How to Choose Clothes for Overweight Girls

Don't choose shapeless baggy clothes; sweatpants are for exercise, not for school. They are not flattering.

Don't choose styles that have narrowly cut arms, necklines, tight inflexible waistlines, legs (like jeans can have) or anything that is too form fitting. etc. These are very uncomfortable, itchy and can cut off circulation.

Do choose pants, shorts and skirts which have some elastic at the back but which button and zip in the front.

Do choose jeans with the 'stretch' label. These look just like regular jeans but they are cotton blended with a spandex or Lycra component. These jeans are labeled 'stretch' and are very comfortable. They feature the tailored fit of other denim.
Do choose jeans, like Target's Circo brand which have built in elastic which can be adjusted by pulling it tighter or looser and buttoning it in place on the inner waistband. Nothing shows on the outside.

Do choose clothes that are comfortable and fit well.

Do encourage her to use powder and deodorant to help with perspiration.

Don't dress larger girls in women's styles. Even if you have trouble finding girls clothing for her in her size, don't give her women's styles to wear.

Do check stores like Old Navy for larger sizes of stylish clothing. Even if she can't wear the girls sizes, Old Navy's womens' clothing is cute and fashionable.

Don't go wide, go long on the blouses. The princess or empire waisted blouses( cinched or gathered slightly under the breast area) look very nice on girls with more stomach. V-necked shirts that look like they cross like a robe are very flattering as well.

Do choose blouses, tops, tee-shirts and sweaters that are cut longer, to fit down over a larger tummy or bottom. Fashion Bug (some of which carry girls' clothing) Old Navy, Hollister and most other stores now feature these longer tops.

Don't purchase straight leg jeans or pants for girls who are heavy or who have short legs. Straight leg pants emphasize heavy legs.

Do choose pants, jeans and slacks with fitted thighs and a slight flair at the bottom.

Don't make your child wear longer skirts, below the knee. These look dumpy and out-of-date.

Do choose shirts with hemlines that stop slightly above the knee. The plaid 'school-girl' style is very attractive.

Don't choose mini-skirts. They are not comfortable. Mini-skirts can cause embarrassing situations.

Do select skirts with shorts built in, called skorts. Skorts are available in denim, twill and knits. Many stores now carry them. These are a perfect alternative for skirts. Girls can play comfortably in skorts also.

Don't make your child wear heavy clothing that will overheat them. Avoid velvets, wool and other bulky knits. Even in the winter, schools can be very warm.

Do show your daughter how to layer the clothes and send a jacket or sweater that can be worn in class if necessary.

Do choose soft breathable tee-shirt style fabrics.

Don't buy tights or pantyhose for school. Tights can be itchy, warm and can cause heat rash, especially behind the knees.
Do choose socks in a variety of lengths: knee socks, calf high and anklets so she can learn to choose which will be most comfortable.

Do try the style in which a shorter dress or skirt is worn with leggings that come to the thigh or knee, underneath. I saw a very heavy girl in church wearing this style and she looked wonderful.

Don't wear either flat shoes or very high heels. This is not just for fashion but for comfort and foot, leg and back care.

Do choose footwear with a slight lift in the heel. If the toe is elevated then the heel should be elfoot, legbout an inch or so more. Sketchers are a favorite brand of mine for girls shoes. Sketchers can be found at Meijer, Kohl's and JC. Penney. Payless, Wal-Mart and Meijer in our area sell comfortable reasonably priced girls shoes.

Do choose shoes, sandals and boots labeled 'flex' or 'flexible' sole. If shoes aren't labeled, grasp the shoe in both hands and try to bend it back and forth. A flexible sole will move back and forth freely. These shoes are very comfortable.

Do try to shop in stores with lots of attractive choices in larger sizes. Shopping for an overweight child is painful enough, so try to make it as pleasant as possible.