When you drop a pant size or two

Falcon

Here's something that crossed my mind today. I decided I was sick of my over sized jeans and needed a couple of new pairs that didn't feel like they were about to drop down to my ankles out in public while I'm walking. That was my fear anyways.

Here's what happened and can anyone else relate to this.

I walked into an oversized store last night and started shifting through the clothing. For some reason I had it in my mind that a size 24 wide was going to be too small still considering the amount of weight I've dropped.

I told the clerk I lost this much weight and I plan to drop down to the next size by next spring but I was unsure of my size, even though lets be honest the size 26 w is close to being too big on me at this point in time. I think the 26 w is going to be joining the 28 w now sitting in my closet.

I had it in my mind that the 24 wide was too small and the girl was instant that I try them on anyways. (I think she noticed what the 26 w looked on me because I wore those to the store and she was insistent I try on the 24 w instead. She wanted to put the 26 w jeans back on the rack and not bother with them but silly me, I was insitant to take them with me to the dressing room anyways.) When I took a look at the size 26 w and I thought those do look too big.

She was insistant to put the size back and I was in a bit of turmoil and uncertainty because I've been a 26 borderline 28 for the last two years. I kept convincing myself the 24 was too small.

I finally won out and decided to try on the 24 w first. They fit? Holy molly they fit.

I walked out still wearing the 24 w black jeans and handed back the 26 w ( never did bother trying them on) and asked her what else she had in this size.

I ended up buying two new pairs of jeans in the next size down. Time to make these new jeans big on me now. That's my next small goal.

So who else can relate to the uncertainty and turmoil of fear going down the next size? I'm glad the girl insisted I try the 24 w on. My dad even told me drop down the next size and get rid of any over sized clothing.

xX_PhoenixRising_Xx

Well done! I absolutely can relate to that. I started in an (Australian) 26 jeans and used to hope they would do up. Sometimes they didn't. I used to automatically go for the same size even though I knew it was falling off me, and I would also go for the largest size on the rack which was usually that 26. I can tell you that as I lost weight I adjusted my mental state and I find it exciting when I fit smaller clothes now! And I've learned to go smaller rather than larger. Today I'm wearing a size 8 skirt... US size 4. It never hurts to try the smaller size on, and it's great to have a goal of fitting into it!

Falcon

I was pretty thrilled when I tried them on. My mental state needs a complete readjustment because when I was growing up I would always go to the next size as if knowing I was going to gain that weight in advance. Not a good thinking strategy at all.

Megan101792

I was originally in a 22, almost 24. I refused to by clothes until the first 50 came off (80 pounds all together), and even now, I am hesitant to buy clothes, but I gave in when clearance was featuring cute pants and shorts. I picked up a 16, 17 (teen size), and then an 18. The 16 fit the best, but I liked how the 17's rode on my hips and butt better so I got those. Every time I go shopping, I question what size or that is not going to fit. It's normal and great job so far

SomeGirlSomewhere

Congratulations on getting in to the smaller size! FYI the "W" after the 24 does not stand for wide, it stands for womens.

cincysweetheart

I don't know that it's fear so much as disbelief. I think we get so used to the size we have been… that even as we lose weight and can see things getting looser, we still can't quite believe that we could possibly fit into that size. Whatever that size is for us.

One of the pages I follow on FB posted a pic of a hoodie that they were selling and I loved it so much, I immediately clicked on it to buy it. But the largest size they offered was a 2x. In my most optimistic, I thought I might be able to get it on, but that it would surely be a little too tight for comfort. However, I really wanted it and since I was losing weight, I figured it would fit eventually. So, I decided to buy it. When I got it, I was shocked to realize that it fit… and fit comfortably.

Congrats and enjoy your new jeans! I'm hoping to be in 24 myself when I go shopping next. And I agree… get rid of any clothes that are now too big for you! Since I've still got a bunch of weight to lose, I will keep anything that is still wearable and looks halfway decent. But once they have crossed that line into "too big"… they are out the door!

MyChocolateDiet

Scary pants.

Falcon

Last year I went shopping with my sister and she was insistent I try on a 24 but I knew it was too small at the time and was embarrassed about it. She's working hard to get the weight off too.

I left an email to my family telling them I was down another size and I know she's going to want to pull me into the nearest clothing store and get me to buy more clothing that fits better.

My sister likes to shop and I hate shopping. I'm more like my dad, in and out. My sister is more like mom, browse all day long

lewispwest

Good for you I've just managed to get in to 34" waist jeans after wearing 44" waist jeans six months ago!

Falcon

I can't wait until I'm down into a size 34 waist again. It feels great just getting back into the size 45

The other two sizes make me want to cringe.

I have a pair of pants that's a size 34 just waiting for me to squeeze back into them. I bought them and six months later, I could no longer fit into them and I kept gaining weight. That was a mistake, I wished I had done something back then. I understand more now then I did eight years ago.

ohiotubagal

That is so exciting! Celebrate that smaller size. And if in the future you try on a smaller size and it doesn't fit yet...so what? You know you can get there. And do get rid of the bigger sizes you already have, knowing that you've got this!

