According to our reader statistics, menopause will affect 96% of Sewcialists!
As a 36 year old, I have to admit I know very little about what to expect. I’m hoping that you older and wiser sewists will take pity on us young’uns and share your experiences! I’m also hoping that talking about this stuff out in the open helps people who are experiencing menopause or perimenopause right now! Changes in hormones can happen at any age and for different reasons, both natural or medical — we want to hear from everyone.
For example:
- Have your preferences for fabric content or type changed?
- Did you adapt the style of clothes you wear to accommodate hot flashes or other symptoms?
- Did your hair, skin, or body change in ways that affected the fit adjustments you make or colours you prefer?
- Did it affect your self-esteem or self-image? If so, did sewing help in any way?
Our premise here at the Sewcialists is that everyone deserves to look and feel great in their clothes, and that all voices should be heard. I feel quite ignorant about this topic, which I think is an indication that it isn’t talked about enough. The more we all know, the better!
Please share your stories and experience in the comments, and also link to anywhere this discussion is already taking place in the sewing community!
At 46, I’ve only recently started the perimenopause stage. Yes, it had changed so much. I’ve been working on losing weight and while I have succeeded, I haven’t lost any inches from my waist, changing me from an hourglass to an apple. I don’t know how to dress the new me. It’s also changed my aesthetic. After 20 years of vintage patterns and novelty prints, I feel silly wearing them. Everyone says that menopause is the time to let go of trends anf wear what you want but I don’t know what I want.
I had my ovaries removed at age 50, and presto–instant menopause! At first I thought of starting a clothing line called “Hot Flash Fashions” with everything made from sweat wicking polyester. But I’m a natural fibers lover at heart and stuck to thin cottons whenever possible. Even now, almost 20 years later, I still get an occasional hot flash and am always grateful for cotton next to my skin.
The biggest influence on my wardrobe is temperature and secondly, my new apple body shape.
Now through the transition at 60, I am still hot much of the time.
That means, for summer especially, natural breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, silk) and sleeveless tops. I have layers (long sleeve boleros, or cardigans) that I can pop on or off easily to manage temperature fluctuations.
Embracing my new shape, I prefer A line dresses or tops that are not restricting around the waist and flow easily down. Skirts, again A-line, with yoga pant- type waistbands and I have challenged myself to sew properly fitting pants. Also, making my own underwear and bras has made a huge difference.
Thank goodness for sewing! Thank goodness for independent pattern makers who offer alternatives for many body types.
It’s critical because well-fitting Ready-to-wear is a distant memory.
Okay, my experience is a little different. I technically have not gone through menopause yet, because I still have ovaries & monthly hormonal changes. But I had a hysterectomy (cancer), which means I don’t have periods anymore, & my body did change after the hysterectomy. Specifically, my boobs got bigger & my butt got smaller. ??? I am in the process of adjusting/re-drafting/re-cutting ALLLLLLL of my TNT patterns & figuring out my new fit adjustments because nothing fits right anymore. It’s a long, tedious slog, & sometimes I get really frustrated with sewing because I’m tired of having to adjust patterns I used successfully for years.
But on a more positive note, I feel so much more free & happy in my body. I feel a lot sexier, maybe because the ever-looming threat of accidental pregnancy has been lifted from my shoulders. I never realized how much it weighed on me until I couldn’t get pregnant anymore. I was also still in Mom Mode when I got my cancer diagnosis. My kiddo was only 3 years old & I assumed I’d have at least one more. Having that suddenly off the table forced me to recalibrate my relationship toward my body–specifically, I didn’t have to think anymore about potentially being soon to gestate, give birth, breastfeed, & have a baby crawling all over for me for at least a year. It gave me ownership. So I just in general feel like I’m bringing a lost more joy, freedom, positive sexual energy, & independence to how I dress & present myself. Again, it’s something I didn’t realize I was missing out on until after the hysterectomy.
I love this! Congrats on feeling free and joyful (and sexy)!! You’ve gone through so much but I’m sure that brings the most authentic perspective.
