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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to ask for non-judgy advice? Buying clothes for obese DD

207 replies

christmassedout · 27/12/2022 18:13

DD8 is very overweight. We are aware and trying to tackle it.

I'm really struggling to find clothes that fit her. She needs age 9-10 for the length as she's also tall. Her belly is currently huge and out of proportion with the rest of her :( Age 9-10 jeans won't button up, but if I go up a few sizes to fit around the belly, they'll be too long and too big in the thighs, bum etc. She says elastic waistbands dig in and are too uncomfortable. Tops are less of an issue as she can just wear things very oversized, but I would like her to have some clothes that actually fit her properly.

Parents of overweight children, how do you find clothes to fit them?

OP posts:
Garman · 27/12/2022 18:38

It sounds like you'll surely have to get clothes altered if her belly is so out of proportion with the rest of her.

christmassedout · 27/12/2022 18:38

Next plus fit leggings etc used to be great, they don't fit her atm :( definitely a wakeup call

OP posts:
Thehop · 27/12/2022 18:40

Tunic tops, jersey swing dresses and leggings? X

Pumperthepumper · 27/12/2022 18:42

I would avoid trousers and stick with age 11-ish skirts and tights. Also keep it simple with baggy cardigans over the top.

Blueberrypeapod · 27/12/2022 18:42

We had an overweight DS and bought lots of second-hand Boden clothes as they tended to be more generous. How about leggings (can be rolled up), tunics, pinafore dresses that can mixed with long cardigans, trendy DMs and funky laces. Concentrate on eye catching boots/shoes & accessories such as scarfs, snoods, statement brooches.

Morninmornin · 27/12/2022 18:43

My dd is also 8. I buy her leggings and jeggings in all different colours in a kids size 12 to 13. They are long in the leg I just roll them up abit and they look fine and she's comfortable.

christmassedout · 27/12/2022 18:48

The Tu range seems to be more generous than the Next plus one, that might fit.

Her thighs are actually on the slimmer side. So if I go up in legging sizes to get a bigger waistband they aren't just too long, they're really baggy in the legs.

OP posts:
keeprunning55 · 27/12/2022 18:48

Leggings from Primark as not see through-Adult sizes-they are long, but the waist is soft and you can just gently roll/ruffle up the bottoms.
Size up with the children’s clothing, probably a few sizes. Try them on at home and return the ones that don’t fit. Much easier to do at home than in the shops.

Oysterbabe · 27/12/2022 18:49

Blueberrypeapod · 27/12/2022 18:42

We had an overweight DS and bought lots of second-hand Boden clothes as they tended to be more generous. How about leggings (can be rolled up), tunics, pinafore dresses that can mixed with long cardigans, trendy DMs and funky laces. Concentrate on eye catching boots/shoes & accessories such as scarfs, snoods, statement brooches.

Eye catching scarves and statement brooches for an 8 year old?

Blueberrypeapod · 27/12/2022 18:51

Sorry, just reread your post and you were asking more where to get stuff rather than styles.
So, Boden, Frugi (I bought it all secondhand), and I’m not sure if Lucy & Yak do children’s clothes but the smallest sizes may work - they do the lovely baggy dungarees in funky designs.
I remember well trying to find nice clothes for DS x

NinjaWarriorCooker · 27/12/2022 18:51

NoSquirrels · 27/12/2022 18:21

Can you get the length etc altered on one’s that fit at the waist. Jeans are never the easiest clothing item to get a good fit on anyway, so maybe just give them a swerve for now?

Coming on to say this

Zedcarz · 27/12/2022 18:53

SOz just seen your post above mine ref women's sizes.
What style of clothes does your dd like or want?
Has she got a mood board/ clothes / style wishlist? That would be a really nice activity together and never too early to look at working out her best colours to help her to find things that really flatter her.

Most kids now just want sports casual stuff. Joggers etc are way more forgiving, cargo pants are right in fashion at the moment for kids and with a nice tee and hoodie she'll be comfortable, in style and not have concerns about dresses stretching over tummy.

If she wants dresses then look at sweatshirt style dresses, again, forgiving, comfy and look great with leggings or tights and trainers. (Not knitted jumper dresses, too clingy across tummy, I speak from experience)

And t shirt style dresses for summer, nice track top jacket or hoody v fashionable, h&m or other store basic tube skirt with sweatshirt loose over waistband

Party type dresses look horrible on kids over the age of about 7 anyway. if she's conscious of her shape then she will feel crap in them and look ungainly. Bless her.

