Friday, January 30, 2009

Know Thy Enemy: Elastic Pants

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.

6 comments:

  1. 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.

    Good luck on your weight loss efforts! I'm right there with ya.

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  2. Just wandered in, and I have to agree with Sarah, great blog!

    Good 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!

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  3. The only thing Elastic Pants are good for? Beer drinking. Perfect.

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  4. Cool blog! Weight loss advice /and/ fashion sense on the same page :)

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  5. Guilty 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. :)

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  6. I 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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