Hi, I am also a cancer survivor (breast cancer) and sewing my way to an acceptance of a changed body, partially due to a mastectomy and also because of chemically induced menopause. It would be lovely to share experiences on sewing and patterns. I am on Instagram. @bricolagedk
I’m 49 and dealing with “the change of life” as my mother so delicately put it. I have, so far, gotten off much easier than my friends, but I still have a few issues to work through when it comes to sewing:
* I buy new bras annually. I find my shape and need for support has changed drastically, and even month to month sometimes. One month, my cups runneth over, the next month they gape open. I’d love to make a bra, but given all the changes, I buy. I go to a proper lingerie shop to be fitted. It’s well worth the expense and time.
* I favor cap-sleeve and short raglan-sleeve tops under jackets and cardigans for work. I want something that can handle a bit of armpit sweat without ruining the jacket, but that’s still modest for the office if I want to take off the extra layer. The top from Simplicity 1202 is a TNT.
* Tops, jackets and dresses require adjustments for forward shoulder, high round back and hollow chest to fit properly. My posture is getting more stooped over time and without these adjustments, things don’t lie even at the hem and gape out at the back.
* I work to maintain my waist. I do Pilates twice a week to help with posture and to keep my waist trim, and I choose patterns that accentuate my waist.
* A lot of sewing patterns and prints are designed “too young” for me now, especially many dresses. Anything with feminine touches such as gathers and frills come across as juvenile on me. A lot of the trends in prints, such as critter prints, also don’t suit.
* Jersey knits are getting iffy for me – they seem to settle in places I want them to skim my body. As I age, structure becomes my friend, more and more.
On the plus side:
* Not giving a damn what others think is good for the soul! I have really embraced this as I have aged, especially when it comes to my me-made clothing.
* I have the resources to afford better fabrics, great machines, fancy buttons and other touches that were financially out of reach when I was younger.
* Experience is a gift you can only earn through hard work. Over a lifetime of sewing, I have learned so much. I am usually confident that my projects will be well-chosen, well-made and well-loved.
I am the same age as you. I agree with you, especially about not giving a damn about what others think. I spent so much time and energy worrying about that stuff when I was younger. We should wear what we want. Happy sewing.
Now this is something I can relate to! Damn straight my fabric pref has change – bring on the drapiest (but robust) knitted fabrics – or wovens with stretch. Admittedly, i’ve always loved these for comfort, but now I love them for skim 🙂
I have hot flashes multiple times a day right now (started a month ago – before then I had mainly night sweats, 3 days before my then-regular periods, for years). I have not addressed this specifically when it comes to what I wear because, right now, I’m in my house most of the time so I just take off all of my clothes and stand in front of the fridge. But one imagines, if this lasts for any length of time, I’ll have to come up with another approach.
Hilariously, my straight fine hair appears to be getting rather wavy of late – just at the moment I figured out how to get with its straightness! My body – well – that has been outrageously in flux for 6 years (almost 49 now). Can’t say I’ve loved what I’ve seen most of the time.
I’m very disinclined to look at scales (other than for crafts!) so I have no idea of how much I weigh. I go by measurements and clothing fit. At their highest, my measurements went up by a couple of inches (up to 4 in some spots) in a variety of places. My boobs, already large enough, got larger. So did my ass. But the real challenge is that my gut also got larger – a place I’m mindful to underplay at the best of times. I’m not going to lie – I really disliked the look of my heavier body, not because it was fatter but because it wasn’t one I could relate to. Then I went hardcore with primal-type diet (for chronic pain reasons, not to get slimmer) and I lost all the weight I gained. Alas, gravity is a factor at this age so I don’t look as I did, even though everything old fits again. This definitely affected my level of confidence (even though I aim to be utterly chic at any size and age). Sewing absolutely restored my confidence to some extent. I HIGHLY recommend it for the body in shape flux. Makes one a much more creative and talented sewist.
