Photographs by Abbie Rudolph / Abbie Takes Pictures

Answerland: Overcoming Body Insecurity

Sponsored by DXL

It’s Answerland, the Chubstr reader Q+A series. This week, we’re taking on a question about overcoming body insecurity. Celine asks:

My Fiance has gotten bigger and it’s harder for me to shop for him because he’s insecure about it. How do I find clothes that will fit him well and make him feel better about his body?

We’ve talked a lot about where you can go to find clothes for bigger bodies, so today we’re focusing on the body image/insecurity part of your question. Getting to a place where you love yourself as you are isn’t always easy. I can talk about what has worked for me, but I’ll admit, there are days when it’s still a battle.

Chubstr 6th Anniversary at The Plus Bus
Photo: Spencer Pablo Photography

Find Your Community

It’s important to know that you’re not alone. I was in a similar situation before I started Chubstr and I took to the internet to look plus size people living their best lives. To my surprise, there they were! I saw people sharing their style, advocating for others and doing all the things I wanted to do in my life.

Shop DXL New Arrivals for Fall – Sizes to 8X

If you can’t find a body positive community in your area, use the articles and interviews we’ve written on Chubstr, or head to Instagram to find other amazing people out there you can identify with. I started out on Tumblr and there’s still a strong community there as well. Knowing you’re not alone and finding your community can make a world of difference.

Nino Llanera Chubstr
Nino Llanera shopping | Photo: Spencer Pablo Photography

Find Your Style

Find someone you admire who has the kind of style you wish you had. Replicate that style. This isn’t always easy to do, but more and more companies are beginning to offer stylish clothing in extended sizes.

Watch more episodes of Answerland here

I’ve been writing about big men’s fashion for 8 years and I still have to search far and wide to find looks that I love. You know that feeling you get when you’re wearing something that you love? It’s worth the effort.

BONUS: See what’s new in the Chubstr Shop

Bottom line, know that you’re not alone and look for inspiration in the world around you. If that’s not working, look for online communities like Chubstr or groups on social networks that promoted positive body image. Finding a place that you fit in can totally change your life. It definitely did for me.

Want to send us a question? Share it with us @chubstr on your favorite social network or send us a message here on the website. You might just see it answered in a future episode!

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