01.08.2024

Lipoedema column - part 4

Lipoedema and shopping: A difficult matter

Shopping is something beautiful, you can pamper yourself, transform yourself, express yourself and your style and uniqueness. Fashion knows no boundaries and everyone is free to express themselves however they want. For women with lipoedema, strolling can become a major challenge, followed by frustration and anger at the disease lipoedema.

The fat distribution disorder, which is characterised by shapelessness, often makes it difficult to find clothes that fit, are comfortable and beautiful. Or to find clothes that you find beautiful.

How often do I buy something just because it fits and I don't actually like it that much...

But what exactly is it that I find so challenging when shopping (lipoedema on the legs)?

  • Fit and sizes: This is really so bad and frustrating. You are looking for clothes that fit well and are comfortable. Often those of us with lipoedema, disproportionate body shapes with narrower torsos and pronounced, thicker legs and/or arms struggle. The standard sizes in shops therefore almost never fit and this makes the search for trousers or clothing very difficult.

  • Comfort: In addition to the fit, I also want to wear comfortable clothes. Trousers that are too tight and fabrics without stretch can be very uncomfortable and create a feeling of tightness and even increase the discomfort. The clothing also needs to be able to be worn with compression, which often limits the choice.

  • Disadvantage: With lipoedema, you feel disadvantaged by the limited selection of beautiful and fashionable clothing in mainstream and large fashion shops. Fashion that you like, is stylish and wearable is very difficult to find. This often leads to a depressing shopping experience.

  • Changing rooms: Who came up with this light in changing rooms? Here the whole lipoedema is shown in a very unfavourable light and this unfortunately only reinforces the negative self-image.

But what exactly is it that I find so challenging when shopping (lipoedema on the legs)?

  • Stretchy materials: I only buy trousers and clothing with elasticated materials. The fabrics adapt perfectly to your body and lipoedema. This also makes you feel much more comfortable, especially in combination with compression clothing.

  • Loose-fitting clothing: It is best to say goodbye to clothing that is too tight. Loose clothing goes well with lipoedema and compression.
    Online shopping: This offers the advantage that you can try on the clothes in your comfort zone at home. You can also enter the right materials as a filter beforehand without any stress and only see trousers with a stretch component, for example.

  • Strengthening self-acceptance: This is the most difficult and yet very important for us women with lipoedema. We must learn to accept ourselves as we are. I know it's really not easy, but it can help a lot.
     

Don't give up and stay strong. Find your own style that makes you shine and therefore also glow!


All the love for you,

Talia