Of course, I like to be punctual (aka ahead of schedule) so I’ve been talking about perimenopause since it made it’s first, tiny appearances at about age 40. Here’s the thing. This life experience affects everyone entirely differently. You cannot predict, even by looking at a close relative, what your experience will be. But what I will say is that, so far, everyone I know who’s going through this is having a rough time on some level or another. This is huge life-change. It’s also hugely psycho-emotional and spiritual for many, not simply physically challenging. I know people who have had total nervous breakdowns in this life-phase. Some others are tormented by biochem changes such as hot flashes etc. For some, post-menopausal hormonal state makes chronic pain worse (but I refuse to go there). Alas, I haven’t come across anyone yet who’s said – My body looks better than ever and I’m so thrilled with it.
Having said all of this – so sorry to go on forever – this is a right of passage and a time when I have become so much more knowledgeable about myself, my body, my mind, my strengths. There is no way around it (unless you go on hormones forever and that can bring different challenges) because it’s what we are designed to go through. This time of life makes every woman aware of her fundamental uniqueness and there’s power in that. Also, my last major experience of this nature was pregnancy and childbirth, when I was a silly young thing. I can handle this at this age, not that I’m having the time of my life 🙂
My body also changed beginning at 50 when menopause started. I only weigh about ten pounds more now, at 71, but my waist has grown about four inches, and most of that is because my tummy protrudes far more than it used to and it is higher than it used to be, giving me a front high waist and a pregnant profile. To go along with that, my butt has fallen to my knees. Well, not quite. Seriously, how does anyone shop RTW with a body like that? 🙂 I started wearing elastic-waist pants which are not flattering. Even that was not a cure. Pants that go around my waist are baggy in the legs. Then I started sewing again. First, I made some buttoned-up shirts that would accommodate my waist and tummy; now I’m trying to fit pants. What a challenge, but I’ll get there.
I can’t add anything new, really, to what’s already been said, but I second 1) natural fibres and 2) layers. Even a small amount of polyester can be a problem. At 61 I have recently begun to be able to wear light pullovers again. From a sewing point of view, it’s really, REALLY crucial now for me to do an FBA and it’s a skill I’m still working on; I’ve never had much of a waist and the fitting issues I’ve always had are basically the same plus extra. It’s okay. I’m very happy to be where I’m at—wouldn’t change a thing!
I’ve been in perimenopause for the last couple of years and I haven’t been feeling much like myself to be honest. Apart from body changes and the fact that it’s really hard to loose a few pounds, I’ve been experiencing a lot of emotional ups and down and I feel so tired, mentally as well as physically.
There are some days that I’m absolutely fine, but others I feel really down and all I want to do is cry and just be by myself. I do try to pick myself up and not show to my family as I don’t know if they’d understand or if they want to listen. I’ve started buying some vitamins supplements for this stage in my life, but not sure they are doing much. There were so many on the shelves, it was mind boggling! I started running using the couch to 5k app and that’s helping me a lot with my mood and my self-esteem.
My hair is all grey now but still dying it, although I want to embrace it and change my hair style too, but I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet.
My fabric and patterns choice haven’t changed much, I’ve always like natural, soft fibre that’s comfortable to wear; I have noticed though that I’ve been buying more loose dress patterns😊!
Sewing has been helping me through some difficult time in the past and it still brings me comfort and peace with myself, but sometimes I need to get active to get out of my head and feel happy again and I find that gardening helps me a lot (together with running now)
I think I’m fairly ready for this next phase, there’d be challenges for sure, all we can is take it one day at the time.
Lighter layers are important for hot flashes. My butt has gotten smaller but the tummy needs to be accommodated, with looser waistlines. I’ve taken to wearing blouses, shirts more. And I just bought high waisted jeans again! Hallelujah fashion has come back around ( I don’t sew jeans) the low waist/ muffin top combo is not a good look. I feel this time of life is for wearing what I truly love, buying high quality fabric , soft fabric (!) and patterns I adore. I don’t have any desire to follow trends.
