https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:58:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302776 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:52:09 +0000 gradfashionista 1302776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing what's been said---freedom of movement, comfort, escaping the body com look, particularly during weight fluctuations, and letting the skin breathe. But even oversized items can fit well and hint at ones figure, particularly during movement. My "fancy" LBD that I always pack is an oversized sill V-tunic and I love both the comfort and the aesthetics--a few critical darts make a flattering difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302679 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:29:11 +0000 trendin1234 1302679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oversized have one postive and one negative..!!!!</p> <p>postive is that it will be most comfortable as everyone knows..!!<br />&nbsp;and negative is that it damages looks of the ffabric but for some it also doesnt matter..!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302676 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:13:23 +0000 catgirl 1302676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the replies! And Anna, thank you for coming back and clarifying - that makes much more sense to me. Will be back later to comment as my sister and her kids are keeping me busy but wanted to say that Mo's mention of psychological comfort really resonated - that is just what I feel in oversized looks. Xoxoxo and back soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302602 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:42:14 +0000 Laura 1302602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am wondering if it is true that every girl has at least one oversized shirt ...... for those days when you just want to be extra comfy and for when you want a change from wearing skin tight outfits that are so tight that breathing can sometimes be a challenge&nbsp; (ie certain party outfits) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302572 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:56:57 +0000 Janet 1302572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, the oversized top with coat issue can be a dilemma! Especially if it's any kind of voluminous sleeve like a dolman. I have yet to find a generous roomy coat that I really like on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302549 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:32:15 +0000 Suz 1302549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating discussion!&nbsp;</p> <p>I love oversized looks -- both on others, and (sometimes) on myself. I also like (some) bodycon looks &nbsp;-- &nbsp;if the fabric's stretchy enough, that's just as comfortable as oversized, for me, providing I can "de-bombshell" the look.&nbsp;And I love tailored fits, too. Assuming they fit perfectly without constricting.&nbsp;</p> <p>In terms of the look of the thing,&nbsp;I do need to take care with oversized looks that they are not too drapey -- that will drown me. &nbsp;Sometimes I don't even care about the look, though. I bought that super oversized J. Crew cashmere sweater despite the fact that it looks like a tent on me from the side. It felt so great, I just didn't care. I promptly wore it about 20 times in its first month. I ended up wearing it as <b>LOUNGE</b>wear as well as regular at-home wear. Which tells me that I definitely love the feel of oversized! For summer, I also bought an oversized dress and some very fluid tops.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think Laura brings up an excellent point, though, and one I almost forgot. Oversized can be inconvenient and a bit tricky when you have to layer jackets and coats over top, which in my climate I often do. Unless of course the coat is similarly oversized! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302440 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:03:36 +0000 E 1302440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh fun!</p> <p>I love oversized looks too, and I feel good in them both physically and psychologically. Physically, in summer I love that the fabric billows away instead of touching me. I love that oversized blouses&nbsp;always have room for my shoulders &amp; that full skirts (although not sure if they're really oversized) let me stride along. Psychologically, I like the waif thing as well. But I also feel as if I'm thwarting the (conventional) male gaze, and that makes me feel good too. hehe Relatedly, I find that oversized looks can neutralize shorter hemlines/lower necklines. For instance, in summer I like mid-thigh (and higher)&nbsp;shorts. By wearing them baggy (and w chunky flats), I feel psychologically comfortable exposing that much leg, as the bagginess makes my already thin legs look more gawky than anything and hides my bottom. Whereas when I want to play up my legs/bottom, I go for skinnies that show off the curves.