"Why do you have so many clothes?" or "I've never seen you wear this, why are you still keeping it?" are common questions we women often hear from our partners. At least, I hear them from my husband. We all have those pieces of clothing tucked away in our closets that we’re saving for that magical moment when we finally reach a certain weight.
Photo from Ron Lach
A friend gave me a floral dress that I still love as a birthday gift five years ago. But the thing is, I haven't worn it for at least three years—not because I don't want to, but because I just couldn't fit in anymore, no matter how hard I try to squeeze into it.
So why am I still keeping the dress, you ask? Besides the fact that I love it, I'm holding onto the hope that one day I'll fit into it again without feeling breathless, that I'll become my slimmer, 'prettier' self from five years ago.
Society often pushes the idea that being thinner is better, but that’s just not true. People can be healthy and happy in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Our bodies aren't meant to stay the same size forever.
Photo from Noteworthy
How keeping our 'just in case' clothes are affecting us
Our bodies naturally change over time due to factors like hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, PMS, menopause, and aging. Holding onto these clothes 'just in case' they fit again might seem harmless, but it's actually harmful. Seeing old clothes that used to fit can trigger negative thoughts about your body and self-worth. You might think, "I looked so much better last time" or "I don't deserve new clothes until I lose weight."
Photo from Freepik
Some people use these clothes as motivation, thinking they can inspire themselves to fit into them again by dieting. However, diets often fail, and using tight clothes as a goal only reinforces the harmful idea that your current body is not good enough and that being thinner will make you happy, which isn't true.
Photo from @giselle_dekel via Instagram
Besides, getting rid of these aspirational clothes can create more space in your closet. A less cluttered closet means more room for items that you actually wear and love (and more shopping!). Plus, by donating or selling these clothes, you can give someone else with the opportunity to enjoy them.
Instead of obsessing over a number on the scale, redirect your focus towards other meaningful goals. Perhaps you aim to run a 10K, lift heavier weights at the gym, or simply feel more energetic throughout the day. These types of goals can be much more rewarding and less stressful compared to the pressure of fitting into old clothes that may no longer fit you.
Photo from iStock
So, take a deep breath, open up that closet, and start sorting through your wardrobe. Let go of anything that doesn’t serve your current needs. Your wardrobe should be a source of happiness and comfort, not a constant reminder of unmet expectations. Remember, you deserve to feel good in your clothes right now, not just someday in the future. Your clothes should fit you as you are, not the other way around.
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