The Fat Girl's Guide to Living

Skip the frills — give us inexpensive tennis apparel that fits
(image by Hannahblu59)

Hi, do you have any advice on plus-size tennis apparel?  I’ve looked at Junonia but their selection is very limited — and expensive!

It’s true that while Junonia offers a good selection of active apparel designed for plus-sized women — including a collection of QuikWik® tennis gear — their pieces don’t come cheap. My thoughts on Junonia are twofold: First, some of the pricing reflects the old “fat-girl clothes cost more” method that keeps us muttering under our breath every time we whip out our Visa. Second, I have to give it to Junonia: their clothes are well-made and long-lasting. I’m not a tennis player (unless you count Wii Sports, and even then . . . I’m not a tennis player), but all of the active wear I’ve purchased and worn from the company held up long enough for me to wear it to death. While overpricing plus-sized clothes still makes me angry, my experience with Junonia apparel tends to follow the “you get what you pay for” adage.

Turns out, the high cost/few options tennis clothing dilemma doesn’t just exist at Junonia. Plus-size pickings are slim when it comes to tennis shirts, skirts, dresses and shorties, and locating low-cost, plus-size tennis clothes is even more challenging. We found a decent selection of items in extended sizes (up to 3X/24W) at Tennis Hut, and we like the wide array of color choices they provide for most items. Overall, most of their prices came in 25-40% less than comparable Junonia pieces (their shorts and panty collection, in particular, was slightly larger and more reasonably priced). That said, we’re talking about skirts and tanks priced at $42 and $44 (on sale), respectively, as compared to their $59.95 counterparts. Tennis isn’t a cheap sport, but at least these prices are a bit lower.

Lower still: the prices at Ad In Tennis Apparel. We love that this online retailer not only offers active wear (including tennis tops and bottoms) in sizes up to 3X/24W, but they also offer free customization of inseam lengths, sleeve types and fabric choices. What a boon for us girls with longer- or shorter-than-average limbs! Be sure to measure carefully and double check your work before purchasing — custom orders are non-refundable.

Try to shop for sales; many online retailers (like MyTennisStore.com and Junonia’s own clearance section) will offer markdowns as seasons change or when only a few sizes remain in a particular style. Keep your eyes peeled and you might score deals like $51 skirts on sale for $29.99 (size 2X only). And whatever source you choose, make sure you’re still getting the proper fit and moisture protection you need to feel and perform at your best on the court.

Tennis-savvy readers: Help your fellow girls out and tell us which brands and retailers serve LOVE. (Sorry — couldn’t resist!)

Are these Shape-ups fat-girl friendly?

Dear FGG: I keep seeing ads for all these shoes that tone your body just by walking in them. Do they actually work? And are they safe for overweight women to wear? I’m afraid I’ll topple over!

Lately, it’s hard to miss commercials for either the new Sketchers Shape-ups or Reebok’s EasyTone fitness footwear. Although designed very differently, both are based on a similar concept (decreased stability is used to engage and challenge muscles) and are promoted as a faster way to achieve a toned butt and legs, while also losing weight. To test these claims, I trotted into two local shoe stores for some fat-girl field research, where I spoke with a shoe-fitting guru for scoop on whether these shoes live up to their hype.

Sketchers Shape-ups

Although you can purchase these puppies in every style from sandals to boots to standard athletic shoe, two different staff members at my local Lady Foot Locker assured me that the rocker technology on all the shoes was the same — a claim the Sketchers web site seems to reinforce. The signature curved, rocking-horse nature of each Shape-ups sole is designed to mimic the effect of walking on soft ground, where your heel sinks in and your muscles have to work to stabilize the body with each step. The unique design also gives the shoes a platform-like look and feel, adding a couple of inches to the wearer’s height.

After lacing up the black & white “Strength” models a clerk brought out at random for me to try (a design I’d actually consider owning — plus a name that matches my shoulder tattoo), I completed several laps around the store to get a feel for the shoes. Although I felt the “soft sand” comparison immediately, the shoes weren’t uncomfortable to wear; at no point did I feel as though I’d fall over — due to my weight or otherwise. Wearing them definitely forced me to pay attention to how I was walking, which likely affected my posture for the better. And whether it was just the increased emphasis on my stride or the actual science of the shoe, I did feel my calves working harder during the five minutes I tooled around the store.