</p> <p>I do see the how wearing oversized can also be its own type of sexiness, as some posters have mentioned. It's just not how I personally deploy the look. I actually love body con as well; it's the in-between tailored styles that I seem to have the biggest issues with and end up feeling frumpy in. Somehow, those styles have just enough ease to hide my (small)&nbsp;curves but not enough to make it look intentional. I love the tailored look on other women, but I never feel good in it myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1302013 Sun, 13 Jul 2014 15:37:10 +0000 Kari 1302013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet took the words right out of my mouth RE: why I find oversized or shapeless garments a challenge. I've only recently started wearing really soft, oversized button down shirts not tucked in over skinnies or pencil skirts when I want to try an oversized look; the fabric has a lot of movement so I don't feel like my figure looks like a giant, wide block underneath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301768 Sun, 13 Jul 2014 04:08:45 +0000 Sal 1301768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire it on others but similar to Janet feel it is not my best look as I have broad shoulders and hips, with a slimmer waist. I also can find the excess fabric annoying.</p> <p>I do wear volume but with caution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301533 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 22:09:47 +0000 Lyn D. 1301533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I am with Viva on this one- I like small doses of oversize tempered with a&nbsp;more fitted lower half and sometimes a topper that can reign- it -in.<br />And I need to be able to see hints of outline underneath to be at peace with it.<br />Love the shirtdress on you Una! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301407 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 18:11:21 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1301407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Call me crazy, but I've never found oversize to be that comfortable, especially for everyday out-of-the-house wear. The excess fabric tends to get in the way when you move, and the fit at points like the shoulders or the waist is not close to the body, so the garments always have to be moved back into place during the day. Maybe this does have to do with figure type and where things hang from / are anchored at. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301381 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 17:33:00 +0000 Aziraphale 1301381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating discussion. Una does have a dichotomy to her style. Go, urban warrior princess!</p> <p>To answer your first question, Una, I like oversize because of the feel primarily (yay comfort!) but also because the right oversized item takes advantage of the parts of my body that I like (the slender athletic bits) and obscures the rest. The key is, of course, in the cut and fabric. The "right" oversized item has to suggest the shape underneath, otherwise it is spectacularly unflattering.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301348 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 16:56:36 +0000 ironkurtin 1301348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AnnaG, that totally makes sense!&nbsp; Also, it explains why sometimes the monikers are really helpful.&nbsp; It makes me wonder if I need to revisit mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301315 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:56:36 +0000 Nicole D 1301315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. &nbsp;I am wearing more oversized stuff and I like it. &nbsp;Some of it is items that were orphaned because they felt too oversized as recently as last year. &nbsp;SO am I wearing more oversized stuff&nbsp;beacause:<br />1. I am up a size and appreciate the comfort.<br />2. &nbsp;I am up a size and oversized looks better on me than it did when I was down a size.<br />3. &nbsp;Oversized is trendy and now looks better to my eye<br />4. &nbsp;Some combination of the above?<br />Oversized is tricky on a bigger frame (5'11" and about size 14). &nbsp;On one hand being tall accomodates the extra drape and fabric well, but Anna has apoint about looking bigger in bigger clothes.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301286 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:29:24 +0000 Mo 1301286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't feel all that comfortable in oversize actually. &nbsp;I do have a select few pieces, but overall it's not really my thing. &nbsp;The pieces I do have, I have to sort of make peace with some aspect - the khaki maxi dress I need the movement of the draped pockets to break up the tent like nature, and my swingy dalmatian tank I was mortified of the side view but enamored enough of the front and back ones to let it pass. &nbsp;Both these pieces have spaghetti straps, to show skin for balance as well. &nbsp;The one silk sack dress I had I only wore a couple times and then cut it down to hopefully make a tank out of it. <br />We are both of similar size, me being slighter larger but barely out of petites. &nbsp;So I don't think it's a size thing at all. &nbsp;More what's psychologically comforting. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good/page/2#post-1301271 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:04:17 +0000 annagybe 1301271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok I had a bout of insomnia at about 3-4 am this morning and I pondered.<br />I got it wrong. I'm sorry.<br />Let me try again.<br />You have a&nbsp;dichotomy in your style. It's built in your moniker, Urban Warrior Princess. At times you play up different aspects. When you channel the Warrior you play up your strong shoulders and arms. When you channel the Princess, the oversize waif feeling works.<br />Am I closer? