'I'm a size 16 – this is how you can stop clothes ruining your self-worth'

Not everyone has the best relationship with their body, and as summer fast approaches, the noise around weight loss can be overwhelming for many people.

But one star has shared the hack for making sure clothes don't define your self-worth as summer approaches.

Soph Hughes showed herself wearing a cute two-piece, sharing how she went "from this," with her tummy on show and top too tight, "to this," with her outfit fitting way better.

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Soph, who posts on as , wrote: "You know you can just buy the bigger size, right? You can quite literally just size up, and no one knows or cares". We bet you weren't expecting that advice.

The size 16 beauty continued: "Stop letting clothes sizing ruin your self-worth, they make it up as they go along, and you’re letting them win.

"Stop buying the size you want to be and convincing yourself you’ll lose the weight; stop punishing your body. Can we all just agree to stop that?"

In the comments, other women agreed with her, with one penning: "Yes, please! Someone had to say it! We should love ourselves more. We’re much more than the number in the scale or in the clothes."

Someone else shared some poignant advice they'd read, writing: "I read somewhere that if a pair of shoes doesn’t fit then we buy a bigger pair.

"We are not expected to make our feet smaller or to change our feet shape. And buying clothes should be treated in the same way".

Soph responded to this woman, sharing: "Oh, I absolutely LOVE this. I’m going to have to use this".

Another added: "The kindest thing we can do for ourselves sometimes is just go up a size. Love this".

A further Instagrammer said: "I always think of that part of Eat Pray Love when Julia Roberts says, we'll just buy bigger jeans". While someone else wrote: "Absolutely. The world's biggest and most damaging secret when it comes to body shaming".

In another post, Soph shared her story of how she went from "weighing herself every day" to accepting and loving her body, and rebuilding her relationship with herself, exercise, and her weight.

Showing love and care for your body is an essential practice that nurtures both physical and mental well-being. Here are several ways to show your body the love it deserves:

1. Nourish Your Body

• Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Enjoy food mindfully by savouring your meals, listening to your hunger cues, and avoiding restrictive dieting.

2. Move Your Body

• Find physical activity you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, yoga, hiking, swimming, or walking.
• Focus on movement as a form of celebration, not punishment.
• Stretch regularly to release tension and improve flexibility.

3. Rest and Sleep

• Prioritise a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Allow your body to rest when it feels tired or overworked.
• Create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation.

4. Practice Self-Care

• Pamper yourself with a soothing bath, skincare routine, or massage.
• Use lotions, oils, or creams to moisturise your skin and enhance your connection with your body.
• Take breaks during the day to recharge mentally and physically.

5. Show Gratitude for Your Body

• Write down or say affirmations acknowledging everything your body does for you (e.g., "Thank you, body, for allowing me to move, breathe, and live.").
• Focus on what your body is capable of rather than focusing on perceived flaws.
• Celebrate your body for its resilience, strength, and uniqueness.

6. Dress for Comfort and Confidence

• Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident, rather than trying to fit into trends or societal expectations.
• Treat yourself to new clothes that fit your current body without judgment.

7. Protect Your Health

• Listen to your body and seek medical care when something doesn’t feel right.

8. Set Boundaries

• Honour your limits and say no to situations that drain your energy or harm your well-being.
• Avoid overcommitting yourself,f and learn to rest when needed.

9. Spend Time in Nature

• Go outside and soak in some fresh air and sunshine to boost your physical and mental health.
• Walk barefoot on grass, sand, or soil to feel more grounded and connected to the earth.

10. Limit Negative Self-Talk

• Practice self-compassion and stop criticising your body.
• Reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive, affirming ones.
• Surround yourself with people, media, and communities that promote body positivity and acceptance.

11. Engage in Relaxation Practices

• Try meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to calm your mind and reduce stress.
• Explore body-based relaxation activities like progressive muscle relaxation or gentle yoga.

12. Celebrate Your Body Through Creativity

• Try activities like dancing, painting, or writing that allow you to express yourself and connect with your body in creative ways.
• Take photos or journal about moments when you felt most alive in your body.

13. Acknowledge Your Emotional Needs

• Pay attention to emotions and how they manifest in your body (stress, tension, joy).
• Seek therapy or a trusted confidant to work through emotional challenges.

14. Give it Joyful Experiences

• Laugh often, as it releases feel-good endorphins and relaxes your body.
• Engage in hobbies or activities that spark joy, connection, or excitement.

15. Respect Your Body’s Natural Rhythms

• Respect your body’s changes throughout your life — from growth to ageing.
• Trust your body’s signals, like hunger, thirst, fatigue, or discomfort, and respond appropriately.

16. Celebrate Rest Days

• If you work out, ensure you’re giving your body time to rest and recover.
• Enjoy calm, intentional relaxation days free from high demands.

By showing consistent care for your body, you can strengthen not only your physical health but also your relationship with yourself. It’s all about balance, compassion, and listening to what your body needs.