I know you havent asked for tips re weightloss but I have disabilities so really struggle with we, Does she have a sport or enjoy swimming?
swimming is a fun low impact exercise you could do together, make it fun for her without ever mentioning weight or exercise.

A friends child was having difficulty with weight, and really couldnt curb his eating.
I don't think it'd helpful for kids to 'diet' it can set them up for a life of disordered eating and yoyo weight changes.
his mum drove him everywhere but after lockdown couldn't manage work and school run so got him a bike, the weight fell off in no time and has never gone back on.
granted he's a bit older but your dd is young enough for you to suppport by stealth.. scooting, cycling or skateboarding is great fun, and regular walks, borrow a dog if you don't have one, but don't make it about weight, just about fun and give lots of praise and by the summer she'll be buying clothes for her age wherever she wants

MolliciousIntent · 27/12/2022 18:53

God that's horrific, your poor DD, she must feel awful. I think your best bet is to have clothes made.

Blueberrypeapod · 27/12/2022 18:53

Oysterbabe · 27/12/2022 18:49

Eye catching scarves and statement brooches for an 8 year old?

Just a bit of fun - it doesn’t matter on the size and kids love a bit of dressing up (not in an adult way)

christmassedout · 27/12/2022 18:53

She's not bothered about statement accessories. She just wants to wear clothes like her friends.

We have a few special occasions coming up next year I probably do need to look into getting her a dress made or adjusted for. We are trying to do something about her weight.

OP posts:
Pumperthepumper · 27/12/2022 18:54

Long hoodies might be a good lookout then, if you can generally find leggings to fit - H&M and Matalan have a good range. I’d also invest in Dr Martens or converse, they go with everything and they look cool.

Glittersparkle76 · 27/12/2022 18:55

My DD is 9 and I buy her clothing from Petite ranges in shops/online.Luckily,she hates jeans so only wears leggings,joggers or skirts.She had a lovely denim dress from boohoo petite,as well as coats,t-shirts and tops (it's harder to find age appropriate tops but t shirts and jumpers are easier to find).

thelobsterquadrille · 27/12/2022 18:55

Tunic dresses or skater-style dresses are loose around the waist - plus maybe Snag tights or something underneath? You can get them in all sorts of sizes, lengths and colours.

MerryChristmasToYou · 27/12/2022 18:56

Could you get harem pants or joggers with yoga pants-style rollover top, in an extra small adult size or capri/cropped length so they're not overlong on her?

Like these

Brunilde · 27/12/2022 18:56

If. You want them to fit properly buy bigger and go to a good seamstress to get them altered. I'd get a couple of really nice Outfits that she could wear when out with friends and get them altered. Then buy some leggings/loose tops etc for round the house that don't matter as much.

AmazonPrim · 27/12/2022 18:57

BlueSuedeBoobs · 27/12/2022 18:32

vertbaudet do varying hip widths which could help with buying trousers - I have the opposite problem trying to buy for a skinny child. Their trousers are lovely quality would recommend if you think the wide hip trouser fit would work.

I also came on to suggest Vertbaudet

MerryChristmasToYou · 27/12/2022 18:59

These come in shorter leg and in uk 4-6

Boooooot · 27/12/2022 19:01

New look have a teen range that my 8 year old fits into and she is quite small so might be worth looking there and sizing up a bit?

So lovely to see Aibu like this with no horrible nasty comments

AmazonPrim · 27/12/2022 19:01

Blueberrypeapod · 27/12/2022 18:42

We had an overweight DS and bought lots of second-hand Boden clothes as they tended to be more generous. How about leggings (can be rolled up), tunics, pinafore dresses that can mixed with long cardigans, trendy DMs and funky laces. Concentrate on eye catching boots/shoes & accessories such as scarfs, snoods, statement brooches.

Scarfs and statement brooches for an 8 year old? Styled by Susie is that you!?!? 😆

AnotherCleftMum · 27/12/2022 19:01

christmassedout · 27/12/2022 18:53

She's not bothered about statement accessories. She just wants to wear clothes like her friends.

We have a few special occasions coming up next year I probably do need to look into getting her a dress made or adjusted for. We are trying to do something about her weight.

What sort of clothes does she like and what do her friends wear?

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