Featured in NBC Palm Springs: Judith Somekh on GLP-1 Weight Loss Trends

Jun 26, 2026

A Wardrobe Revolution in Real Time

The health and wellness landscape is experiencing a monumental shift, and the ripple effects are making massive waves across the fashion industry. With the rapid rise and widespread adoption of GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, millions of people are experiencing transformative changes to their body composition in record time. While this is a highly celebrated health milestone for many, it presents a very unique, highly specific dilemma when it comes to the closet: nothing fits anymore.

For the retail industry, this rapid physical transformation translates into unpredictable consumer behavior. Shoppers are suddenly unsure of their measurements, leading to massive shifts in how they purchase, try on, and ultimately send back garments. Recently, The Dress Outlet had the distinct privilege of sharing our industry insights on this exact phenomenon. Judith Somekh sat down with NBC Palm Springs to discuss how this modern medical marvel is reshaping the fashion business behind the scenes, and what it means for the future of formalwear.

The NBC Palm Springs Feature: A Changing Retail Landscape

When a consumer's body changes month to month, traditional shopping habits are completely thrown out the window. This was the core focus of a recent news segment featuring Judith Somekh from The Dress Outlet.

Speaking directly to the shifting economic realities of e-commerce, Judith highlighted a growing trend: a massive, unprecedented spike in online clothing returns. Because women are losing weight rapidly, they no longer know their true dress size. As a result, a practice known as "bracketing" has become incredibly common. This is when a shopper buys the same dress in a size 12, a size 10, and a size 8, intending to keep the one that fits and return the other two.

How Is the GLP-1 Era Reshaping Online Fashion Shopping?

While this ensures the customer gets a dress that fits their new body, it creates a logistical and financial hurdle for retailers. As discussed in the feature, retailers face a surge in costly clothing returns as GLP-1 weight loss drugs reshape shopping habits, which was recently broadcast by NBC Palm Springs. The feature sheds light on the delicate balance retailers must strike: continuing to provide an incredible, flexible shopping experience for customers while managing the skyrocketing costs associated with processing and restocking massive volumes of returned inventory.

If you are currently on a weight-loss journey, you likely know the frustration of buying a beautiful garment only for it to be too large three weeks later. If you are asking, "How is the GLP-1 era reshaping online fashion shopping?", the answer lies in consumer adaptation.

Navigating Transitional Wardrobes: Shoppers are no longer buying "forever pieces" while actively losing weight. Instead, the focus of online fashion shopping has shifted toward transitional garments. Consumers are looking for styles that offer a bit of leeway, dresses that look just as chic when they are slightly loose as they do when they are perfectly fitted.
The Return Policy Reality: Because of the uncertainty surrounding their ever-changing measurements, consumers are highly scrutinizing store policies before hitting the checkout button. The ease of online clothing returns has become the number one deciding factor for shoppers who are trying to navigate their new bodies. Retailers who offer transparent, easy return processes are earning immense brand loyalty from this demographic.

Why Is the Size Chart More Important Now Than Ever Before?

For years, many women could confidently add a "Size 14" to their digital cart without a second thought. Today, that muscle memory is leading to high return rates. So, why is the size chart more important now than ever before?

Mastering the Measuring Tape: When your body composition is changing rapidly, the size you wore last month is no longer a reliable metric. The only way to guarantee a successful online purchase is to take fresh measurements of your bust, waist, and hips every single time you shop. Comparing your current, up-to-date numbers against the retailer's specific size chart is the ultimate defense against ordering the wrong gown.
Understanding Designer Variations: Formalwear is notoriously tricky because every designer utilizes a different fit model. A size 12 from one brand might fit like a size 8 from another. As you navigate your new silhouette, you cannot rely on "vanity sizing." You must strictly follow the inch-by-inch breakdown provided on the product page to ensure the garment will zip properly over your ribs and sit perfectly at your natural waist.

Strategies for Buying Women's Formalwear During Weight Loss

Shopping for casual clothes during a weight-loss journey is fairly simple. You can throw a belt on a pair of jeans or tie a knot in an oversized t-shirt. However, women's formalwear is an entirely different arena. Evening gowns are heavily structured, meticulously tailored, and highly unforgiving if the fit is incorrect.

If you have a major event on the calendar, such as a gala, a wedding, or a milestone anniversary, while you are actively dropping dress sizes, you need a highly specific shopping strategy.

Pacing Your Purchases: Do not buy your formal dress six months in advance if you are on a GLP-1 medication. Your body will likely change drastically before the event date, leaving you with a dress that sags uncomfortably. Instead, plan to make your final purchase 4 to 6 weeks before the event. This leaves just enough time for shipping and a quick, minor alteration if necessary.
Prioritizing Adjustable Silhouettes: The smartest thing a transitional shopper can do is look for built-in adjustability. A formal dress with a corset-style lace-up back is the holy grail for weight loss; it can easily be pulled tighter or loosened depending on where your body is on the day of the event. Similarly, seeking out heavy stretch-crepe fabrics or true wrap dresses allows the garment to naturally mold to your changing shape without requiring expensive, extensive alterations.

Embracing Your New Silhouette

The journey to a healthier you is an incredible, highly personal experience, and your wardrobe should act as a celebration of that progress, not a source of frustration. As highlighted by Judith Somekh in her insightful interview with NBC Palm Springs, the retail industry is actively adapting to support the changing needs of the modern consumer.

While the surge in online clothing returns represents a logistical shift for the industry, it also highlights a beautiful reality: women are redefining their silhouettes and rediscovering their personal style. By mastering the size chart, pacing your purchases, and leaning into adjustable silhouettes, you can conquer the world of online fashion shopping with absolute confidence. When you are ready to showcase your hard work, The Dress Outlet is here to support you. Browse our extensive, beautifully crafted collections of women's formalwear to find a dress that honors exactly who you are today, and who you are becoming tomorrow.

FAQs

Why are online clothing returns surging in the retail industry?

As discussed by Judith Somekh on NBC Palm Springs, the rapid weight loss caused by GLP-1 medications has led customers to order multiple sizes of the same garment because they no longer know their true dress size.

How should I approach online fashion shopping while losing weight?

Focus on buying transitional pieces with stretch or adjustable features, and avoid making large wardrobe investments until your weight stabilizes.

Why must I use a size chart when buying women's formalwear?

Formalwear does not use standard street sizing. As your body changes, taking fresh measurements and comparing them to the specific designer's size chart is the only way to ensure a proper fit.

What is the best style of formal dress to buy while losing weight?

Dresses with corset-lace backs, authentic wrap silhouettes, and heavy stretch-crepe fabrics are ideal because they offer significant adjustability without needing a tailor.

How far in advance should I buy a dress for an event if my weight is changing?

If you are actively losing weight, try to purchase your dress 4 to 6 weeks before the event to ensure the fit is as accurate as possible for the big day.

More from News

affordable formal dresses

Early Prime Day Fashion Deals Are Here: These 33 Amazon Items Stand Out The Most

Looking to score big this season? The early Prime Day fashion deals have arrived, but knowing exactly what to buy requires a strategic game plan. While hunting for mother of the bride dresses, Amaz...

Your cart is empty