If you’re underweight, how do you feel about summer?

[Romax]

I’m very underweight
Combination of always been very skinny plus recovery from food poisoning means I’m not pretty bloody scrawny.

I’m trying to put on weight but it’s hard and slow progress.

I used to LOVE summer. My summer wardrobe was gorgeous, and I had no problem getting my legs and arms out, especially as in really in to the gym. Now my arms and legs are like sticks.

This year... I feel people are looking at me when I expose legs and arms and thinking “bloody hell she is too thin” “she must have a problem” “she looks ill”. I have had school gate friends comment (not at all nastily. Genuine concern)

Anyone else feel like this about summer?

Bump

I’m really slim. It’s just my build I eat normally etc ( I always feel I have to put this disclaimer in).

I always dress to look bigger and cover up. This inevitably means I’m never dressed weather appropriately. I’d rather that than the constant comments of how skinny I am etc.

I also feel conscious of what I eat like I have to prove I eat “normally” so in summer when you’re naturally inclined to go for a salad etc I used to always feel the pressure to order a side of chips or something.

Seeing it written down; I wish I could “own it” a bit more

@MyPatronusIsAnOrca

Exactly
Your post really resonates

I want a tuna salad, fresh fruit. But I feel eyes on me for chips and burger

I don't think anyone is looking really. Everyone has their arms and legs out in summer, there's not time to judge everyone, it would take all day. If anything they are probably thinking you are really attractive.

As a fat person I’m not at all thinking about what you look like and judging you, I’m spending all my time worrying about what I look like. I suspect most people regardless of size are the same.

I’m exactly the same, probably 3 stone underweight. Not helped by extremely pale complexion so not only do I look skinny but pale and skinny. I tend to go for trousers or maxi dresses as I’m more conscious of my legs than arms.

I'm in the same position. I'm naturally very slim but a combo of breastfeeding, running around after kids, catching all the kid bugs from the winter has left me around 9kgs lighter than I should be.

Today is the first day I've worn my usual shorts and I can pull them down without undoing the buttons

I feel a bit conscious tbh. It's not nice being uncomfortable in your own skin, regardless of the reason

I wore a jumper and long skirt
It was 24 degrees and everyone in shorts
But I felt ok because
A) I feel the cold!
B) it was brightly coloured clothing
C) I got a few comments about how beautiful my skirt was (a new season hush number)

So perhaps that’s what I need to focus on re clothing. The summer clothing I do feel comfortable in ie long and coverage.... summery colours and lovely

I think most people are worried about their own appearance and not anyone else's. I am critical of things about myself I would never even notice on another person. So I think wear/eat/do what you like and enjoy the nice weather!

Whilst people are probably too busy to not notice I think people feel more comfortable for want of a better word to pass a comment on your size if you’re thin.

When it’s something you’re already self conscious of it really doesn’t help.

My legs aren’t too thin (in comparison to the rest of me); it’s my arms - very long and thin, quite prominent collar bones and an A cup. It’s very rare for me to not wear a cardigan - including today.

Something I’m working on!

@Romax your skirt sounds lovely! Do you have a link/picture?

Lots of women looking at you will be envious. That’s not a flippant comment, sadly such is our society.
I had a work friend many years ago, she had a condition (can’t remember what it was I’m afraid, long time ago) that meant her metabolism was on fire. She was under doctors orders to basically eat at every meal until she felt sick, she took various dietary supplements too and horrible thick concoctions but was still barely a loose size 6 at 5ft 9. It was horrible for her, she began to hate food and dread invitations that involved meals and despite being incredibly able and a member of Mensa, her self- confidence was non existent.
We all feel judged for something, usually irrationally. I really think most people are so wrapped up in their own lives that they won’t take any notice of you. If they do, actually so what?
Please, do try not to hide yourself away and make yourself physically uncomfortable because of what other people may or may not think. Enjoy the summer.

But wear sunscreen (wags finger 😁)

Skinny summer gal here

I love summer and often feel the whole enjoying a salad but not wanting to be judged feeling. God it's a weird world!

I spend most of my time with DP and I know he doesn't care so why should anyone else eh?

I have just found how great thin trousers are for covering up but still keeping cool and those tops with the lines across the front? Like a criss-cross effect? Love those

Enjoy the summer (although remember it's not here yet it's just a warm weekend!)

@MyPatronusIsAnOrca

This is the skirt

@Langrish
When I was just very slim - yes some women may have been envious

Now I look quite skeletal. I promise you, no one envious. Really, not just saying that.

What is your height & weight, OP?
How long have you had the food poisoning for?

Understood. You really mustn’t spend weeks being physically uncomfortable because you feel pressure to cover up, though, especially if we have another summer like last year. You need all of your strength to recover properly and being too hot because you’re wearing too much will really sap your energy. Loose and flowing is good, all natural fibres. I know colours make a difference to how heat is absorbed too but can’t remember which is which.

I’m not suffering from your problem but I’ve always thought that the high-waisted, wide leg trousers that Victoria Beckham wears look good on the very slender.

I've always been skinny with sticky out bones, really love the warm weather as the cold makes me feel ill. If it's hot enough I expose as much as I decently can and people are welcome to look and judge if they feel like it, doesn't bother me at all.