While watching What Not To Wear (guilty pleasure) last night, Clinton uttered a savvy observation: Elastic Pants* are bad not only because they are just generally unflattering, but also because they contribute to denial over weight issues. Specifically, he pointed out that Elastic Pants--as opposed to fitted waistbands--won't let you know if you are gaining a few pounds and need to take action accordingly.
Oh, that is so very true. And then some.
I admit to having owned many, many pairs of Elastic Pants. And Elastic Skirts. Not only was I blind to weight gain while wearing them, they often times contributed to my delusion that I was even losing weight. After all, they seemed loose-fitting. And if I binged on a dozen hot wings and cheese 'n bacon fries, the Elastic Pants were forgiving and never let me feel uncomfortable or bloated (or guilty) when I was stuffing myself.
Really, how can people gauge their weight within any reasonable degree of certainty while wearing size XXL sweatpants? I know I didn't.
Don't get me wrong. I am all about comfort. I still have a couple pairs of Elastic Pants. I am wearing a pair right now. However, no longer will I wear them during my active hours. A few months ago, I got rid of my last pair of dress Elastic Pants that I used to wear to the office. No more. As part of taking responsibility and being a big girl now, I am wearing the specific size I am. A size that begins with a number, that doesn't have an "X" in it. And if that waistband should ever cut just a bit too tightly, then I'll know that I need to do something about the weight gain and not engage in another game of denial.
Unless...you know, the pants shrunk in the dryer or something.
P.S.:
On a related note, What Not To Wear is featuring makeovers of women who lost a ton of weight. Tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST, there will be a composite of past weight loss makeovers. So far, the results have been pretty amazing and I recommend the shows to anyone who is interested and willing to overlook the snarky attitude of the show's hosts.
*Capitalization engaged to underscore the absurdity of this fashion turd.
Hey there! Just found your blog and I'm really liking what I see! :) For one, I LOVE What Not to Wear! But I didn't know they were doing that special you mentioned tonight. Of course, my DVR is set to tape it *haha* but it's good to be in the know anyways.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your weight loss efforts! I'm right there with ya.
Just wandered in, and I have to agree with Sarah, great blog!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, and I look forward to reading about your journey.
And please don't tell me I have to stop blaming the clothes dryer when my jeans get tight, it's my favorite form of denial!
The only thing Elastic Pants are good for? Beer drinking. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteCool blog! Weight loss advice /and/ fashion sense on the same page :)
ReplyDeleteGuilty of the elastic pants thing. I still remember the first pair of "zip-ups" when I started losing weight. I was like some toddler wearing her training pants. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to wear them everyday for work (scrubs) lol. It is nice and very easy get used to. On the weekends I can't bear the thought of jeans!
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