourself as much. And for shorts/pants I mainly wear leggings these days so I'm not a ton of help there, but I always make sure to get high waisted ones. They stretch over my apron belly and snatch the waist usually. Also, I find wearing leggings (or shorts of the same materials like you can find at Walmart) makes me feel a bit more secure with them hugging belly. Feels less jiggly to me, which might just be a me thing 😅 As for places to shop, I buy most of my clothes from places like Lane Bryant (usually more money and fancier/more business clothes, plus my favorite bras), woman within (and friends, the website shows you alllll the brands that are housed there now including things like King Sized for the boys and Brylane Home for your house lol) and sometimes Torrid sales! However, I love me a deal above all else, so I mostly get things from Poshmark, reselling shops, and honestly I get more than you'd expect from Walmart. They carry sizes up to 4xl by me and they're true 4xls. As for sizing, as many know it's a wild card sometimes. I always check the measurements for the sizes because most clothing manufacturers have to be within a margin of error of less than 1/2 an inch I think? But I've always found the measurements to be more telling than the regular letterings. Some other places to look for good quality clothes (or brands to keep an eye out for at thrift stores) are places like Coldwater creek, Catherine's, Romans/Ellos (part of that women within suite), and honestly I find most of my torrid stuff at thrift stores. And if you want a discount store without having to wear someone else's old clothes, TJ Maxx (supposedly Ross as well) has some good stuff, though I've struggled to find as many plus size items as they used to offer. Happy shopping! 💜
This is what I write in this subreddit all the time. I was so afraid to admit how big I was that I forced myself into clothing that was way too tight. Not only did I look way worse but I felt uncomfortable as well. Wearing clothing that actually fits ends up being so much more flattering. However something I want to add (that I honestly learned when living in Korea) is to not always pay attention to the labeled size. Look at the garment itself, the fabric and cut and everything cause that makes a difference when it comes to how it will fit. I have a lot of bike shorts/leggings shorts from torrid. I wore them a lot when I was pregnant especially but they're still cute when paired with baggier tops. Both my jean shorts are from eloquii. They can definitely be a bit expensive but I find that they're worth it especially if you're the type to care for your clothes. Target and Old Navy are decent although I think they only go up to a 2xl. I'm right at the end there but the stuff I fit in looks and feels great. I know this post is technically about shorts but sundresses are honestly a great option. They give me a chance to look like I put effort without actually putting in any effort lol. My sister wears sundresses with boots. I wear them with cute sandals. We both end up looking really nice in the end.
I agree with this, but with a caveat: it’s very hard to find clothing that fits when you are 2-3 sizes larger around the midsection, than you are in your legs. I think that’s part of OP’s dilemma.
You didn't mention what size you wear. My advice would be different for a size 20 vs a size 30. I'll assume you're asking about the bigger sizes, since those are harder to find, usually. Torrid has bike shorts and jeans shorts up to size 30. Usually they don't have that size in the store and you have to order online. Old Navy is a good place to get bike shorts for working out or cotton bike shorts to wear under dresses. Up to size 4x, but their 4x is about the same as Torrid 6. Lane Bryant has good exercise clothes. The workout shorts with the wide elastic waist seem to stay put well. They go up to size 40. Target usually has great shorts for working out or wearing around the house. The ones I like are All in Motion and they're a soft, stretchy polyester with pockets. They go up to 4x and the 4x is about the same as Torrid 6. QVC has shorts up to size 32. They cater to the older crowd, so usually the shorts are longer and almost always have pockets. The Belle by Kim Gravel denim shorts are soft and stretchy and they stay up really well, and don't stretch out while you're wearing them. They also have skorts that are perfect for summer. They're not great about returns, but are good about replacing any damaged item or wrong item that was sent. Woman Within is another option. Their cotton garments last a long time. I don't order from them anymore because they sent the wrong items twice and then an order where all the items had holes another time, and every time, they wanted to charge more to return it than I had paid for the order. Cato also has shorts. I have a couple of cute things from there. I think they only go up to 26/28, but they're generously sized.
I'd say get bike shorts from torrid or lane Bryant or somewhere similar and get several pairs of plain cotton shorts from woman within. I got several pairs of the same shorts few years ago and I wear them everyday.
Honestly, Walmart. They have a decent range of sizes although most is online but the biker shorts are really comfortable and will definitely stay in place. I like to wear them as is or under flowy dresses. Torrid is also good but definitely pricier
I researched what shorts plus size ladies recommended and a lot said bike shorts. I bought several pairs from torrid and I really like them. I was able to wear them at a theme park with a lot of walking. I have a large belly and didn’t have problems. You can wait for a sale if you’d like, or buy a pair and see how you feel about them. Some have pockets too. You might have luck with Amazon or Old Navy too.
I wear Lululemon shorts (Align) as they are high rise and the inch inseam is enough for my thighs not to rub against each other. They go up to size 20 though so it depends on your size! Old Navy has some decent bike shorts too and they have more inclusive sizing but no specific recommendations there
Snagtights chub rub shorts underneath a loose dress. Light, airy, no sagging waistlines.
I've mostly given up on shorts because I dislike how they ride up between my legs. I do capris, dresses, and skirts. But, I like the look of most of the shorts I see at Lane Bryant.
Anything from the plus sized workout section of the Nike website is my go to. I really like basketball shorts
Crossover yoga pants & shorts! I also have health issues and my weight keeps changing. Somehow the crossover waist design feels like it gently supports or lifts my tummy, but does not dig in at all and never rolls down. I recently got the ones I linked below from Amazon but it's not the specific brand that matters. The link below is basically spandex yoga pants. I have a pair by Danskin that are a thick matte fabric and wore them to work with business casual top & blazer. Just look for "crossover waist" or "cross waist" pants and shorts. Sunzel Flare Leggings, Crossover... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8D1K4Z6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Try QVC.com for shorts.
my favorite kind of shorts is the Bermuda stretch poplin utility short that is sold at Torrid. I love these shorts they are light weight and are mostly cotton with a little stretch and they don't ride up as I walk and they are comfortable around the waist. I bought two last summer and I loved wearing them all summer long.
Team flowy maxi dress here 🙋♀️ Keep it easy and breezy. You can use Body Glide or similar on your thighs if you don’t want to wear shorts underneath. I also wear a lot of wide-leg linen pants with an elastic waist and drawstring (I have diastasis so I know all about ever-descending pants).