I couldn’t agree more…I was never much of a trend follower, but at 50, I couldn’t even tell you what was “in fashion”. One of the perks of getting older is that I can now afford to buy whatever fabric I want and I’m ‘old’ enough and ‘couldn’t care less enough’ to wear whatever styles I want.
I am going through a chemically induced menopause because of breast cancer. My body has changed drastically. I cannot wear polyfibers or wool any more, I break out in an instant sweat, but silk and viscose are really good for heat regulation. I have heard that bamboo fibers should be really good too, but I have not yet found a place where I can buy it.
I have had to start sewing a new wardrobe because it has been next to impossible to find anything in the shops that fit my needs, but it is a very empowering feeling experiencing that I can make a wardrobe that fits my change body.
Why aren’t there any patterns that are made for mature bodies though, and changed waist measurements. It would be so lovely if more pattern companies featured their patterns on mature women, it is quite impossible to imagine what a pattern would look like on me when all photos are of women who could be my daughters, so I often end up drafting the patterns myself, which is also quite fun.
Once upon a time, pattern companies did make a size range for the “more mature body type”. (I remember seeing this when I was a teenager in the ’70s. I think my measurements matched those better even then!) Vogue used to have “Vogue Woman” more recently than that. I guess it’s just too much trouble…and one thing you do have to get used to, for sure: you are no longer part of a demographic that anyone cares much about.
Hi Leslie,
Isn’t that strange. I am in my Fifties, and have my own money, like so many other grown women. But no companies seem to be interested in making products that we want to buy. it is just plain silly.
It is silly and annoying, indeed.
I have a theory about why the middle-aged shape isn’t being overly represented (although it could be totally wrong): I think that the people sewing right now are part of the maker-renaissance. They’ve come to it in youth and they’re still young. On the flip side, many of the women who felt they had to sew (who are now in menopause) are likely not sewing any longer because they don’t have to and it doesn’t have the same representation of freedom for that cohort. Moreover – and I say this as a person who does multiple crafts – sewing is by far the hardest on my body (I have a chronic pain condition). I think the crafty types with pain and/or mobility issues eventually stop doing it because it’s much more active for the body than, say, sitting on the couch knitting. Sure – there are a lot of people in the middle cohort – the middle aged who either recently started sewing or have been doing it for a while. But till the independent pattern designers hit 45, don’t hold your breath for patterns that suit the menopausal body shape.
Isn’t that the truth!!!!! I’m so grateful to the @sewover50 account for giving more visibility to sewists who look and are fabulous fabulous! I hope it shows designers that there’s a market for that age group, but I bet you are right and it won’t happen till designers age themselves!
I think you might be right. The only reason I started sewing again, was because I couldn’t find any clothes that fit my mastectomized body. Had that not been the case sewing would just have been a recreational past time for me, and not a necessity. You are also right that sewing is very hard on the body.
I think you’re right, for sure, in terms of “indie” pattern makers. But “women of a certain age” aren’t terribly well represented ANYWHERE, so I think it’s a more complex situation.
I have found a couple companies that are making +50-friendly patterns. Pamela’s Patterns fit very nicely. Her patterns are drafted for a lower bust, thicker waist, sway back. PetitePlusPatterns fit great if you happen to be both plus size and petite. The only problem is that they aren’t very fashion forward.
Here are some places you can get bamboo fabrics. They do swatches! I have ordered from the Australian store, because I am in Australia, and the fabric is so lovely and soft. https://bamboofabricstore.com/ http://www.bamboofabricstore.com.au/
I’m 62 and have passed the “meno” stage. I now have an apple shape and I’m working on healthy eating and exercise to tone up. I just retired so I’ve starting sewing casual wear for myself. I’m looking at pant and skirt patterns with an elastic waist because they’re easier to fit. The tops I want to make will cover up the elastic waistband. I’m still trying to plan what wardrobe I need for this new phase in my life.
What a wonderful question! My mom passed away at an early age and I was unprepared for menopausal changes. I have also found that women don’t seem to discuss this among themselves much and so I have stumbled through menopause learning as I age.
