Have you read the book, or seen the movie based on the book, “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?” Four friends, all with different body types, fit perfectly into the same pair of secondhand jeans. The story then follows these teen girls’ adventures as they pass the jeans off to one another over a summer apart. It’s a sweet tale that displays their strong friendship. And the magic pants are an even better concept!

Did you know magic pants in fact exist?

It’s kind of crazy, but it’s true. I actually have a pair of magic jeans, and a magic shirt to pair with them! I have not passed them back and forth between friends with different body shapes and sizes to strengthen a bond of friendship. I’ve kept them for myself as my body has changed back and forth through pregnancies, and to strengthen the bond of weight changes, ha!

And, well, they’re simply just comfortable!

Want to know my secret?

When I was pregnant with my first child, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on expensive maternity clothes. I knew that full on maternity clothes wouldn’t be needed for awhile into the pregnancy anyway, but my own clothes were becoming snug. I also wasn’t ready to announce the pregnancy to many people yet, so I wanted clothes that would hide my little bump for a bit longer.

Hence, my little trip to Target. I bought a couple of pairs of inexpensive jeans one or two sizes larger than my normal size, and I looked for slightly larger tops with embellishments in the front to distract from my tummy.

And there, my magic outfit was born – a dark purple top with soft, simple ruffles down the front, and a pair of dark wash bootcut jeans with a little stretch to them.

This magic outfit served me through four pregnancies, all the in between with weight changes, and I’ve worn the outfit for many road trips and flights whether I’ve been pregnant or not – just because it’s so comfortable.

This outfit has been drooled on, spit-up on, peed on, pooped on, and it’s barely stained.

The pants have stood the test of time

Despite being dragged on the ground through many stroller walks, being bent and twisted as I’ve been on my hands and knees mopping the floor, picking up toys, or scrubbing a mess out of the carpet. This outfit has had dirt and mud smeared on it when a child has had too much fun at an outdoor playdate.

This magic outfit has bounced back after drinks were spilled on it, or food thrown on it during dinnertime meltdowns. I remember tossing this outfit to the side in an overseas hotel after changing into my pajamas, when I was six months pregnant with our second child, exhausted from our PCS travel, marveling it still fit me, and grateful for the comfort it offered me in that moment.

Just the other day, I couldn’t decide what to wear for a normal school day at home, so I pulled my trusty magic jeans off the hanger.

They somehow fit just fine!

My magic outfit has served me in housework and through adventures. It has loved me through the changes and through the challenges. It doesn’t speak negativity into me when my weight changes or when life gets hard; it speaks unconditional love to me by continuing to serve with me.

My magic outfit has been with me through it all, for over a decade now!

The durability in these Target clothes has been surprising, but they have finally come to show their age and weariness. The purple top has a small hole in the back and the jeans are worn, especially at the knees. It may soon be time to say goodbye. I guess I’ll take another trip to Target, and find another magic outfit to suit this next decade.

It’s crazy to think about what the next several years of adventures may bring my pants and me.

I truly hope your New Year Resolutions of going to the gym and becoming a healthier you are going well. But if you have a moment of discouragement, my goodness, please join me on my next little trip to Target and just get yourself some magic pants!

*Click here for more Resolution motivation from LaVaugn.