Billie Eilish ties baggy fashion to ‘toxic relationship’ with her body, eating issues

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:  Billie Eilish has long been known for her oversized, baggy fashion, but the Grammy-winning singer said the choice came from a deeper struggle with body image and eating issues.

In a recent interview with Elle, Eilish reflected on how what she described as a “toxic relationship” with her body shaped both her mindset and signature style. For her, loose clothing became a way to feel comfort and control during a difficult phase of her life.

Billie Eilish says ‘toxic relationship’ with body shaped baggy fashion and eating issues

In the interview published on Tuesday, April 28, Eilish, who appeared alongside director James Cameron, spoke about how her fashion choices were shaped by personal insecurity as well as cultural influence.

She said her oversized outfits were never just about style. “I’m not the first person who’s worn baggy clothes,” she said, citing inspirations such as Harlem fashion influencer Bloody Osiris and hip-hop artists Tyler, the Creator and Missy Elliott.

Eilish also said the look gave her a sense of freedom and gender expression, while helping her cope with body-related anxiety. “I had a really, really toxic relationship with my body,” she said. 

“I had a lot of eating issues. I remember putting on, like, a big shirt and the relief that I felt. At the same time, it was my love for hip-hop culture and wanting to be a man. This is the misogyny that we all have within us... which is that I didn’t want to be seen as feminine, and therefore weak. It’s not right. I’ve found a good way of not feeling like that.”

She added, “This is the misogyny that we all have within us... which is that I didn't want to be seen as feminine, and therefore weak. It's not right. I've found a good way of not feeling like that."

Billie Eilish recalls early body image struggles starting at age 11

In a 2024 interview cited by Complex, Eilish said her body image issues began in childhood and evolved as she grew older.

“When I was a little girl, I loved big dresses,” she said. “All I wore was fairy dresses and skirts. I never wore pants or shorts when I was a kid.”

She explained that things changed around age 11 when she became obsessed with Brandy Melville, a brand known for its one-size clothing.

“I was chubbier, and I was obsessed with these clothes, but I'd buy a shirt, and it wouldn't fit me,” she said, adding, “That's when my body problems started.”

Eilish also connected her experience to ballet training, saying it further intensified early pressure around body image and appearance.