I seemed to start early with hot flashes that began at 42…of course the doctors all said it could not be early menopause! I had a welcomed hysterectomy at 46 and that sealed my entrance into full blown menopause. In my early 50’s physical changes began with an increasing bust-line. It was/is an unwelcome change. Now in mid 60’s my waist has disappeared. For me the physical changes have been the most difficult to accept.
I concur with the comments about wearing light layers. They help thwart hot flashes. I have always natural fibers and simple lines in my clothes. These choices have served me well as I age. Aside from now choosing patterns that don’t emphasize waist and bust, my style has not changed much over the years.
My return to making simple clothes that fit me well with beautiful, natural, fabrics has been such a joy! It has made the aging process so much less onerous. All in all I am grateful for aging and like being older. I am also grateful to be able to age…so many friends have passed away far too early.
What works for me is several light layers in natural fabrics. One minute I sweating bullets and the next I am freezing so the layers have had to be easy on/off. Sewing has enabled me to personalize my wardrobe to specifically fit my requirements during this very stressful life event. It is also a great way for me to relax. I haven’t sewn or worn much of anything in synthetic fabrics since this started and not that I have gotten accustomed to natural fabrics I probably won’t ever go back. Not only for the feel but also for the environment.
I have always had a protruding tummy (even when I was quite thin and exercised like a maniac – genetics, ugh) but it has gotten a lot larger even though my eating habits haven’t changed. So, the basic silhouette of the type of garments I make haven’t changed, my measurements have just increased a little all over.
The only way it bothers me is when I get a hot flash during an important meeting (like with my boss or when I am interviewing job candidates) or when I am having a conversation with someone and I start sweating heavily, and my face turns red. It is so embarrassing and frustrating that I can’t do anything to stop it.
I also get brief flashes of anxiety along with the hot flashes but because I am aware of what is happening, I just try to breath through it and wait it out.
Thankfully, things are improving as I get older, but I hope it is done soon!
Oh, those hot flashes mid-meeting are the worst! I’d often get them when speaking to a group of students at work, I can’t imagine what they thought was happening!
I am 44 and a breast cancer survivor. I had my ovaries removed when I was 40 — instant menopause! I’ve always liked tank tops and now they are a necessity. I’ve embraced having a uniform. I wasn’t prepared for how invisible I would feel, the weight gain around my middle, my thin eyebrows and eyelashes. Perhaps not all related to menopause! I love not having a period. Sex is different but not bad. I’ve experimented with garment sewing a little but struggle because the body I see is not the one I expect to see. I am still surprised my reflection is not the me from 5 years ago.
Hi Cassandra,
I am also a breast cancer survivor, who sews to fit my changed body. Sewing has helped me accept the changes I have gone through. Perhaps you would like to connect on Instagram to share makes and ideas? I am @bricolagedk
I can’t stress layers too much — sleeveless, sleeved, sweater — because your thermal couplings are completely out of whack. Hot. Cold. Hot. Hot. Cold. Fun wow. As a result, I probably have four to five times the tops patterns as I do bottoms. And dresses had better start sleeveless because there will be a time when I want to rip the sleeves right off. At 61 and essentially finished — surprise, the hot flashes don’t stop when you do — I’ve turned from a rectangle to a larger rectangle/apple and have had to learn to adjust for belly. Natural fibres are better for me, but poly is fine as long as there’s a bit of airflow under it. If not, it’s in the wash after half a day’s wear. If it’s a good day. Thankfully, I work at home…
I’m 51 and haven’t really noticed any symptoms of impending menopause yet, except all of a sudden the bloating! Why did nobody warn me? My pants fit in the morning then a couple hours later they don’t! I don’t even know how to get dressed anymore. Maybe I’ll whip up some yoga-waist knit skirts for summer, but I’ll want to wear them with tops that hide my new belly-bulge. I hope you follow up on this post with some helpful tips because I sure could use them!