Ultimately, although I remained curious about the Sketchers and would have loved to give them a lengthy, in-home test run, two things would likely keep me from purchasing them for myself. First, the price tag was steep–$110 for a pair of shoes I couldn’t see myself wearing everywhere due to their just-plain-weird profile. But more importantly, the shoes didn’t seem to offer any allowances for the way my feet behave when I walk. The straightforward arc on the shoe is made for people whose feet land 100% straight ahead and flush with every step, where some people (myself included) have feet that land at an outward angle, and others walk pigeon-toed. Additionally, I could occasionally feel my foot coming down along the outside edge of the sole as I strode, leaving me to wonder if I might at some point hyper-extend or turn my ankle in shoes designed to channel me into walking in a way that conflicted with my foot’s shape and natural tread.

Reebok EasyTone

Rather than an elevated rocking-horse arc on their soles, shoes in the Reebok EasyTone line instead employ what the company calls “balance pods” on the sole and heel to create instability. I took my questions about this shoe straight to an expert — longtime professional shoe fitter (and surname-phobic) José of family-owned and operated Murphy’s Fit shoe store and athletic wear in Evanston, IL. Settled in a comfy fitting chair (which moments earlier had been occupied by local nightly news anchor, Mark Suppelsa as he laced up new kicks), I asked José directly, “Are these types of shoes safe to wear, or will they make a person — especially an overweight person — feel too unstable?”

With a wry smile (I’m guessing he’s fielded this question often lately), José told me I’ve essentially answered my own question with just one key word: Unstable.

Using my own worn-out gym shoe to demonstrate, José walked me through his expert opinion on “toning” shoes: “Only eight percent of people will actually see any real benefit from these shoes,” he said, pausing to laugh at my stunned reaction. “Eight percent of people strike on the outside [of their foot] and stay on the side. They’re called ‘supinators.’ They tend to have a high arch and don’t require a lot of stability from their shoes because their feet never cave in when they walk.” As it turns out, because they keep their weight on the outside edges of their shoes — where the EasyTone balance pods meet regular sole — “they’re the only ones who would ever see ANY results from this shoe. For everyone else, it has the potential to be dangerous.”

Dangerous? Really? “Sixty percent of people strike in the back [of the foot] and roll through at least partially before their foot caves toward center,” said José. These are “pronators,” and I’m apparently one of them, although my feet don’t roll in until the very last minute. “The [EasyTone] shoe isn’t stable for pronators because of the placement of the [balance pod] ball. These people need stability when they walk so they don’t injure themselves.” The final 30% of walkers can be described as “over-pronators” who tend to have flatter feet and lower arches. According to José, these strides don’t strike at the back but instead roll inward immediately, thereby also requiring a shoe with stability. While there’s no “weight limit” on either type of shoe, the unstable feeling they create could be hazardous to anyone more prone to falling or turning an ankle — big girls included.

Ultimately, after trying out the Shape-ups and getting schooled on pronation statistics as they apply to EasyTone designs, I felt very comfortable with my final shoe purchase — a running shoe designed for pronators, complete with a 1/4″ instep wedge to provide stability for my “ballerina feet” (as José described them). While the flashy gimmicks and promises of faster/easier/better toning and weight loss may be alluring — and the shoes may actually work for some — don’t forget that tried-and-true fitness tips are tried-and-true for a reason. Have your feet professionally sized and your walk (also called ‘gait’) evaluated, then invest in a pair of shoes that  provide support where you need it. . . and use them — often!

Have you guinea-pigged a pair of toning shoes? Tell us why you love ‘em or loathe ‘em in comments.

A “just our size” bathtub is a worthy indulgence (image by LonnaS)

A few weeks ago, some friends were in town for a convention and I crashed (with blessings) their comped room at the Westin for a weekend staycation in downtown Chicago. The Westin prides itself on its “Heavenly” experiences; the bed and the shower are plush with luxury accessories to make your stay as relaxing as possible – and (my theory) to make your own digs back home feel completely inadequate when you inevitably return to them. For the shower, that means opulent dual shower heads and skin-perfect water pressure, but also fat-girl-friendly features like the arced curtain rod and spacious tub.

