A Wardrobe for Wellness: Expressing Self-Care Through Clothing

In a world that often feels like it's constantly on the move, Rachael's story is a reminder that sometimes, slowing down and making room for self-care can make all the difference. Like many others, Rachael Bancroft has been on a journey with endometriosis, a condition that brings its fair share of challenges. Her experience with this chronic illness has been a long and winding road.

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Navigating the Endometriosis Journey

For Rachael, the diagnosis process was lengthy and filled with frustration. She spent years voicing her concerns, and trying birth control, only to find that it exacerbated her symptoms. But amid the struggle, she had a lifeline—a compassionate family doctor who understood the ongoing battle she was facing. It's a journey that Rachael shared with her mother, who had endometriosis throughout her life, and her grandmother, who faced cancer and passed away when her mother was just seven years old.

In Rachael's family, late periods and extended active time were the norm, providing a unique lens through which they viewed endometriosis. Most of her symptoms revolve around her menstrual cycle, and she considers herself fortunate for this. “I have two and a half weeks of feeling great and being active and highly achieving, followed by a week of intense physical and mental symptoms accompanied by excruciating pain, intrusive thoughts, and I just feel Like I’m moving through life carrying 500 lbs with me!”

Understanding her cycle became pivotal for Rachael. Her body offers clues two weeks in advance of her period, helping her anticipate what is to come. It also signals the severity of her upcoming period. Rachael's severe cramps were her body's way of foretelling a challenging period ahead, allowing her to prepare mentally and physically.

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A Wardrobe Revolution

Amid the ups and downs of her endometriosis journey, Rachael discovered an unexpected source of empowerment—her wardrobe. Her journey into the world of specialized clothing for sick days began with a YouTube video by Kalyn Nicholson, who talked about the concept of creating a special wardrobe for her period. Rachael thought, "Why don't I do that too?"

One of the significant challenges Rachael faced during her cycle was the fluctuation in her body size due to water retention— ”I gain 10 to 15 pounds in water weight, every month, only to lose it all soon after.” she explains.
To accommodate these changes, Rachael had not one, but three different jeans sizes in her closet, each designated for a specific week of the month. Skinny jeans for the beginning, a slightly larger size when comfort took precedence, and loose, dressy yoga pants for those days when nothing else would suffice.

Her collection extended to tops as well. Cute, flowy business shirts, accompanied by fun earrings, are her go-to for days when she wants to feel put-together. Loose sweaters and shirts provide comfort and coverage for those times when the endo-belly and bloating are at their peak.

Rachael's love for everything fashion can be easily spotted on her YouTubec channel: @PassionateLifestyle and in her home, where both her and her partner occupy two large closets and might need more room for new clothing soon.
For those who are not very familiar with fashion and options, Rachael recommends specific items:

• Disposable underwear. It’s a god send.
  No more ruining underwear and slapping a pad in there. They’re useless and the unders keep you protected all around. This is a great option on Amazon (or anything in your local store!)
• Wireless, all cloth bra.
• Go one size up (or more!). As you see, I literally have size jeans 16-22, and I wear them all through the month.
  Be good to yourself. Size up. Don’t torture yourself. If anything, do yourself a favor and cut the size tag out if it is that bothersome.
• Think luxurious fabrics. Thick, comfy, QUALITY fabrics. Our senses are SUPER heightened during this time. The comfier the fabric, the happier you’ll be.
  Soft polyester that stretches, that’s always nice. Or a cotton-polyester blend.
• Skirts and dresses during warm months. Always high-waisted. Nothing should go across your uterus during this time. Everything should be higher waisted with stretch. Everything hurts. Hips, front, back, keep everything off of it.
• Be aware of the angle of your shoe. The more the heel is lower than the arch area, the harder it will be. Opt for a low angled shoe or boot.
  Be kind to your hips and back. Wear flat or low heeled shoes.
• The outfit itself doesn’t have to be fancy. Dress up with accessories; cute flats, do a quick makeup routine.
• We’re going for the illusion that we’re keeping it together. In my pictures here, I’m wearing paper drawers, wireless bra, my hair is dirty, and I went through two rounds of horrific cramps yesterday.
  I’m still hurting today and feel like crap. But could you tell? NOPE 😂
• P.s. winter is perfect for tall boots and sweater dresses. It hides the fact that you’re wearing leggings. 😎

As you can see, Rachael's wardrobe wasn't just about covering up; it was about embracing her body as it went through these fluctuations. She highlights the importance of keeping her attire business-appropriate, striking a balance between comfort and professionalism. “Some days, a good bra is non-negotiable, for other days, I have a non-wired or larger size”. Her wardrobe is a reflection of her resilience—it’s about embracing endometriosis as a part of her life, but not allowing it to define her.

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Creating a Wardrobe for Wellness

Rachael's wardrobe initiative wasn't just about clothing; it was about creating a supportive environment for herself. She shared valuable advice about navigating the workplace as an individual living with endometriosis. Flexibility, she emphasized, was key. Patients with endometriosis are often dedicated and hardworking if given the chance, and a supportive work environment can make a world of difference.

Rachael encouraged individuals to seek employers who prioritize employee well-being, and helps hundreds of job seekers find their dream job every year. You can find her resume tips on her Linked page and YouTube channel: @passionatePortfolio.
Rachael’s experience as a marketing recruiter reinforced her commitment to inclusivity, and she emphasized the importance of introducing empathy into business practices. “You should Google "best companies to work for" in your state, and see what comes up.” she offers. “Take it with a grain of salt, as some of those lists can be purchased, but it’s a good place to start. Check Glassdoor and Fishbowl to better understand how things work behind the curtains, once you sign the contract”.

When it came to her own job, Rachael believed in transparency. Once she had secured a position, she explained her medical condition, letting her employers know that she was open to providing necessary documentation and that when she would ask for a day to work from home, it’s for medical reasons. With that understanding established, she could negotiate a level of flexibility that allowed her to maintain her career while managing the ups and downs of endo.

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A Wardrobe of Empowerment

For Rachael, her wardrobe initiative was not just about clothing; it was about taking control of her life. She believed in designing her life, making the most of the present, and creating a legacy of meaningful experiences. Her message is clear: “Seize the moment and make the best of the time you have now because you’ll never get it back. I always want to look back and say, “Here’s what I did with this time in my life”...”

Rachael's story is a reminder that endometriosis may be a part of our lives, but it doesn't have to define us. She's doing everything in her power to control it rather than letting it control her. Through her clothing choices, Rachael has found a way to express her self-care, embrace her body's changes, and stay empowered throughout her endometriosis journey.

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Fun Homework:

Set up your comfortable clothing and try creating exciting outfit matches that you didn’t think of before! Use the basic rules by Rachael: flowy, light, stretchy. While these describe PJs, they could also describe other clothing items in your wardrobe. 

Sharing Her Journey

Rachael's initiative is not just a personal endeavor; it's also a means of raising awareness. She actively participates in Facebook groups and LinkedIn discussions using common themes to inspire and empower others. Her goal is to encourage people to ask the right questions, seek the right doctors, and take control of their health. She emphasizes the need for empowerment in the endometriosis community, helping individuals steer the conversation in a positive direction.

Rachael's journey is a testament to the power of self-care, resilience, and the importance of fashion in boosting self-esteem and well-being. Her wardrobe initiative is not just about clothing; it's about empowering herself and others to live life to the fullest, endometriosis and all.