I will add my voice to the chorus of those who are accommodating the growing belly/disappearing butt conundrum, and the absolute disavowal of polyester. I think everyone’s mentioned layers already. The only thing worse than a really bad hot flash is right after it, when you’re freezing and you really need those layers. I’ve made various other changes, like no tight waistbands, no belts, and wearing shirts untucked to allow for whatever’s happening in my midsection throughout the day.
But the main adjustment I’ve had to make is in my attitude toward sewing. I got so upset with my continual weight gain in the beginning of menopause that I actually stopped sewing for a while. It seemed tragic to put in so much effort to make a beautiful thing that I could only wear for a few months. After a couple years, I realized I could find a sewing niche that would give me enough of a creative outlet while not making me want to tear everything up in frustration. I now make a few items like skirts and tops each year, and accept that right now, tailored jackets and fitted pants are not a good investment of my time. Maybe some day…
I am 56. I prefer natural fabrics because I tend to get hot (and I always used to get cold). However, I find that overall I am more sensitive to temperature. I think the most frustrating thing about menopause is the fullness of my belly. It makes me quite self conscious. I have moved away from structured clothes to clothes that float over my body. I am very grateful that I can sew. The other thing about menopause is that my feet need orthotics and comfortable footwear, due to arthritis in my feet. After my period stopped my joints just dried up and I experience stiff, sore joints. It is really challenging to find cute shoes for the outfits I make. Another change is I wear more colour because I (still) don’t wear makeup. I always used to wear fashionable black but sewing my own clothes changed my perspective on colour. I am inspired by other sewists use of colourful fabrics in their dressmaking.
As someone who has always been naturally slim without too much effort, at 50, I find the weight gain (particularly around my waistline) very frustrating. Until recently, I assumed it was lack of exercise and too much of a good thing, but when I look back, I’ve never been an exerciser and my diet has improved over the years, not worsened. Only this morning, I went looking for a pattern for wide legged, cropped pants with an ELASTICISED WAIST. I was horrified, but after reading all these posts, I feel a lot better. I can no longer cope with clothes being too tight around the middle. They are unflattering and uncomfortable. So now I tend to wear loose fitting garments, usually made from linen or cotton that can be dressed up or down and layered for winter and summer. We don’t have extreme weather conditions where I live, so it’s easy to wear mostly the same things in summer and winter; plus or minus a few layers. I am so grateful I can sew, I remember how disheartening it is buying RTW (I am on a RTW ban for all of 2019).
Raising this subject is such a good idea, thank you! I haven’t seen it discussed much elsewhere.
I share and so won’t repeat a lot of the frustrations already listed and would also agree with some of the solutions. Wearing layers helps (thankfully useful cardigans are easier to find in RTW than they used to be – I haven’t yet made one). Wearing natural fibres. I won’t look at anything with polyester or other man-made fibres in it. No roll necks/polo necks. I used to love this style but when I hit the menopause I felt like I was being strangled. Loose round the waist mainly because of fluctuation as already mentioned by others.
It is really worth getting properly fitted for bras in a specialist shop and paying a bit more to get a bra with more shaping pieces in that support heavier breasts. Proper fitting (at Rigby and Peller in London darlings) was a revelation in my thirties when I could better afford it than now as a retiree but it remains the case only more so.
The one thing that hasn’t been mentioned is nightwear. I have yet to succeed in finding the perfect nightie. Pyjamas are uncomfortable and give more layers round the waist when too hot. Many RTW nighties have (to me) an awful lot of unnecessary ruffles, lace and tweeness. I wear jersey ones and take them off when too hot but then have to put back on when too cold. So any designers wanting to design a nice simple loose fitting pattern (with cup size variations) that can be made in cotton lawn would be doing us a favour!
Luckily, I live in a climate where I can sleep in nothing 🙂 I make quilts so layer those instead.
Now there’s a thought!
My sister, who isn’t really much of a sewer—she likens her cutting skills to those of the Grinch making a reindeer costume—makes her own nightgowns out of lawn, light rayon, or even sarongs. She just cuts what’s basically a loose sleeveless shell to whatever length the fabric will allow. Swears by it!