I think it was my third heavenly shower of the weekend that sold me on the idea of one day creating a bathtub situation that felt like it really fit me, rather than having to squish into a tub for bubble baths or just accept that shower curtains will be permanently glued to my hips. Unfortunately, I’m a (broke) renter with no divine bathing experience in my near future. But for our readers with the space and means to create their ideal bathing experience (or to seek it out in their next rental), we’ll share some of the best bathtub options for overweight women.

First, the function . . .

Before heaving stacks of cash into the first tub that gives you bubble bath envy, consider your specific needs. Are you an up-to-the-chin submersion soaker? Do you seek whirlpool jets for pampering and/or therapeutic reasons? Maybe bathing a deux with your partner (or future partner) is a must and you’d like a tub that comfortably accommodates both of you. Or, if the dream bathtub is also to be used by the whole family, you may need something that’s practical for children but also able to transform into a retreat for Mom when she (finally) gets a few moments to herself.

As plus-sized women living in a world that often seems designed to fit the slender, we grow accustomed to squeezing in where we might not fit and to settling for accommodations that are manageable, rather than ideal. Most of the time, we find ourselves satisfied just making do without standing out. Your bathroom can be a wonderful opportunity to create a space that fits you, rather than the other way around – so spend some time considering what your needs truly are and then begin researching the possibilities.

. . . Then the form

This is the fun part. Although standard rectangular bathtubs measure 60″ long and 30″ wide (most North American tubs default to depths of 14″ to 16″, while European tubs average 18″), the options for what size and shape you actually choose are limited only by your space constraints and your wallet. If you stick with a standard rectangle, tall women will likely covet the extra length provided by a 72″ tub and a higher depth in order to submerge more of themselves, while almost all plus-sized bathers would jump at the chance for hip room beyond those 30″. If space is tight in your bathroom, you could opt for the slightly roomier 36″ width; if not, go for a luxurious 42″.

For those with more space to play with, consider an oval whirlpool tub, a freestanding soaking tub, or even a two-seater. Models designed to fit into the corner of your bathroom are always more spacious width-wise, though you may lose some of the length. Similarly, many of the freestanding options that provide a deeper soak (24″ and up, compared to maybe a 20″ depth allowed by a whirlpool) don’t provide the extra width you get in a whirlpool or corner unit — models wider than 31″ are much more rare. If you carry much of your weight in your hips, butt and thighs, you’ll want to look toward tubs that don’t narrow at the ends or even those with an hourglass shape.

Be realistic when you’re choosing a tub depth and consider the height of the walls you’ll need to step over. No matter how much I may covet a chin-deep soak (champagne massage? Yes, please!), the idea of my short legs clambering over these walls with any regularity is a recipe for disaster. Before you commit to a purchase, walk a showroom and actually get in the tubs to try them out – discovering your dream tub doesn’t fit your bod is preferable in the showroom than your remodeled bathroom. Slouch, twist, turn and figure out how much space you have and whether the fit is right for you.

Tubs for every need

Heavier women with considerable mobility challenges (either sitting down fully in a bathtub or climbing over a bathtub wall) can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a relaxing tub bath by opting for a walk-in bathtub. These units feature a swinging door (specially constructed and sealed not to leak) that allows you to walk right into the bath, rather than climbing over a wall. Once inside, you settle in on a bathing seat that runs the width of the tub; the higher tub walls allow deep soaking even from this seated position. Some models include massage jets and hand-held shower heads, as well. Walk-ins are more expensive but potentially worth the investment if you’ve given up on baths for mobility reasons. Just be choosy and definitely road-test the model before you buy it — walk-in tubs tend to run much narrower than standard bathtubs, and an “extra-wide” model comes in at about 32″ wide.

Accessorize for comfort and safety

Depending on the bathtub configuration you’ve chosen — and an honest assessment of your agility and stability entering and exiting the tub — you may opt for some additional safety accessories to complete the bath. Although many of us think of grab bars as the domain of the elderly or the disabled, the truth is they can provide a safe and stable means for larger persons (or those with a limited range of motion) climb into/out of the bathtub. Think about it: standing up from a seated-flat position is challenging without something to grab as leverage. Isn’t it easier when a friend extends a hand to help you up? Think of the grab bars as the helping hand to hold while you step over the side of the tub (vertical bars) and lower yourself into or raise yourself out of the bath (fully horizontal bars work best here). Be sure to select bars sturdy enough to support your weight. And don’t opt for diagonal bars; although popular, they don’t provide the same stability and your hand(s) could easily slide down and throw you off balance.

