To think that LYCRA is actually the reason many people put on weight?

[MacDuffsMuff]

By 'many people' I mean me really. And I don't just mean lycra, obviously I've been eating too much too but I feel I'd like to lay some of the blame on lycra.

I never used to think much about my weight but I'm sure that I started putting on weight when some fucker decided to put lycra in every sodding item of clothing when I was younger and buying cheap fashion. I do try to be a bit more discerning about what I buy these days in terms of fabrics and where it comes from but I will confess that I didn't when I was young.

So I think I started putting on weight without even realising it (never weighed myself for years) because my clothes seemed to expand with me and by the time I did realise, it was more difficult to lose. So it's back to more structured clothing these days where I can feel quite quickly if the lbs are creeping up.

Is there anyone I can sue?

*do I need to put a 'lighthearted' disclaimer? Really?

To add to random reasons for weight gain -my personal random theory for weight gain in our population is central heating. Think of all the calories people used to burn in cold houses that got ice inside the windows in the winter...

Not that I’d give up my central heating to be able to fit into a pair of size six jeans!

Nah, before stretchy clothing, we wore skirts and I think skirts itself can give you opportunities to gain weight without you knowing about it... as long your waist is the same size

I know what you mean.
Not having to put formal clothes on for work at the moment has led to me slipping into a bit of denial I think. A pair of stretchy leggings doesn't concentrate the mind on an expanding waistline in quite the same way as a tight waistband on a pair of formal trousers does!

@Blueberries0112

Nah, before stretchy clothing, we wore skirts and I think skirts itself can give you opportunities to gain weight without you knowing about it... as long your waist is the same size

I don't think I wore a skirt til I was about 40! (apart from my school uniform and my wedding dress )

You're right though skirts with an elasticated waistband will also have played their part for many. I'm just thinking back to the 90s when I'd be cutting about in my leggings not realising that I was probably expanding by the second.

@MrsAvocet

I know what you mean. Not having to put formal clothes on for work at the moment has led to me slipping into a bit of denial I think. A pair of stretchy leggings doesn't concentrate the mind on an expanding waistline in quite the same way as a tight waistband on a pair of formal trousers does!

Yep this is what I mean! I also find that if I'm in a pair of joggers (for example) I seem to give myself permission to eat more.

I did think about getting a waist belt last time I was thinking about losing weight - something fancy and none stretchy - just so I'd realise sooner that I'd started putting too much on again.

Then life and lockdown and it's gone up not down.

I agree about the central heating but also lack of incidental daily walking - commutes are longer, more out of town or on-line shopping and everyone is pushed for time so quicker to drive, get taxi or jump on bus if frequent enough rather than walk.

This is so true.

I’m sure not having to dress for the office is one of the reasons for my lockdown weight gain. Previously a few pounds on and my non stretchy clothes would be uncomfortable so I’d cut back a bit.

I knew about vanity sizing in shops.

However recently started to have a go at making clothes for me - and had the horrifying and slightly embrassing realisation that with pattern sizes I'm much bigger than I thought.

Unfortunately it hasn't been the lasting motivation I've needed but my metal dichotomy that vanity sizing was something only affecting others has gone and I'm aware I really do need to do something.

I need to go to an appointment next week. First time in 6 months... I’m worried about having to wear proper clothes! I love my high waisted active wear. I do exercise a lot more but as I’m always ready to go but I also eat more than I should now.

My Levi jeans in the 80s were the reason I never had to diet. There was no way I was not going to fit in them. Not only were they too expensive for me they had the waist size on the outside label. My stretchy jeans from Sainsbury’s have a few stones give in them.

It depends on the lycra I think.

Putting on a leotard definitely tells me whether I've put weight on!

It’s depression and self hatred that have made me fat, @MacDuffsMuff - Lycra just means I don’t have to be naked - which would be horrible for everyone who had to see me!

I have my mils belt that she wore when she was a nurse and it's really tiny.
Uniforms in general are big and baggy now.
Even jeans have a lot of stretch in them.

@likeamillpond

I have my mils belt that she wore when she was a nurse and it's really tiny. Uniforms in general are big and baggy now. Even jeans have a lot of stretch in them.

That's funny you say that - my sister has been a nurse for 35 years and tries her first belt on every weekend to see if it's getting 'snug'. It seems to have worked well for her. I should have been a nurse!

I think you’re onto something! I’ve been living in joggers bc lockdown, and I tried to put jeans on the other day - couldn’t do them up. Oh hell. Need to stop inhaling biscuits and toast all day long.

What?

People gain wait because they eat more than they need or medical reasons.

Yes! Jeans in the 70’s when I was a teen didn’t have Lycra. If you put on a bit of weight they would dig in and leave awful red marks and we couldn’t afford more.

YABU. My love of crisps and pastries are.why I put on weight

No one you can sue, but 'comfortable' clothing does make it easier, and wfh without work clothes probably helps.

I'm just thinking back to the 90s when I'd be cutting about in my leggings not realising that I was probably expanding by the second.

Like this?

That's so funny, I was only looking at my stretchy jeans today wondering why they all have elastane in them nowadays. They don't give you the same level of corsetry that my jeans in the 90s used to provide.

I remember me and my friends used to wear our "diet jeans" for a few days if we felt we were putting on a bit of weight. They were that bit tighter and put pressure on our stomach so we wouldn't feel like eating much 😁

“What?

People gain wait because they eat more than they need or medical reasons.”

Yes- op did put a lighthearted disclaimer

Well I exercise more easily in Lycra so YABU

I agree, stretchy clothes in general make it easy to bury your head in the sand and pretend to yourself you're not gaining weight.

All my weight goes straight onto my tummy and boobs, so if I was wearing a fitted waistband and a non-stretch blouse I would know straight away that I couldn't get into it. I do have those sorts of clothes for 'when I'm thin' but if I'm putting on weight I avoid wearing them and gravitate to stretchy or non-fitted clothes.

What?

People gain wait because they eat more than they need or medical reasons.

@LadyTiredWinterBottom2
Ah so I should have put 'lighthearted' in my OP after all. 😂