I started sleeping in cast off t-shirts…as little as possible for the night sweats. I just couldn’t go nude. I’m always aware of the night emergencies and didn’t want to have to flail around for clothing as well as other things.
At about the time I hit menopause, I started to wear a wig, so temperature control is paramount! Wigs are warm to wear – think of wearing a fleece hat in the summer? So I dress very flexibly. Sleeveless top with a cardi of appropriate thickness, never a collar as that pushes on my wig. Instead a soft scarf at an open neck. Never a high neck. Only ever wear the bottom layer a one to pull over my head, too hazardous taking a sweater off in public! Cardi makes for more variable temperature control.
Having very little waist, I was always one for comfortable pull on clothes, as fitted clothes were difficult to find. Fits on my waist, hangs off my hips, fits on my hips and I’m squeezed in beyond belief at the waist. Then I got IBS, so tummy in and out, so soft stretchy things are even more important. So my uniform most days is leggings, tunic length vest top and a cardi. Winter a long sleeved tunic length top. Both with cardi and scarf. Dresses that hang straight down from the bust are good. I started to wear cut off leggings under a dress to prevent chub rub. I wish I had thought of that sooner!
Always cotton/viscose/elastane jerseys or similar.
SOrry, what was the question?
Menopause proper is about a decade bahind me. Every time I think of it I feel so grateful.. Let’s just say that I am no longer locked into dark pants and black undies. I hardly had any hot flashes, and my longstanding California coast preference for cardigans was enough to deal with the very few moments of thermic discomfort. I have a bit more of a belly, but that’s probably age rather than menopause, and it’s no worse than when I had fibroids so I was already well practiced at de-emphasizing it. The main changes have been breast related – they have gotten much softer and i have gained several cup sizes. So a certain amount of floppiness has to be accounted for. But I already knew how to do fbas, so I have merely had to get more systematic at it and more inventive with different styles Altogether very little inconvenience for such a health upgrade, yeah!!
I love your last comment. 🙂
I’m just going to answer the questions asked since I’m 6 years past menopause and so grateful to be through:
Have your preferences for fabric content or type changed?
I definitely couldn’t wear polyester clothing for awhile. It held the sweat in and it trapped smells so I moved even more towards natural fibers than I’d been using.
Did you adapt the style of clothes you wear to accommodate hot flashes or other symptoms?
This is an interesting question and my first answer is that I started to dress more in layers.Layers because I could remove them when I felt the hotflashes beginning and leave them off until my body temperature cooled back down. I also made all of my dresses (was working in corporate at the time) sleeveless or short sleeves ONLY even in the middle of winter. I needed the least amount of clothing on when a hotflash occurred. Another thing was that I got a lot of pushback on being plus size and sleeveless. At the time I was going through I did not write in my blog posts that my dresses became sleeveless because I was going through thinking it was nobody’s business but it was an interesting side note.
Did your hair, skin, or body change in ways that affected the fit adjustments you make or colours you prefer?
You mean the 30+ lbs I gained all in my midsection and ankles?! Yeah my body changed! LOL! My metabolism slowed down, the hot flashes and hormonal changes affected me emotionally and I definitely ate a lot of comfort food! Also the sleeplessness affected me so more comfort food.
Did it affect your self-esteem or self-image? If so, did sewing help in any way?
Sewing was my life line. I don’t know what women do who don’t sew. You go from being the woman you were for 30+ years to someone else. The hotflashes, the sleeplessness, the hormonal changes and your changing body all wreck havoc with you emotionally and mentally. Because I was able to sew for my changing body and still look presentable, I was able to maintain.
What would I tell a younger sewist about menopause?
Talk to your mother, grandmother, aunts and take notes on what they experienced so you will know what to expect. Also be prepared that this is as life-changing as getting breasts and your period for the first time is. Be prepared for the effect it will have on your sexuality (which is a whole nother conversation because menopause affects women differently in that area). Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your older women friends. I have loads of stories about pregnancy tests, extra sanitary napkins, perspiration shields and what sleep aids help!