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301253 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:44:56 +0000 viva 1301253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Truthfully, I'm ambivalent about oversized. I like some oversized things but usually balanced with something fitted -- the classic big sweater over skinnies kind of thing. But even that doesn't always work because I like to dress trimly on top and accentuate my narrow upper half and my toned shoulders. It's a bit of a struggle, actually. </p> <p>I bought a citron tunic from JCrew at the beginning of the summer that is in the consignment pile right now -- I hate how it completely obliterates my shape. On the other hand, I recently bought a top that is basically a big grey wool sweatshirt that I plan to wear over black leatherette leggings in the fall. Although similarly oversized, it has much more heft and shape than the citron tunic. And I have thus just realized something .... I think oversized has to have structure for me to like it, or I feel like a big sack of nothing.</p> <p>When it works, oversized makes me feel more carefree, somehow more Parisian in my style. Like a French woman, you know -- I just threw on this big interesting thing over these slim things, and now I look carefree and fabulous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301213 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:58:04 +0000 gryffin 1301213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una - I've always loved oversized clothes particularly menswear.&nbsp; I think the menswear vibe to me, says polished, powerful, and when you put a small woman in deliberately oversized clothes of that type, yes I agree with you I feel "waif-like and insouciant, more youthful"&nbsp; I think I have a similiar build to you, I'm 5'3" and usually a size 4 but with a flat chest.&nbsp; I do thnk this looks best with a certain build, when I was nursing and my chest was huge (for me) this look was not flattering.&nbsp; It's the ultimate wearing the "boyfriend's or husband's" clothes but I think a very sexy look in a prim kind of antiestablishment way, with overtones of don't tread on me and these boots were made for walking overtones - if that makes sense.&nbsp; The ultimate play of girl kicking butt in a man's world.&nbsp; Plus, my husband finds this look incredibly sexy.&nbsp; Powerful, and as you said "waif-like and insouciant!"&nbsp; That works for me.&nbsp; I do like sharp tailoring and skimming body-con (I don't do tight), so I do tend to swing to the extremes of minimalist sharp fitted to oversized.&nbsp; Long way of saying I love this look, but it plays to my personality and body type.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301207 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:47:54 +0000 texstyle 1301207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I feel like you Una - and maybe there is some added&nbsp;teenage memory of the boyfriend's shirt or sweater symbolizing safety to me.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301194 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:22:04 +0000 amiable 1301194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it for all the same reasons as you - and many other reasons stated here. &nbsp;I'm not small or waiflike (I'm 5'9", and about a size 12 on top). &nbsp;But with a suitably drapey oversized outfit, I feel like I look waiflike. &nbsp;And it's so comfy. &nbsp;I'm already starting to be sad that someday it'll go back out of style. &nbsp;I want to wear nothing else right now. &nbsp;(Despite my mother's distinct disapproval that I wear an XL - she thinks that it must be a serious weight problem). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301186 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:14:05 +0000 Susie 1301186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is some degree of hiding- at least certain parts of my body- that contributes to liking loose or oversized fits. Yet comfort is a huge factor as well. Physical comfort, yes, but also the psychological comfort of clothes feeling less fussy when they are more loose. I don't want to be bothered with feeling like clothes need to be adjusted to lay just so and that's easier to achieve with a more forgiving fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301170 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 12:26:42 +0000 Janet 1301170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's interesting -- fit trends on either end of the spectrum (bodycon on one end, and big and baggy on the other) can be challenging, and have the potential to bring up all sorts of body issues. I think many of us women have internalized some messages around the polar opposite dictums of "don't hide your body!" and "don't show your body!" </p> <p>Most of us have personal comfort zones -- both physically and emotionally -- somewhere in the middle. My personal preference lately is for slightly fitted to fluid fit, and my more body-con items are getting passed over. BUT, I'm not giving them all away yet. I get tired of the same old silhouette all the time, and a fitted item can be made to look current by being paired with other more fluid items, plus some of them are so darn flattering, I feel I should hold onto them for a while, because I don't *always* feel like I need to look trendy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301152 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 11:22:32 +0000 ironkurtin 1301152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(...I pretty much wear a tshirt and jeans every day. When I'm not in gear. I actually love that this is my environmental norm.