Size 20 Trafford Centre

[GloGirl]

I lost 2 stone in the tail end of last year and today for the first time in years I dared to go into a normal clothes shop and try on normal clothes. I used to need to shop at plus size stores.

I'm just sneaking into a normal clothes range. I was reading that Next has pretty generous sizing which is why I thought I'd try it today! I'm wearing a size 20 jeggings in this picture. I didn't buy them as they didn't suit but I was just so pleased to get into them I cried

Need to get a few new bits of clothing as everything is very loose but totally new to shopping normally. I'd like to go this weekend, if anyone has any suggestions of what shops would work well I'd really appreciate it.

Looking though clothes rails over and over and finding nothing in a large enough size really puts me off shopping. I don't want to try a store that does carry size 22 but only on 2 items and makes me rifle through all the lovely clothes I'm not allowed to wear before finding them.

I just want to capitalise on this good feeling. I have more weight loss to go and this is a new motivator for me!

I think New Look used to have a range of size 20+. Not sure if they still do it. Well done on the weight loss

I've used the Debenhams personal shopper before. It's great because they go and grab clothes for you, off the shop floor or out back. You tell them a budget and what you like. They will go fetch more clothes 2-3 times until they get it right.

I felt under no pressure to buy, but if you do they don't make you queue up either. You do need to make an appointment but can do it online, if I remember correctly.

I lost a lot of weight and totally get where you're coming from. Hope you enjoy your shopping trip!

New Look has the Inspire range which starts at about 16 or 18.

Dorothy Perkins goes up to a size 20 as do Top Shop and River Island.

I was going to suggest Dorothy Perkins too as they go up to the bigger sizes and their sizes are normally quite generous.

No advice on shops but just had to say congrats and enjoy! I'm hoping to be where you are soon so it's fab to hear other people have achieved it.

Good for you! You look much smaller than a 20 in that pic 😊

The Dorothy Perkins in the Trafford centre is really good. It's seems to have a really good range of styles in all sizes. Better than any other I've been to imo.

John Lewis has quite a few ranges in bigger sizes and there's also M&S down that end. At the Debenhams end there's Next and Monsoon which has some lovely things too.

Congratulations on your weight loss and happy shopping!

Sorry just noticed you're still losing weight. Maybe if these clothes are only a stop gap and you want to go cheap and cheerful, can I recommend the supermarkets? Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco all go up to a 22 and you can find some surprisingly nice things. There's a huge Asda opposite the Trafford Centre (sorry if you're after a treat/money is no object - just a suggestion!)

Thanks all! Yes I already shop at Asda for clothes so I'll continue to get most of my wardrobe. I did just want one or two nice things to wear whilst I transition as well.

I'll have a look in DP! And might be brave and try a couple of the others mentioned as well thanks all

Just wanted to add my congratulations on your weight loss. You do look smaller than a size 20. You've a really nice shape. Have fun on your shopping trip.