For countless women, the experience of trying on clothes can feel like a true nightmare. Something about those dressing room mirrors has the power to transform a confident woman into a bundle of insecurities. Fortunately, a mom from one of our favorite parenting Facebook communities is shedding light on why shopping is such a frustrating endeavor.
Jessica Taylor, a member of the comedy team behind IMomSoHard, recently shared a candid post on Facebook. She posted a picture of herself in pants, despite initially going out to shop for dresses. “Shopping is awful. I had to try on dresses today and nothing fit. It’s the most discouraging feeling!” she expressed.
It truly is the worst. One moment, you might feel like a ray of sunshine, and then you step into a dressing room and suddenly your self-esteem takes a nosedive. Those harsh fluorescent lights? They can go away for good.
Jessica elaborated, “I’m not large. I’m not tiny. I’m a size 10 (or an 8 at certain stores), and most of it’s around my midsection because I had kids.” This resonates with many of us. It’s baffling to be a size 16 at one store but a “small” in another brand. Why can’t retailers collaborate on a universal sizing chart?
Then there’s the problem of our midsections. The stubborn pooch that seems to linger post-baby, no matter how much we hit the gym.
“I exercise. I lift weights and I’m strong. Yet those dresses made me feel weak, awkward, and lumpy, which, to be honest, I kinda am,” she shared.
Let’s face it: no amount of “side bends and crunches,” as a popular song puts it, will eliminate that middle. It’s like it’s glued on, especially if you’re not a celebrity with a personal trainer or someone whose job revolves around fitness—which, for most moms, it isn’t.
As expected, Jessica received an outpouring of support from fellow moms in the comments who shared their own clothing struggles. This isn’t the first time the IMomSoHard women have tackled the frustrating reality of women’s fashion. They have humorously addressed the discomfort of wearing Spanx—those contraptions that feel like you’re squeezing into a sausage skin—and have perfectly articulated why bathing suits can be total nonsense.
These women are committed to authenticity, sharing the ups and downs of womanhood and motherhood. They voice the absurdities we all face, but ultimately remind us of what truly matters in life.
Jessica concluded her post by saying that, despite the torture of trying on clothes, it pales in comparison to the joy of what awaits her at home. “When I got back, I looked at photos of my kids, savored the aroma of chicken simmering on the stove, and poured myself a glass of wine. Because in the end, it’s just a dress. And honestly, I look better in pants anyway.”
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In summary, Jessica’s heartfelt post captures the chaos and frustration of clothing shopping for women, while also emphasizing the beauty of motherhood and the joy found in family life.