As noted earlier, many models (especially walk-in tubs or those designed for special needs) will have a textured floor for increased traction and stability. If your preferred model doesn’t come with this feature as standard, consider an anti-slip treatment or install a safety gripping device so you don’t lose your balance climbing in or out, while contorting to shave your legs, or while showering.

Finally, for an affordable addition that will feel luxurious even if you’ve opted for a standard rectangular tub, consider a curved curtain rod like those now found in many hotels. They open the feel of your shower considerably and are easy to install. (Note: check to see if you’ll require a longer/wider curtain to accommodate the different dimensions.)

Whether your ideal bath/shower design lends it self to candlelit soaks or being filled to the hilt with rubber duckies, the returns on investing in a full-figured tub will pay off for years to come. With the busy lives we all lead, “me time” can be hard to come by — so make yours comfy while you make it count.

Got an over-sized or customized bathtub configuration in your home? Tell us which features you’d call “must-haves” or which ones you’d just love to try.

the weigh-in by I Don’t Know, Maybe?

Dear FGG: Are there any bathroom scales that are better for us big girls?”

Yes! If you caught the recent press onslaught for the Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale, which now provides users the option of broadcasting their stats via Twitter, your response may well have echoed that of my friend Stacey when she linked to this gem on Facebook: “Um, no, I don’t think so.” (I might have added a few other choice words there and concluded with “death first,” but Stacey likes to keep it classy.)

While bathroom scales can provide a reality check when used properly (i.e. for weekly weigh-ins, not after-every-meal obsessions), most of us probably don’t need our friends, family and the guy we sat next to in geometry class reading real-time updates of our weight fluctuations. In the interest of a down-to-earth approach to weight monitoring for those who seek it, we’ve compiled a few scale suggestions that accommodate higher weights and offer just the facts, ma’am.

Weight Watchers Glass Memory Precision Scale

Conair makes numerous Weight Watchers-branded models, but the WW43D provides a weight capacity of 380 pounds (the standard these days is 330), a wide (12.5″), stable platform and a large display for easy readability — all in a sleek and affordable ($40-$45) package. It tracks weight (including goals and progress) for four users, and reviewers rave about its consistently accurate readings, thanks to a leveling device that tells you when you’re standing squarely on the base. And don’t fear the “Weight Watchers” moniker; the company’s logo (two W’s and a swirl) is relatively subtle and doesn’t scream “plus-sized” or “Diet Girl.”

Tanita HD-351 Digital Weight Scale

The over-sized (19″H x 15″W) low-profile weighing base on the HD-351 ($65-$75) is a great match for girls with thick thighs or joint issues that prohibit placing feet close together on a standard scale. Better still, those weighing in at the high end of the scale’s 440-pound capacity report that it still feels sturdy and stable. Described by users as very consistent with its readings, this model gives the current and previous weight for as many as five users, delivered on an easy-to-read, two-line LCD display. This feature provides greater personalization, (tracking morning vs. evening weights, for example), though some more private users have been known to keep a “reset” gallon of water in the bathroom to weigh afterward — or to banish husbands from touching the scale altogether.

Seca 813 Robusta High Capacity Digital Floor Scale

Despite a weight limit of 440 pounds, you won’t find the word “robust” visible anywhere on this professional-quality, fat girl-friendly scale. Instead, users will appreciate the extra-wide (15″), low-profile weighing base, which is covered in non-slip black rubber and soft, raised circles to give feet extra traction. This is a pricier model ($115-$130), but users say the heavy-duty stability and thin, lightweight design is worth the expense. Be sure to switch the LCD setting to your preference of pounds or kilograms via the small switch on the scale’s bottom.

How do you choose to track your weight, if you choose to track your weight? Share your thoughts on basic vs. “bells and whistles” models in comments.