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301093 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 07:23:40 +0000 catgirl 1301093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like comfort is a big factor for everyone. It's probably true that works more easily for IT/rectangles but I can see that with the right styling it would work across the board. </p> <p>Janet, if I had your gorgeous waistline I would show it off all the time!</p> <p>Anna, could you clarify your point? I don't believe there was anything specific to size in my post, nor do I think it was myopic. If your point is that it is myopic BECAUSE size is relevant, I don't think it is my place to say so. As best I could, I asked why any people who are fans of the oversized look enjoy wearing it. I'm especially interested because I've always worn it, in style or not, at every size I've been (and they haven't all been smaller).</p> <p>I understand that we all have body sensitivities and trigger issues. If I've overstepped, I didn't mean to and frankly don't understand how. If Angie asked this same question would it go over the same? How else do you suggest I could phrase it? Let's say someone asked why people enjoy crop tops - are they myopic because they didn't consider that with my apple belly I could never wear the look? </p> <p> I feel you often read my posts as somehow personally offensive to you (the pretty thread being the other example that comes to mind). It's not my intent to offend anyone. There is maybe an implication that I don't appreciate how other people may value and/or work to be thin or pretty. That is not true. Please don't assume I'm not one of those people myself, albeit in my own way. I do try to ask questions so that as many people will answer as are nice enough to do so. </p> <p>If you can tell me specifically how you came to your interpretation here, I'm happy to consider myself enlightened and corrected. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301026 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 04:23:51 +0000 rachylou 1301026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not the feel for me. It's definitely the waify look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301022 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 04:20:38 +0000 rabbit 1301022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how over-sized feels (if it's drapey) because of airflow in summer, and creating a coocoon of warmth in winter. &nbsp;Also an open neck or oversized&nbsp;cowl neck&nbsp;helps highlight my shoulders and collar area (since my neck isn't that long). </p> <p>&nbsp;My preference is longer or hi-low&nbsp;over-sized tops (assuming the bottom hem has some shape)&nbsp;with more body-con stretchy&nbsp;leg-wear. &nbsp; That feel and look also worked well (to my eye at least)&nbsp;when I was 25 lbs. heavier last year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1301014 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 04:16:35 +0000 Gaylene 1301014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I don't think Una said that everyone feels good in oversized clothing, just that she did, and she was curious if there were others who wore oversized clothing for the same reason--not to hide but for way it makes one feel. I don't see any more myopia--or size-ism--in posing this question than in asking about a preference for fitted clothing.</p> <p>Personally, I've always loved the edgy, dramatic look that I get when I wear looser-fitting clothing--it suits my body shape and my personality in a way that a body con dress never could. It's hiding, but not in the sense of being ashamed because deliberately concealing one's shape can actually make you, and the viewer, all the more conscious of what is hidden--just ask any woman who has ever wandered around dressed only in a man's shirt or robe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1300976 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 03:02:20 +0000 jackiec 1300976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! I love the oversized stuff! I feel as you do. I do go in alternate waves of oversized, then fitted, then back to oversized. But so far this summer I've worn the baggy BF shorts and T's way way way more than last year. Last year DH even commented on how frumpy i looked in those BFs (who cares?!). Ha! Whatever works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1300970 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 02:51:04 +0000 annagybe 1300970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know we all have fashion blinders. For example I don't understand people who want to wear a t-shirt and jeans, every single day. But there are some people who do not care about fashion.<br />I'm sure many people wonder when looking at me, "What the heck is she wearing and why?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-does-oversized-feel-good#post-1300968 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 02:46:40 +0000 ironkurtin 1300968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AnnaG, I think we all have certain blinders, don't we? I know some of my smaller friends worry about looking shapeless, childlike, or overwhelmed by loose clothing. So it's not just the bigger girls who grapple with oversized fits. </p>