A GON Reader Asks

Hi Maria,

I have the opposite of a clothes clutter situation. My 88-year old mother has lost so much weight, none of her clothes fit her and she has given most of them away. She wants me to buy her some clothes and I know nothing about women's clothes sizes. I asked her to let me measure her and take the clothes chart and try and find her some clothes.

I am her 65-year old son and caretaker, but she doesn't feel comfortable with her son measuring her and is waiting for one of her nieces to come visit and do so.

When I was married, I would buy stuff for my wife and get her size from her sisters, but can't do this with mama as she has lost 54 lbs in the last few years. Any suggestions?



This Fabulous Reader Tip was submitted by:

Wendell Ellerbee


Maria Gracia responds...

First of all, Wendell, kudos to you for taking care of your mother. That can take a lot of time and energy. Not only that, you want her to have clothing that she likes that fits her. That's very caring.

Think in terms of clothing that is not too fitted, and easy to get on and off... pants or skirts with elastic waists, knit clothing that drapes forgivingly over smaller frames. Buttons that are not too small for arthritic hands, etc.

If you know the size she used to wear, you can estimate. A rough estimate is 10-15 pounds difference for dress size. For example, going from a size 14 to a size 10 (2 dress sizes) would represent the loss of about 20-30 lbs. You might need to go down about three sizes, possibly more, but three might be a good place to begin.

I infer from your letter that she is probably not mobile enough to go to a store to try things on. You may need to estimate from the amount of weight she lost and the size she used to wear and go buy a couple of things you think would fit, maybe buy two or three sizes, even though it will mean a trip to return something.

She may be in need of new underwear as well and be embarrassed to bring it up. Again, see what size she is wearing now. Ask if her underwear is too large and if it is a little too large or a lot too large and size down accordingly. If you have to get her a bra, maybe avoid the ones with much cup, they will be harder to size. Simple knit bras or bra-lets may be a better choice. Front closure ones might be easier for her to manage. Perhaps you or she have women friends who might be willing to help or make suggestions about size.

Another possibility is taking a few photos of your mom with the clothes she is currently wearing. You can then show a sales clerk the photos and someone there may be able to assist. I would purchase from a major chain store (like Macy's) and get assistance from someone a bit older, rather than a teenager, who may already be experienced in helping women who are your mom's age.

Keep in mind the colors she has always worn and try to stay within the color scheme. If she has always worn more blues, pinks, and purples, she may not be at all happy to suddenly find herself with orange, bright yellow, or brown clothes.

Good luck, Wendell. Please let me know what happens. And again, your mother is very fortunate to have such a caring son.

--Maria

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