When you’re recovering from an eating disorder or healing after years of dieting and restriction, your body and mind begin to restore. Physical changes — like shifts in weight, shape, or muscle tone — are a sign that your body is receiving nourishment and functioning optimally.
These changes can feel emotional, especially when it comes to clothing. At NourishRX, we encourage you to remember: you are so much more than a body. Your wardrobe should honor your present self, not force you to fit into the past.
Here are 7 practical steps for buying new clothes after body changes to help you shop with confidence and self-compassion.
7 Steps for purchasing new clothes
make a plan
Before heading out, assess whether you’re ready to shop. Discuss strategies with your treatment team, including techniques to calm anxiety or challenge negative thoughts. Planning ahead ensures a smoother, less overwhelming experience.
make a list
Review your closet and create a shopping list. Include essentials like shirts, pants, underwear, bras, and socks.
Consider letting go of clothes that no longer fit or honor your current body. You can:
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Sell gently used items on Poshmark, ThredUp, or Facebook Marketplace
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Donate to local charities like Goodwill or Salvation Army
This step helps reduce overwhelm and makes shopping more intentional.
determine where to shop
You don’t need a full wardrobe in one day. Start with one or two stores you trust or try online shopping if in-person feels triggering.
Tips for online shopping:
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Read customer reviews for fit guidance
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Consider ordering 1–2 sizes to try at home, returning what doesn’t work
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Check inclusive sizing options on resale sites like ThredUp or fashion services like Dia & Co
- Some of our favorite brands or options we've also included here.
shop for comfort
Fashion is fun, but comfort is key to confidence. Keep in mind:
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Sizes vary by brand — focus on fit and feel, not the number
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Ask yourself: “Does this feel comfortable?” or “Do I feel good moving in it?”
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Choose materials that feel soft and supportive
bring support
Shopping can be triggering. If you're going in person, bring someone who understands your recovery journey. Explain any signs they should watch for and how to support you if anxiety rises.
plan a snack
Fuel your body while shopping. Skipping meals can cause irritability or low energy. Bringing a snack helps you:
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Maintain focus
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Reduce fatigue
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Pause to review what you’ve already bought and what’s left on your list
give yourself grace
Remember, you don’t need to buy everything at once. Pace yourself and aim for achievable goals. If one shopping trip feels overwhelming, it’s okay to take a break and return another day.
As your body changes, notice how you talk to yourself and describe your body. Consider discussing these reflections with your treatment team to cultivate compassion and support your recovery journey.
Here at NourishRX we want to support you wherever you are in your journey. Drop us a line or consider one of our virtual coaching services to help move towards a more peaceful relationship with food and your body. This is hard work, and you are doing great!
A Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of experience in the treatment of eating disorders, Ryann Hilton is a passionate advocate for helping individuals heal their relationships with food. She holds a degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Simmons University and is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-Consultant (CEDS-C) through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). She is deeply committed to using evidence-based approaches to offer practical support that reduces overwhelm and fosters long-term healing.
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