A key part of anorexia recovery involves restoring weight to a healthy body mass index, typically around BMI 20. This means that you will need to get rid of your "anorexic clothes" and learn to cope with buying new clothes in a different, healthy size.
Why Get Rid of "Anorexic Clothes" in Eating Disorder Recovery?
It is very important for your recovery to get a bin sack and get rid of the clothes you wore when you were at an unhealthy weight – otherwise known as "anorexic clothes." The main reason this is necessary is down to the fact that if you cling to these clothes, then you are not separating yourself from the eating disorder. Having anorexic clothes in your wardrobe is akin to leaving the door slightly open, resisting and not accepting that your size has changed and must remain this way to stay well.
Another reason taking your "ill" clothes to charity is a sensible plan is due to the memories that certain clothes will likely have attached to them. For example, clothes worn in the early days of treatment, whilst in an eating disorder unit (EDU) , can trigger a lot of painful memories.
Anorexia Recovery Tips for Buying Clothes at Target Weight
The most helpful way to cope with buying clothes at (or a few kgs away) target weight, involves not going it alone. Prior to getting discharged from the EDU, three other patients and I went clothes shopping together and this made a daunting task much more bearable. We had tears, laughter, frustration and relief, as we made the transition to wearing clothes which fitted us. If you have a friend in recovery, who is also at a healthy weight, then it may be much easier going shopping together. It is also helpful to discuss with your therapist how you are likely to feel, trying on a different size of clothing. Some therapists are able to go with you – this may be a option well worth considering, particularly if it has been some time since you have bought clothes at a healthy size.
Eating Disorder Clothes Shopping Survival Guide
When a person has had an eating disorder for a considerable amount of time, it is often the case where clothes are chosen to hide away and disguise weight loss. This is another reason baggy tracksuits are also best disposed off when you reach target weight. Here are a few more simple tips for making clothes shopping at a healthy weight significantly less stressful:
- avoid tight fitting clothes at first
- try choosing tops, before trying on trousers/skirts
- in the early days, try to stick to clothes shops where you know you can find comfortable clothes
- do not try clothes on if you have your period – fluid retention can mess with your head
- ask a friend you trust to tell you if an item looks too baggy or too tight
- try not to spend too long in the changing room - mirrors can be triggering
- take two sizes to try on, as clothes sizes often differ depending on the shop/design
As highlighted above, ditching anorexic clothes and buying target weight clothing are important steps in recovery. Shopping for clothes at target weight does not have to be a nightmare. If it is not possible to go with a friend in recovery who knows exactly what you are going through, ask someone who you trust for support.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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