There’s nothing like shopping in Asia to make you feel fat.

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND



My size in North America: Small to Medium

My size in China: X-Large.



Conclusion: Thank goodness I have high self-esteem.

Tons of “Western” women decry the lack of clothing options over here in Asia. Seems that, unless you are an American/Canadian dress size 0 (which constitutes a Medium size here in China) you are going to have a devil of a time finding something (stylish) to cover your (gargantuan) derriere.

Chinese New Year is upon us here in Hong Kong and at the school where I work, we are encouraged to dress in traditional Chinese clothing in the days leading up to New Year. So, last night I marched myself down to the commercial area near my apartment known as “The Lanes” in order to find myself something appropriate.

Now, I won’t say that it was a harrowing experience, as I generally enjoy shopping for myself here and realize my curvy awesome-ness is just not suited to Asian-tailored clothing, which is built for the typical Asian female body (petite and very small-chested, with a wasp’s waist, slim legs, and very little hips). I figured that, if I found nothing, I would at least get a few laughs out of the experience.

I wasn’t disappointed. Many stores in “The Lanes” (actually tiny stalls lined up in a number of narrow alleyways) don’t allow you to “try before you buy” and instead opt to literally “size you up” with a discriminating and judging eye. I went to one place that told me that my hips were simply “too big” to fit into a traditional Chinese silk dress (they have absolutely no give/stretch). And at another place, the man insisted that I take the X-Large in the shirt that I ended up buying (and subsequently found out was actually damaged and just a little bit too big when I brought it back home).

After my little escapade, I went directly to the gym and ran my little heart out on the treadmill.

After all, I’m hoping that by next Chinese New Year, I’ll fit comfortably into a Large.

Body dysmorphia, anyone?

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171 Comments

  • Oh no! I don't think you should be trying to lose weight, I think you should be looking for a personal seamstress. I love traditional Chinese clothes and have a few cheongsoms myself and my booty is not small. It's the year of the tiger! Be bold and work with what you got girl!

  • Thanks for reading, Fly Girl!

    I did run on the treadmill, but what I didn't mention was the double scoop of ice cream I had after going to the gym… I just love food too much! LOL

    Thanks for the tip regarding the tailor 🙂 I'm going to have to get a reliable seamstress out here for sure because pouring myself into this tight Asian clothes is NOT the business!

  • Can NOT believe you would be an xtra large anywhere! Wow – I better hit the gym big time before traveling! LOL. Happy SITS day!

    • I’m a size Medium in Australian and sometimes large when it’s a small make. I don’t fit into Asian clothes. Like back home I’m chubby but not fat like no one points it out. I’m chubby in a cute way and no ones ever called me fat….. until I came to Asia.

  • Before I got pregnant I never understood how women could possibly think they were fat. It's a baby in there for pete's sake, not fat.
    9 months later I was crying as I frantically tore through my closet trying to find a pair of tights that fit.
    It's funny how you're completely sane and know that you're not fat, but situations (exactly like this one) can really mess with that.

  • @Christina- I didn't think so either- Welcome to Asia! Eek!

    @Lauren- Tell me about it! It's all about context!

  • This is absolutely true. Moral of the story – unless you are a toothpick, always take enough clothes with you when you visit Asia!

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