How to Choose Clothes for Overweight Girls

When I was eight years old, back in 1972, I was put on a diet by a doctor. I weighed 100 pounds. I heard all the fat girl names from' schoolmates, 'tubby' 'whale-o' 'blubber' , plus even some that were probably original. I will say this for 70's kids, they took some pains to be creative in their name -calling: 'lardo': pretty inventive for the oleo-margarine generation.

Back then there was no subtlety from clothing manufacturers either. My sizes were called 14C or H (C stood for Chubby and H for Husky). And these were 70's people who were not on acid. Of course my best friend was very slender. I used to wonder why 12S on her clothes stood for slim or slender and not skinny or scrawny? You know how words sound like what they mean? Chubby sounds, well, chubby; it reminds me of hippos and walruses and other blubber-coated animals. And slim or slender, just the alliteration along is lovely, almost poetic. And what do we think of? Gazelles, fawns, acrobatic woodland creatures. Why don't we think of the obvious one: snake?

But I don't want to generate rude metaphors for slender people. I want to share some ideas for dress styles and clothing options for girls who are heavier. We'll look at accessories, hair and skin also. Here are 15 trade secrets that I have culled from stylists, fashion designers, models and other fashionistas. These tips can be used in any price range or budget.

Don't choose shapeless baggy clothes; sweatpants are for exercise, not for school. They are not flattering.

Don't choose styles that have narrowly cut arms, necklines, tight inflexible waistlines, legs (like jeans can have) or anything that is too form fitting. etc. These are very uncomfortable, itchy and can cut off circulation.

Do choose pants, shorts and skirts which have some elastic at the back but which button and zip in the front.

Do choose jeans with the 'stretch' label. These look just like regular jeans but they are cotton blended with a spandex or Lycra component. These jeans are labeled 'stretch' and are very comfortable. They feature the tailored fit of other denim.

Do choose jeans, like Target's Circo brand which have built in elastic which can be adjusted by pulling it tighter or looser and buttoning it in place on the inner waistband. Nothing shows on the outside.

Do choose clothes that are comfortable and fit well.

Do encourage her to use powder and deodorant to help with perspiration.

Don't dress larger girls in women's styles. Even if you have trouble finding girls clothing for her in her size, don't give her women's styles to wear.

Do check stores like Old Navy for larger sizes of stylish clothing. Even if she can't wear the girls sizes, Old Navy's womens' clothing is cute and fashionable.

Don't go wide, go long on the blouses. The princess or empire waisted blouses( cinched or gathered slightly under the breast area) look very nice on girls with more stomach. V-necked shirts that look like they cross like a robe are very flattering as well.

Do choose blouses, tops, tee-shirts and sweaters that are cut longer, to fit down over a larger tummy or bottom. Fashion Bug (some of which carry girls' clothing) Old Navy, Hollister and most other stores now feature these longer tops.

Don't purchase straight leg jeans or pants for girls who are heavy or who have short legs. Straight leg pants emphasize heavy legs.

Do choose pants, jeans and slacks with fitted thighs and a slight flair at the bottom.

Don't make your child wear longer skirts, below the knee. These look dumpy and out-of-date.

Do choose shirts with hemlines that stop slightly above the knee. The plaid 'school-girl' style is very attractive.

Don't choose mini-skirts. They are not comfortable. Mini-skirts can cause embarrassing situations.

Do select skirts with shorts built in, called skorts. Skorts are available in denim, twill and knits. Many stores now carry them. These are a perfect alternative for skirts. Girls can play comfortably in skorts also.

Don't make your child wear heavy clothing that will overheat them. Avoid velvets, wool and other bulky knits. Even in the winter, schools can be very warm.

Do show your daughter how to layer the clothes and send a jacket or sweater that can be worn in class if necessary.

Do choose soft breathable tee-shirt style fabrics.

Don't buy tights or pantyhose for school. Tights can be itchy, warm and can cause heat rash, especially behind the knees.

Do choose socks in a variety of lengths: knee socks, calf high and anklets so she can learn to choose which will be most comfortable.

Do try the style in which a shorter dress or skirt is worn with leggings that come to the thigh or knee, underneath. I saw a very heavy girl in church wearing this style and she looked wonderful.

Don't wear either flat shoes or very high heels. This is not just for fashion but for comfort and foot, leg and back care.

Do choose footwear with a slight lift in the heel. If the toe is elevated then the heel should be elfoot, legbout an inch or so more. Sketchers are a favorite brand of mine for girls shoes. Sketchers can be found at Meijer, Kohl's and JC. Penney. Payless, Wal-Mart and Meijer in our area sell comfortable reasonably priced girls shoes.

Do choose shoes, sandals and boots labeled 'flex' or 'flexible' sole. If shoes aren't labeled, grasp the shoe in both hands and try to bend it back and forth. A flexible sole will move back and forth freely. These shoes are very comfortable.

Do try to shop in stores with lots of attractive choices in larger sizes. Shopping for an overweight child is painful enough, so try to make it as pleasant as possible.

Know that being overweight in elementary school does not always mean overweight in later years. I graduated from high school at 5' 4" and 115#. Check out the picture I've attached. This is our daughter now, who was overweight and had crooked teeth in elementary school. Love your kids as they are.