I realize all of us put our weight on differently but
most of I imagine are untoned unless we are very
active and/or close to goals.

Recently looking through an online apparels site, I couldn't
help but notice how many cuts, styles and fabrics cling
or enhance midriff and other common trouble areas.
I was thinking maybe they should market to tone vs
untone ladies. I mean it can be downright depressing to
see these looks on someone who can look fine, yet find
it just won't work ATM for you (general'you').
Even some fitness apparel is absolutely hideous for some
of us who are more soft, the fabric is see through or
clingy and it can add a frustration or anxiety if we don't feel
we look right in particular clothing. Just my recent
thought on shopping apparel whilst not *at goal*.

I do quite a bit of online shopping and you do have to be careful. I study the pictures really good and try to determine the quality of the fabric, and it's not always possible. It seems lately, fabric has gotten so thin! In turn, it shows every lump & bump I have. I'm in the habit now of wearing a tank top or some light shapewear under my tops.

As for the way it looks on the models, I think you have to keep in mind that in order to get you interested in buying something they are going to make it look as good as possible. After a while you get a feel for what will work for you vs what won't work. If it really doesn't look good on you it can always be returned.

It used to be fun shopping apparel-2 sizes ago. ATP it's like walking landmines.

I might try the tank top under approachas you do,Wisertime. I think it's sad though, that'san additional cost that the market place has snuck in to take advantage of us who might be less lean.

There'sa particular fabricI alwaysfall for but every time,
failure.

Vent: Everything, everything is too short to hide my gut. Why does everything just hit the waist???

You may have a long torso. For years I had no idea about this, and wondered the same thing- why are shirts always too short on me? They'd come just to my waist and if I raised my arms at all, my stomach would show! Turns out I have a 21" torso, and the average woman has a 15-17" torso. So I'm significantly longer in my body than most women. I started buying my shirts from Duluth Trading Company because they make them longer. Or look for "tunic" length shirts with other companies, such as Lands End.

Angie:
I hear ya. Trends (current cuts) aren't friendly to us.

Also what Dee said makes sense. I too am longer torso. It's wonderful when not carrying any excess but apparel hits the wrong place if everything isn't just right. Does the place ypu shop at offer a tall section? That might work out if th

EagleRiverDee & Desire2b -- I'm going to check that out for sure. I do tend towards tunic-length tops, I just get frustrated sometimes, especially with t-shirts, but maybe I'll find something that fits betterat a tall girl store if my torso is longer than average.

I strongly recommend Duluth Trading Company- they have some really nice t-shirts and they come longer. I can raise my arms above my head and my stomach does not show! And I adore their "no yank tanks"- tank tops that don't creep up constantly!

My weight is all above my hips, so it's difficult to find jeans that fit my waist, but don't bag at the hips and bum. I really do have to go in the shops and try jeans on. I did find a style of jeans locally that fit okay, and they are real jeans with just a bit of stretch. I have bought some Nygard Slims and they work, but they have no pockets and they're kind of mumsy looking, definitely not actual denim.

EagleRiverDee: I'll check that site too.
thx for sharing it!I like that name"no yank tanks".

Tortie: Is it mostly a cut issue with you or the amount of fabric blends in your jeans, pants? Hopefully there's a pair out there made for you.

With these 2 stores you can shop for tops by length if you'd like. They offer loads of sales and it's easy to return/exchange! I love their stretch jean material & cotton leggings & their tops. I'm unable to post links, so just add the usual 3 letters at the beginning & ends of these names

womanwithin

roamans


I also love shopping for "Fresh Produce" plus-sized tunic tops on ebay. They are long, feminine & lots of color combinations.

Long torso here! I also recommend Eddie Bauer or lands end to look at in regards to tall (long) shirt sizing. If you can catch a sale or coupon code it helps stretch the budget. I hear you all to on the cut and styles - not only my belly, but I’ve got broad shoulders and heavier upper arms so I struggle with finding cuts that don’t strangle my arms or allow me to move without feeling like the Incredible Hulk as he’s changing from dr. banner!

Also I loathe the cheapness of fabrics with a big price. Those are some of the things that drive me bonkers shopping online and then throw in print size of fabric and we’ll, I can have the perfect storm.

Maybe everything is cut for short torso! I also have a long torso and did when I was thin as well. I wind up buying men's shirts a lot at least in t shirts, opting for v necks which are not as "manly" looking and the longer sleeves also cover my bat wings (another complaint) ... Once I get to the next size I will be ordering some from woman within I have ordered some things from them already.