The cautionary tale of Wounded soldier by twodolla

As my college friends gathered this weekend to help celebrate my birthday (thanks again, guys!), we excitedly planned our get-togethers for the next several months: Birthdays. Weddings and babies. Pool parties. Camping. All of this outdoor fun brought to mind an age-old fat girl challenge:

Where can I find a portable chair that won’t fold like a bad poker hand when I sit down?

Many of us know the only thing worse than mentally assessing the hip room of every portable camping chair at an outdoor gathering is perching daintily upon a cheapie version and praying that the recommended weight allowance is accurate to the ounce. Actually, there is one thing worse: that horrible moment when dainty doesn’t cut it and said chair unceremoniously dumps its occupant onto her bottom. Ladies, I have heard the sickening CRACK! of a breaking chair, and my goal today is to help ensure none of our readers ever has to do the same. So if you’re an outdoorsy girl seeking comfort, stability, and subtle design (read: NOT the chair equivalent of a muumuu), try taking a load off in one of these tush-friendly finds.

If possible, test Goldilocks-style until you locate “just right.”

Obviously, the best option is to check out your prospective chair using your body’s own specific dimensions. Fold & unfold the chair, try sitting in various positions (fully reclined, leaning forward, legs crossed or propped up, etc.), and stand up using the armrests as leverage. Pay attention to whether the armrests’ support bars or their grommets pinch or dig into your thighs; when they’re iffy after a five-minute test run, imagine how uncomfortable you’ll feel during an evening in front of a bonfire. Overall, look for a chair that feels stable no matter how you sit. And don’t forget to pack it back into its carrying case and try hefting it before you purchase — folding camp chairs shouldn’t be a “team lift” item.

Coleman makes several models that should accommodate plus-sized users without drawing attention to them, such as the Coleman Elite Cooler Quad Chair ($34.99, Target), which lists a weight limit of 325 pounds and features a cooler built into the armrest (brilliant!). You could also try settling into the Coleman Lumbar Chair ($21.88, Wal-Mart), which offers extra lumbar support and a weight limit of 350 pounds, or REI’s Comfort Recliner Chair ($59.50), with a 325-pound capacity and a seat back angle that invites you to prop your feet up and get comfy. The highest weight rating we found during a search of major retailers was the Coleman Max Sling Chair ($26.88, Wal-Mart), which accommodates 400 pounds. Unfortunately, the downside to in-person shopping is that selection may be limited; individual store locations may not carry these heavy-duty models, or may have just a small quantity or selection in stock.

If you can’t try it yourself, read specs & reviews carefully.

If you’re willing to gamble a bit with ordering online, the seating possibilities are almost endless — just be sure to research carefully and read any available customer reviews. Remember that it’s not just the weight capacity of a chair you need to assess, but its seat width and how the armrest support bars are positioned, as well. And to reduce the likelihood of chair legs sinking into soft ground, opt for models with wider “feet” at the end of each chair leg.

Online sellers offering robust chairs range from well-known retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods to LivingXL (which offers plus-sized products in many categories) to niche sites like Koolest Products, notable for a wealth of “extreme” merchandise. We liked the unassuming nature of the powder blue, heavy-duty Quik Chair from Dick’s, which subtly and inexpensively ($24.99!) seats users weighing 500 pounds. LivingXL offers a similar model with a few color choices and a higher price tag ($49.99), as well as the largest portable chair on the market — a 1,000-pound capacity model with 30-inch-wide quilted seat ($99.95, or $139.95 for the canopied version).

For truly indulgent R&R, go for the bells and whistles.

With a capacity of 400 pounds, LivingXL’s Suntracker® Swivel Chair ($169.95) rotates a full 360 degrees and includes a built-in sun visor. And the aptly named MaXXDaddy Monster Folding Chair ($149.99, Koolest Products) boasts two cup holders, a magazine pouch, a detachable/adjustable footrest and a pillowed headrest that cushions your noggin, hammock-style. All this, and it accommodates 800 pounds in an extra-wide, 25-inch seat, to boot. A friend purchased this chair (in purple) a few years back, and lo, it was good! At one point, I believe he considered ditching his couch and replacing it with a fleet of these puppies. The only downside was the rather prominent MaXXDaddy logo. . .  and the stampede that ensued whenever my friend vacated his seat for a beer run. With comfort that legendary, though, you may not want to leave your new chair, either.

