The Hidden Dangers of Buying Clothes with an Eating Disorder
Shopping for clothes might seem like an ordinary activity, but for someone with an eating disorder (ED), it can be a highly triggering and distressing experience. Clothing sizes, body image concerns, and self-judgment can make shopping feel overwhelming, potentially leading to emotional distress, disordered behaviors, or self-comparison spirals.
Why Buying Clothes Can Be Dangerous for Someone with an ED
Common Triggers in Clothes Shopping for ED Recovery:
· Size Anxiety & Body Dysmorphia
o Sizes vary wildly between brands
§ You might fit into one size in one store and a completely different size in another
o Seeing a larger size than expected can trigger restrictive behaviors, purging, or body-checking habits
· Dressing Room Distress
o Unflattering lighting, mirrors, and tight spaces make many people feel uncomfortable—for someone with an ED, it can magnify body dysmorphia
o Trying on clothes can trigger self-criticism, body-checking, or compulsive comparison to past body sizes
· Fear of Weight Changes in Recovery
o If you’re in recovery from restriction, weight restoration is necessary—but shopping for new clothes can make this feel “too real.”
o The thought of “outgrowing” previous clothing sizes can cause anxiety, shame, or relapse urges
· Impulse Shopping to “Fix” Body Image
o Buying oversized clothes to “hide” your body or tight clothes as “motivation” to lose weight can reinforce disordered thinking
o Shopping may be used as a coping mechanism for ED-related emotions, leading to financial stress or regret
· Comparison & Diet Culture Messaging
o Fashion trends often cater to thin body ideals, making it easy to compare your body to mannequins, models, or influencers
o Fit influencers & weight-focused ads can push the idea that you need to change your body to wear certain styles
Shopping for clothes can bring up deep insecurities and ED triggers—being mindful of these risks can help prevent distress.
Common Unhealthy Shopping Habits in Eating Disorders
· Buying Clothes in a Smaller Size as “Motivation”
o Keeping clothes that are too small as a goal reinforces restriction and body dissatisfaction
o Recovery Reminder: Your worth isn’t determined by a number on a clothing tag
· Avoiding Shopping Completely Due to Body Image Fears
o Feeling too anxious to shop for needed clothes can lead to isolation and self-neglect
o Recovery Reminder: You deserve to feel comfortable in clothes that fit your current body
· Compulsively Trying on Clothes at Home
o Frequently trying on clothes to check for weight changes can become an obsessive eating behavior
o Recovery Reminder: Body changes are natural—constant checking won’t bring peace
· Only Buying Oversized Clothes to Hide Your Body
o While comfort is important, hiding in baggy clothes out of fear can reinforce ED avoidance
o Recovery Reminder: It’s okay to wear clothes that fit and celebrate your body as it is now
· Buying Too Many Clothes in an Attempt to “Fix” Body Image
o Some people shop compulsively when they feel bad about their body, hoping new outfits will make them feel better
o Recovery Reminder: Confidence comes from within, not from a shopping bag
o Shopping behaviors can be influenced by disordered thoughts—recognizing these patterns can help you break free from them.
How to Make Clothes Shopping Less Triggering
· Go in with a Plan (and a Support System!)
o Write down what you actually need so you don’t impulse shop based on emotions
o Bring a trusted friend or family member who can offer positive reassurance
o Set a time limit to avoid getting overwhelmed
· Focus on Fit, Not the Size Label
o Sizes vary between brands—cut the tag off if the number bothers you
o Choose clothes that feel good on your body TODAY, not based on past or “goal” sizes
o If a size is different than expected, remind yourself that your body is not the problem—the clothes are!
· Shop in Recovery-Friendly Ways
o If dressing rooms are stressful, try online shopping where you can try items at home
o Buy from body-positive brands that focus on inclusivity
o Take breaks if you feel overwhelmed—shopping isn’t a race
· Challenge Negative Thoughts in the Moment
o “I shouldn’t need this size.” → Clothing sizes are inconsistent and don’t define me
o “I hate how I look in everything.” → This is body dysmorphia talking—I deserve clothes that fit
o “I’ll just buy this smaller size and work toward fitting into it.” → I deserve clothes that fit my body, not a fantasy version of me
Make Shopping About Self-Care, Not Punishment
· Choose clothes that make you feel like YOU, not what you “should” wear
· Try on fun colors, textures, or patterns that bring joy
· Remember: You deserve to feel comfortable and confident at any size
· Shopping can be a self-care experience when done with self-compassion and a recovery mindset
When to Take a Break from Clothes Shopping
· It’s okay to step back if shopping is causing:
ED urges (restriction, purging, overexercise, body-checking)
· Extreme distress, panic, or self-hate
· Impulse spending or buying “goal clothes.”
· Avoidance of needed clothing due to fear of size changes
· Instead, focus on recovery first—shopping will be much easier when your mindset is stronger
Summary: How to Make Clothes Shopping Recovery-Friendly
· Be mindful of ED triggers—size labels, dressing rooms, and social comparisons
· Avoid buying clothes that reinforce ED behaviors (too small, overly baggy, or “goal” sizes)
· Go shopping with support & focus on comfort over trends
· Challenge negative self-talk and body-checking behaviors
· Take breaks if shopping feels overwhelming—your mental health matters more than any outfit
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or crisis intervention service immediately.
