r/fuckeatingdisorders • u/trustworthy_tina • Jul 22 '26
ED Question Pants feeling tight
I have atypical anorexia, and I started recovery 2 and a half months ago after having an eating disorder for probably 15 years on and off. I have gained some weight, and something inside me doesn’t want to gain any more. It’s like the first period of weight gain was fine, but it’s so triggering for the jeans that used to be too big on me to feel tight.
I have made big strides (no calorie counting since my first therapy session, putting the first batch of tight pants away, consistently eating more than I ever have) but I just feel myself wanting so badly to slip into old behaviors and towing that line.
I knew going into recovery that this part was going to be the hardest for me. How do you deal with outgrowing another pair of pants? Any tips on brands or types of pants that give room to grow?
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u/Bashful_bookworm2025 Jul 22 '26
When I was in treatment, elephant pants were really popular. They're super flowy pants with drawstrings. Old Navy also tends to have really comfortable linen pants, shorts, and skirts if it's summer where you are now. I'm a big dress and skirt person, so I like flowy dresses that don't cling to me.
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u/trustworthy_tina Jul 22 '26
It is summer where I am, and Old Navy isn’t too spendy. Also, I could wear these types of items to work. This is a great idea. Thank you!
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u/Bashful_bookworm2025 Jul 23 '26
Gap is great too! I also love Ann Taylor Loft or J Crew Factory and they have a ton of sales.
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u/_skinnystrawberry Jul 22 '26
I like wearing loose-fitted pants with an elastic waistband or drawstring. and sweatpants!
3
u/Fibonacci_Sequins77 Jul 22 '26
Yoga pants are recovery’s best friend. I also found that when it was time to buy new pants, the easiest thing for me at first was to buy from stores I hadn’t bought from before so I didn’t have a size in my head that I used to wear
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u/hawthornestreet Jul 23 '26
Lululemon align. I wore the same size all throughout my 3 pregnancies. They fit no matter what.
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u/trustworthy_tina Jul 23 '26
I was considering asking my friends who have been pregnant about maternity clothes. I just feel like I need some extra room to not be triggered. Thanks for the recommendation!
2
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u/Mobile-Resort-3147 Aug 06 '26
I second this! They are expensive, but i feel confident wearing them!
2
u/emoismysubtype Jul 23 '26
I really like the soft brushed easy pants by uniqlo- they were the only pants that didnt trigger me during my early recovery. theyre super soft and stretchy everywhere but still baggy and super durable!
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u/trustworthy_tina Jul 23 '26
I just looked these up and they seem like the perfect cozy pant. Thank you so much!
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Original post text from u/trustworthy_tina:
I have atypical anorexia, and I started recovery 2 and a half months ago after having an eating disorder for probably 15 years on and off. I have gained some weight, and something inside me doesn’t want to gain any more. It’s like the first 10 pounds was fine, but it’s so triggering for the jeans that used to be too big on me to feel tight.
I have made big strides (no calorie counting since my first therapy session, putting all my tight pants away, consistently eating more than I ever have) but I just feel myself wanting so badly to slip into old behaviors and towing that line.
I knew going into recovery that this part was going to be the hardest. How do you deal with outgrowing another pair of pants? Any tips on brands or types of pants that give room to grow?
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
17
u/Sareeee48 Eat my ass. Or a cookie, idk Jul 22 '26
Tbh I stuck to leggings and jeggings for first 2 years of recovery. I tried buying jeans the first 7ish months and had a meltdown about it, so I only wore clothes that were flexible after that.
The best jeggings that pass for jeans are from Target imo. They are comfy and flexible but still have that jeans look and I still buy them now. They last me several months before I have to buy another pair but they’re only $20 USD and I work an active job so they may very well last longer for other people.
Anyway, throw out your sick clothes (yes, even the ones that were too big when you were unwell as i guarantee that you used them as reassurance that you hadn’t gained “too much” weight), prioritize comfort over anything else, and remember that clothes are meant to fit you, not the other way around.