I recently bought the smallest pair of jeans I've ever owned and even now they are a bit big on me. I've been wanting to go back to the same store and try on the next smaller size but I've been putting if off for fear they won't fit. You've inspired me to go ahead and do it! I actually miss shopping in the plus size stores...not sure why...probably the same reasoning you have.

Keep up the good work!

47Jacqueline

Great job! I started out wanting to get back to my original size and I am now two sizes less due to exercise rather than weight loss.

SLHysell

I don't even know what size I am now. I've lost 30 lbs and three belt notches. My current pants are VERY baggy. I'm holding off until I reach my goal until I try any new pants on. I don't want to spend the money on clothes I'll only wear for a month or two. I'm really hoping to fit into the pants size I wore when I graduated high school when reach my weight loss goal.

shortntall1

I can relate..I was 26/28 and now Im starting to get into some 20s..I CANNOT wait for 18s!! Im the size now I was when I married 15 years ago actually 5 lbs lighter)..havent been this in a long time.

EmotionalEater84

I was here not too long ago.. Had to purchase some new work pants and I really hate when the sales people "squeeze" me into a size they think I should fit into, but like you, I didn't know what size I was having lost weight (and inches). I picked up a size 22, a comfortable fit for me I thought, and as usual felt "meh" in the pants. I have no butt and a huge gut (damn apple shape *mutter*) She said she thought she had something else for me to try (the fat stores have fancy stuff like "curvy" or "straight leg", blah blah blah). So, I tried on the pants not even looking at the size .. it was a 20 and it made me have a butt!! Not only that - it seemed to flatten my gut too - Eureka! It's funny how we have this crazy self image of how big we are even after our hard work at losing weight. Congrats - keep up the great efforts!!

vamaena

I can relate with the fear. I've dropped 50 lbs and I'm terrified to go clothes shopping for fear of not losing a size but I've been measuring myself and I know I've lost a good 7 inches off my waist.

SingRunTing

I get it. I'm always nervous about moving down into the next size. I keep waiting until the size I'm wearing to be ridiculously baggy before I move into the next size down.

I'm wearing a smaller size today and should have been wearing them for a few weeks now. But I always hesitate.

amcook4

Great job! I started at a tight 24, and when I tried on a pair of 18 jeans a few weeks ago I did it because I thought it would be fun to see how far up my legs I could pull them up. Well, I was amazed when I could get them all the way up & zippered! I'm rocking those today, and soon you will be too!

I have some great thrift shops around me, so I have been buying clothes for every size I am at without too much investment.

Falcon

I really like the one pair jeans I have and I am thinking about altering them to a smaller size. I have a friend who knows how to take them down a couple of notches and I have a sewing machine. Maybe I can learn :

I didn't really want to spend the money and I didn't spend a lot of money on the tops. I really could use a couple of new pairs of pants at this point.

zyxst

I'm always scared of buying women's clothing because 90% of the time, they don't fit properly. I've lost 147#. I should be able to wear jeans/pants that have snaps and zippers. Nope. Elastic waists are the only thing that fit me due to my pear shape (big butt, smallish waist). Shirts are as much of a nightmare. My biceps are still massive with flab, so I have to buy 2 sizes larger to fit my biceps while the rest of my torso looks like it's hiding in a tent.

I buy shirts from the men's section. Jeans/pants are a little more difficult since men's clothes doesn't take into account having a butt.

jemhh

I definitely go through this too. My husband always has to steer me to the right size because I consistently pick sizes that are too big to take into the dressing room with me.

grandmothercharlie

I didn't have the problem so much while I was still in the Women's plus sizes, but now I still seem to head to the plus sizes first even though I'm in a 12 Petite. I recently found myself just speeding through Kohl's, seeing cute stuff, and I kept on going. Finally realized, "Hey, I can look at all of this stuff now!"

After shopping last night looking for a suit-type, professional looking jacket, I do have only one gripe and question, "Do people really like short jackets with long tops underneath that seems to be the style?"

cstevenson86

jemhh wrote: »

I definitely go through this too. My husband always has to steer me to the right size because I consistently pick sizes that are too big to take into the dressing room with me.

YES, YES, YES! I can totally relate to this and this thread! I have been a size 18 for as long as I can remember. Recently, I've been able to get my work pants on and off without un-zippering or un-buttoning. My husband forced me to go to the store and get new pants. I was terrified. Even though I love Lane Bryant, and their sales ladies are EXCELLENT I still had this pang of fear in my heart that the 16s wouldn't fit and I would be devastated...left feeling like I've accomplished nothing and everything I've worked so hard at was pointless. Well, I tried on the 16s and they fit...COMFORTABLY!

Pure shock. Pure disbelief. Pure joy. I think we see ourselves a certain way, and we never think it will be possible to be the woman we want to be. The woman who can shop without giving it a second though. The woman who can buy the cute, smaller clothes. It's like an image is burned into our brains. "No, you can't fit into that." "No, that will be too small." "No, that will be too tight."

We need to start saying YES!!!! We can do everything we want. And we deserve it. I'm so glad to have the support of fellow MyFitness Palers such as yourselves. It is so nice to have people to relate to!

