cutselvage

Numbers don’t define you.

Wed, 19/08/2009 - 1:24pm | by

[img_assist|nid=84|title=MinkPink Tunic|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=300|height=400]

As a fat person, numbers have ruled me for a significant portion of my life.  The number on the scale, the number on my blood-pressure readings, the number of slices of cake I can eat… the list goes on.

The number that often has the most power, not just for fat women but for women of all sizes, though, is the number (or letter) on the tags of your clothing.

You are not going to die if you have to wear an XXL instead of an XL, or a 14 instead of a 12.

These little numbers can buoy us up to great heights, or pull us down into the deepest pits of despair – if you let them.  When I was in highschool and at the height of my food restriction, I managed to shoehorn myself into a pair of size 13 jeans.  It was possibly one of the greatest moments of my life.  Conversely, a year or two later when I went into Portmans and couldn’t zip up a size 16 skirt, I was devastated for over a week.

I am not defined by numbers – and neither are you.  Don’t be afraid to tell people what you weigh or what size you are (usually).  I’ll put my money where my mouth is: I weigh 106 kilograms, and wear Australian sizes 18-22 (usually – my closet has items from a 14 to a 22). 

See size tags for what they are: completely and utterly arbitrary.  In this photograph, I’m wearing one of my newest favourite tunics, by Sydney label MinkPink.  It’s a size 14.  I haven’t been a size 14 in many years, so don’t let tags deceive you.  Try things on – judge by how the garment looks, not the tag number.  Size up or down as the fit requires.  If you can’t, due to a narrow size range, let it go.  Don’t buy it and attempt to berate yourself into losing weight to wear it.  That never ends well.

Numbers are just that – numbers.  They are not a measure of your worth as a person. 

 

For the curious: tunic is by MinkPink via 360 Degrees in West End, size 14, tights are by We Love Colors and are a size C-D, shoes are by Miu Miu via Jean Brown and are a 40 1/2.  Guitar sneakily borrowed from my roommate.

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  • 1Sonya1

    Zoooooe. This is fab. And now I have to back there and buy one of those dresses I was looking at. Or stop by the vintage shop (Bang Doll, was it?)

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    :D ! Thank you, and yes you totally have to buy some more awesome stuff! Bang Doll Vintage is the one, there's also another vintage shop on Vulture St which we didn't get a chance to go to, Box Vintage.

  • nycivan

    zoe,

    you need to add a few more tags to this post…. inspiring rock star role model beautiful

    you make me proud to be part of Fat Acceptance!!!!

    Cheers,

    Ivan

  • http://corpulent.wordpress.com/ Frances

    Right on!

    Frances: Aged 23, size 16-18 and 95kg.

  • ashleybrook

    Great post!

  • amydoll

    Definately agree! Most sizing doesn't stack up anyway- even from the same range at the same retailer! I've got items ranging from an 18 to a 32 in my wardrobe, and everything fits me fine! In fact I just bought a tshirt a size down from what I normally wear, because my normal size was too loose, and could probably even have managed to go down another size if I was being really picky about it.

  • http://stayclassyla.blogspot.com JLopezCostume

    I'm a 3X at Mode Plus, 1/16 at Torrid, 18 in Levis, 16 at Target, 14/16 at Avenue, 24 in commercial sewing patterns, 22 at eShakti, 1X at Alloy, 16/18 in my own work's garments, etc and so forth. Each company does have its own set of standard measurements. It doesn't really mean much in the long run.

  • Stephanie

    That tunic is hot!

    Loving the post, too – numbers are so all over the place that it's impossible to lay any trust in them.

  • johnfreakingsmith

    The shoes and tights! <3
    Loving this whole outfit, Zoe. I completely agree with you about sizing; I have four different numbers in my wardrobe and all of them fit me fine. I don't get excited by the smaller numbers, just as i don't get upset by wearing the highest ones.
    It's interesting that most people would have no problem going up a shoe size if their regular size doesn't fit, but many people have huge issues going up one (gasp!) dress size. Nobody's looking at the tag except the wearer. Numbers are just numbers indeed :) — makia

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    Thanks Ivan! I only pretend to be a rockstar, but it's a lot of fun. :D

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    Hell to the yes! *fistbump*

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    TY!

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    I know, right? I have stuff in different sizes from the same retailer, and once I bought two identical pairs of pants from Target, and one pair was 1.5cm larger in the waist and hips. Crazy.

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    It totally doesn't mean much in the long run, but it's surprising how people can get hung up over those numbers. I hear you on being different sizes in different manufacturers.

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    Thank you, I am loving it!

  • http://www.axisoffat.com Zoe

    Thanks Makia! Yes, that's important to note as well – wearing a size smaller doesn't automatically make you a better person. It means that a company has different measurements on their fit model. :D

  • http://www.averyseriouswoman.blogspot.com/ Cait

    Just wanted to say that, though it seems that commenters are a bit reluctant, this blog is so definitely on track!
    As warm-fuzzy-fluffy-wuffy as this sounds, I often remind myself that when a mass-produced garment does not fit me, it’s a sign of my uniqueness.

  • bo peep

    remember, HEALTHY is more important than anything. being a size 00 may be your fantasy, but if you push your body to the point where you're fatigued and your hair is falling out, it doesn't matter what number is on your tag. likewise, if you neglect to stay healthy and pass it off as “i'm just big boned” or something, you may be at risk for numerous diseases like diabetes. taking care of yourself is the sexiest thing that you can do.

  • Paul

    You shouldn't be encouraging people to be overweight. I have nothing against being large but telling people to just let go seems unhealthy. I also have nothing against people that are lazy, that's their prerogative, but stop making excuses. Being proud of being fat is an insult to everyone that actually makes an effort to be fit. Bite the bullet, put some time into it, and you'll feel better in your body.

  • http://www.nicholasperkins.com/blog/ Nicholas Perkins

    If only I'd seen your comment earlier.

    Bring proud of being who you are is an awesome thing to achieve. It is an insult to me and other fat people to suggest that I'm insulting because I don't make “an effort to be fit”. I encourage everyone to accept and love themselves just as they are.

    I find it insulting to suggest that being proud of who I am is some slight against you and other peole who “fit in” to “normal”.