I’m honestly glad I’m on the other side. I’ve gained, lost, and regained weight. I’m comfortable in my skin and thrilled that I’m still sewing for this new woman I’ve become!
Menopause is an ongoing process for me. My symptoms are more emotional than physical and only extreme patience and innate optimism has enabled me to manage.
My waist does change across the day and that has been somewhat frustrating. I made a lot of elastic waisted trousers but did not like them. They made me decent but that was all. I prefer to sew in natural fibres, but haven’t found the perfect non-elastic-waist pattern that accommodates spreading and contracting. Thinking I need to be creative and design something.
Well this could be a long and interesting chat on your blog! I am not quite at menopause either (possibly not far off though). From friends, the main thing they stress about is night sweats. Not just getting a bit hot but waking often during the night and waking soaked through as if they’d showered in their pyjamas – so I guess one idea would be lots of pairs of new cotton pjs!
Im an older Genx woman, about five years post-menopause. For me I have two fit issues. 1. My upper arms have gotten pretty generous, unlike most sleeves, and I need more options to adjust sleeve capacity. 2. With plummeting collagen, I’m very…soft. Knits, my former staple, have become incredibly unflattering on me. So I’ve adjusted my style to a more lagenlook sensibility. Lots of light layers, woven cottons and linens, and more pattern/color mixing all make me a bit kooky but entirely comfortable and less squishy looking.
Other issues that are more age related than menopause specific:
1. chronic pain means choosing patterns designed for comfort. Always.
2. Arthritis in my hands and wrists means I don’t wear anything with buttons or other small fasteners. Also makes shaving hard so I wear more modest clothes to cover wooly legs and underarms.
3. Crepey décolletage and turkey wattle neck means no more epic cleavage. Damnit.
4. I moved to a small farm and wear overalls most of the time. How did I live all these years without the convenience of pinafores and bib pockets?
Having come to my fashion sense in the golden age of punk, riot grrrl, and thrift stores, it’s been weird to find a look that says. “I’m a sweet grammaw but I still smash the state.”
Aging, it ain’t for sissies.
I cannot add much that other comments have not already covered.
find/make clothing that doesn’t argue with your body!
menopause is a very challenging time on many levels, so don’t add to your issues with uncomfortable clothes.
if you sew an elastic waistband (which I swear by ) using wider elastic is very flattering to a “softening” body.
forget skinny jeans lol!
I’ve been going through menopause for 22 years. That’s right…22 years. Surgical menopause. I have it but what can I do. Was on hormones but wound up with breast cancer so now I just suffer. I always have two hand fans in my purse and am sleeveless year round. I love sheath dresses and refuse to sew anything that requires more than 2 1/2 yards of fabric. I don’t often wear slacks because I can’t stand for my crotch to be hot and sweaty.
Connie Crawford designs for a fuller more mature figure – either her own line Fashion patterns by Connie or Connie Crawford at Butterick. But the line drawings on the instructions are a little daunting the first time you see them – all curves which really are you, but you just aren’t used to seeing. I have several great dresses made from Connies patterns, with (relatively) minimal adjustments required
I’m still in peri, but I’ve gone from being constantly cold to warm, loving fitted styles to loose pull on styles, and wearing all natural fibres. I remember even five years ago looking at lagenlook and similar styles wondering how anybody found them comfortable, and have gone a full 180 on that. As others have mentioned, the sudden inflation and deflation of boobs, belly and joints needs to be accommodated. Having to relearn to fit a new body is frustrating.
I’m past menopause but like some of you, I still have the occasional hot-flash. I went from snug fit (not painted-on, just fitted) to a loose fit. I didn’t like that squeezed feeling around my waist, not to mention the red, sweltered look that a tight-fitting garment leaves around the waist. You know….that whelped look and feel.
Loose fitting. Natural fibres. One layer. Clothes in different sizes as my belly decides each day how much it will protrude. The jeans that fit me last week, don’t fit this week but they will next. There is no rhyme or reason.