Tried one of the chairs we mentioned? Want to share your experiences with a different model? Tell us in comments.

One of our first Fat Girl’s Guides covered how to practice yoga when your boobs and belly are, shall we say, significant enough to render certain poses difficult without a skilled instructor to offer alternatives. Now we’d like to offer our readers a free copy of Plus-Sized Yoga: Beginners Yoga for People of All Sizes by Donald Keith Stanley. A yoga student for many years, Stanley worked with yoga instructors and students to develop this guide for “the rest of us,” dispelling the myth that you have to look like a cover model to practice yoga. The book also covers the many benefits of yoga, including improved posture, stress relief, and improved focus and sleeping patterns – benefits Toni can happily attest to since returning to practice at the beginning of this year.

To enter, comment here with the FIRST word that comes to mind when you hear the word “yoga,” and you’ll be automatically entered in the drawing. (One entry per person and you must enter a valid email address).

The contest closes Wednesday, March 10 at 11:59 pm CST. A winner will be chosen at random from the comments, and will be notified by email within 24 hours after the contest closes.

Designer Monif Clarke knows a thing or two about dressing up our curves

Dear FGG,

HELP! I always have a hard time finding tops and dresses to fit my large chest. By the time I actually find something that fits me on top, I’m swimming in it on the bottom. I’m desperate for tips on what styles to wear!

I learned the hard way that dressing my pear-shaped bod in baggy, straight tops made me look like this, so it took some trial and error to find clothes that flattered my body type. But even on my biggest, non-pregnant days, I maybe make it  into a C cup, so I turned to an expert to help us answer this question: Monif Clarke, CEO and Designer at Manhattan-based Monif C. Plus Sizes

FGG: What are some common fashion mistakes you see large-chested women make?

MC: I am large-chested myself and I think the biggest mistake we make is not wearing the right size bra. Sometimes women come into my plus size boutique in New York, and when I take a look at their bra that they got for $20 at their local mall, I tell them it’s so important to invest the money to go to a bra shop, get fitted, and buy the right size bra. [FGG here: I've had great luck with Nordstrom for personalized bra fittings]

FGG: How important is a good bra, and can you suggest any brands to our readers?

MC: A good bra is very important because it will improve posture, make your clothes look nicer, and help alleviate the additional weight from our large chests. I don’t have any particular brands I love, but I do shop quite a bit at bravissimo.com. [FGG here: Readers, if you have any faves, we want to hear from you in the comments on this one!]

FGG: What should busty girls look for in tops and dresses that will fit and flatter their curves?

MC: I think that we look great in wrap tops and dresses, and V-necks are universally flattering. Often when women are large-chested, the chest pushes out the dress/top, which can make her look like she has no waist or hips. I think it’s important to look for dresses with empire waists and wraps to highlight your waist. Also, short jackets with curved seams are great to pull in our figure at the waist.

FGG: Do any fashion lines – from budget buys at Wal Mart to high-end couture – really “get it” in terms of fitting bigger breasted women?

MC: As a large chested woman, I’ve never really felt too limited to stick to particular brands for clothes. I think rather you want to look at an entire line of clothing and figure out what pieces you can pick out of the line to highlight your curves. For example, when I shop, I usually look for fitted dresses or fitted tops to wear with A-line skirts. I try to minimize volume on the top half of my body and concentrate it in the lower part of my body to avoid looking bigger on top.

FGG: Anything else you’d like to add?

MC: There are more options than ever for large-chested women to find bras that are pretty and supportive, and many more options for clothes out there, but we have to be willing to seek out these options. When designing clothes for Monif C. Plus Sizes, I always make it a point to pay attention to necklines as well as things like the width of shoulder straps on a dress, so I can know it can universally work for all women. We recently expanded our product line and are now designing plus size swimwear for sizes 14 – 24. One of the main features of the swim suits are halter neck ties, which work especially well for large-chested women because they help to “hoist” up the girls in the swimsuits.

Thanks for your insights, Monif, and for creating such vibrant, fun, and fashionable clothing in our size! Readers, we know we’ll be hearing from you on this topic because you always seem to know the best places to find fashion that actually fits our figures. Share your favorite finds and tips in the comments.