JeriAnne84

mrsmay1986 wrote: »

jemhh wrote: »

I definitely go through this too. My husband always has to steer me to the right size because I consistently pick sizes that are too big to take into the dressing room with me.

YES, YES, YES! I can totally relate to this and this thread! I have been a size 18 for as long as I can remember. Recently, I've been able to get my work pants on and off without un-zippering or un-buttoning. My husband forced me to go to the store and get new pants. I was terrified. Even though I love Lane Bryant, and their sales ladies are EXCELLENT I still had this pang of fear in my heart that the 16s wouldn't fit and I would be devastated...left feeling like I've accomplished nothing and everything I've worked so hard at was pointless. Well, I tried on the 16s and they fit...COMFORTABLY!

This is me right now, except I haven't tried on a 16 yet. I'm still wearing 18's and my slacks for work and two of my pairs of jeans I can pull on and off without unbuttoning or unzipping them. But I couldn't handle the disappointment of trying on a 16 and it not fitting because its happened to me many times before. I just need to suck it up and go for it. Especially because I have a holes in a pair of slacks and in a pair of jeans now.

JenniferIsLosingIt

shortntall1 wrote: »

I can relate..I was 26/28 and now Im starting to get into some 20s..I CANNOT wait for 18s!! Im the size now I was when I married 15 years ago actually 5 lbs lighter)..havent been this in a long time.

I am soooo jealous!!

Falcon

now I definately want to drop some more and these jeans are making think yup still have a long way too go. Dropping down the next size I find encourages you too keep going instead of getting comfortable in that same size you've been wearing 40 pounds ago.

Stargazer525

First of all, congrats to everyone on their successes!

I had something similar the othe day that I posted on my wall, though it was more disbelief than fear:

"So I have had these jeans that are a size 14 (UK measurements) that I have been using as my "goal pants". Every now and then I would try them and it was a case of "Nope, not quite. Still a bit of overspill."

Then, yesterday, I was putting on my looser jeans and noticed I could do my belt up another notch! Woohoo! Right?

Then, just now I had just had a shower when it dawned on me: "I wonder if..." 

 Out come the goal pants... and they fit great!! Just a tiny bit of pouch at the front but I can get away with that!!

I literally jumped for joy!!"

I'm wearing my goal pants right now! *waves*

rupert2011

I totally understand, when I started my new journey I was quickly outgrowing my size 20 pants and they were the only ones I could squeeze into. I've been working hard for ~8 months, what makes this time different is I'm logging "everything" on MFP and I'm exercising. I've gone thru all the sizes in my closet and finally had to go shopping, I couldn't believe it when I could put on a size 14! and a size 1X top I was overjoyed. When I got home I ordered online that same size pant in a different color. Well I was so excited that the 14 fit that I really didn't pay attention to the fact that it really was too big and looked baggy on me. I had to cancel the order for additional pants but I can't bring myself to order or try on the 12's, I'm too afraid to try, what if they are too small? I know it sounds silly but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the success of my efforts. The 1X tops are swimming on me but I'm fearful the next size down will be too tight. I know intellectually this doesn't make sense but emotionally that's where I'm at. To the OP, GREAT JOB you're giving me courage. WELL DONE.

aimeemarie150

I was a loose 26 when I started losing weight, and each time it's like Christmas all over again when I can fit in a new size. Each time I psych myself out thinking it'll never fit, and how bummed I'll feel if the next size is too small. And sometimes it is still too small, but then the day comes that it fits, and it feels amazing. I remember going through all those clothes I hung onto from high school, and how amazing the feeling of fitting into brand name jeans again was. I am now in size 12s, almost to a size 10 (It zips, but it's too tight.), and once those 10s fit comfortably, it's going to be Christmas all over again!

sandyskw1967

I can relate. I wore a 3x top and 26 pants. Went shopping today and bought a 1x top. Found 2 other tops I liked but they were 2x, it was weird to know I couldn't, get them as they were too big. I just wish I would lose from my butt and hips every with my top area as now I look bottom heavy, pants are only down about 1 size.

Falcon

rupert2011 wrote: »

I totally understand, when I started my new journey I was quickly outgrowing my size 20 pants and they were the only ones I could squeeze into. I've been working hard for ~8 months, what makes this time different is I'm logging "everything" on MFP and I'm exercising. I've gone thru all the sizes in my closet and finally had to go shopping, I couldn't believe it when I could put on a size 14! and a size 1X top I was overjoyed. When I got home I ordered online that same size pant in a different color. Well I was so excited that the 14 fit that I really didn't pay attention to the fact that it really was too big and looked baggy on me. I had to cancel the order for additional pants but I can't bring myself to order or try on the 12's, I'm too afraid to try, what if they are too small? I know it sounds silly but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the success of my efforts. The 1X tops are swimming on me but I'm fearful the next size down will be too tight. I know intellectually this doesn't make sense but emotionally that's where I'm at. To the OP, GREAT JOB you're giving me courage. WELL DONE.

baggy 14s means perfectly fitting 12s You can walk into a store and grab a pair and try it on in the fitting room. No one has to know how they look on you unless you want them too. Just go for it