Weight Loss Clothing Issues!
JessicaMcB
Posts: 1,503 Member
Let me preface my post by saying I am very grateful I've been able to lose weight well enough to this point that I have issues like this and I'm not trying to be whiney.
Since February 1 I've lost 45lbs and plan to lose 28lbs more. I've gone from a 16/18 to an 8 (6 in select fits). About a month ago I bought some size 12 jeans online because we live in a small town where haute couture is Walmart haha, they're now obviously falling off and it feels like $150 down the tubes. I tried a bunch of different places in another town over and I'm consistently in an 8 but struggle to find any jeans under $100 because I require a long inseam
. My inseam requirements make it basically impossible to buy used in town as well.
How do you know when you're able to invest in clothes again? Does buying clothes stress you out because of the potential for it to be a waste? Is there any way to suss out what your body's potential "end size" would be? I'm so over being the mom with athletic leggings on...and they're getting too big too! Help!
Since February 1 I've lost 45lbs and plan to lose 28lbs more. I've gone from a 16/18 to an 8 (6 in select fits). About a month ago I bought some size 12 jeans online because we live in a small town where haute couture is Walmart haha, they're now obviously falling off and it feels like $150 down the tubes. I tried a bunch of different places in another town over and I'm consistently in an 8 but struggle to find any jeans under $100 because I require a long inseam
. My inseam requirements make it basically impossible to buy used in town as well.How do you know when you're able to invest in clothes again? Does buying clothes stress you out because of the potential for it to be a waste? Is there any way to suss out what your body's potential "end size" would be? I'm so over being the mom with athletic leggings on...and they're getting too big too! Help!
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Replies
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I am a guy but know exactly how you feel. I have 3-4 pairs of jeans in 33,32,31,30 and just last week bought 29. I should be all set for any gains or loses :P2
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Same problem here! I bought a great pair of jeans from Long Tall Sally that fit snug back then, really baggy now. What I plan to do is spend $10-$15 to get them sized down at a tailor's instead of buying new ones. If you have someone in your family who's handy with a sewing machine maybe they can even do it for free!5
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Same problem here! I bought a great pair of jeans from Long Tall Sally that fit snug back then, really baggy now. What I plan to do is spend $10-$15 to get them sized down at a tailor's instead of buying new ones. If you have someone in your family who's handy with a sewing machine maybe they can even do it for free!
This is a great idea I sadly hadn't even thought of! Looking into it, thanks!2 -
I was actually thinking of joining one of those services where you pay a flat fee per month and get to "rent" clothes- it's sort of like the "Netflix" of clothing. Has anyone here tried anything like that? I think we deserve to look GOOD and have fun dressing cute WHILE we are losing. I was thinking this might be a solution. Meanwhile- I just buy 1 pair of jeans at a time- and if I like them, I buy the next smaller size down, too. Once they are too big for me in a few weeks- I very happily donate them.2
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Another idea I had- and this would require that you have SPACE and TIME- I was thinking of staring a meetup group for people who are losing weight- and then having a "clothing library" where people could "check out" clothes.0
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I feel your pain. I have bought nothing but pre-worn stuff from Salvation Army and ARC and Savers and Goodwill since I started this because I was forewarned, and they were right.
Consider this tactic. It saves the planet, hundreds of dollars, and your sanity. I did the same thing while I was pregnant to avoid the high-cost maternity specific clothes at WalMart (they're high cost on our income).
If you think wearing pre-worn clothes is icky, I think you need to take a remedial course on "Soap".
Further, because I also have specific sizing issues (I am very short and apparently no one else on this planet is, because finding pants that fit me correctly is a nightmare) I actually find second hand stores more often have exactly my fit stuff. Maybe it's because that's the stuff more likely not to sell (lots of stuff at salvation army is straight from the local target, tags still on and all) and go out of season. Maybe it's because pre-worn stuff has been stretched in all the right places already. I think it's because I can only afford walmart, and salvation army gets old stuff direct from people who could afford way better and also have similar sizing needs. Who knows? But i get better brands, styles, quality second-hand than I can afford new.6 -
NewMEEE2016 wrote: »I was actually thinking of joining one of those services where you pay a flat fee per month and get to "rent" clothes- it's sort of like the "Netflix" of clothing. Has anyone here tried anything like that? I think we deserve to look GOOD and have fun dressing cute WHILE we are losing. I was thinking this might be a solution. Meanwhile- I just buy 1 pair of jeans at a time- and if I like them, I buy the next smaller size down, too. Once they are too big for me in a few weeks- I very happily donate them.
There actually is a service like this that a lady in my LC group clued me into! But sadly its only for plus sized women so its no help to me now . Still its a great idea, hopefully it'll be further adapted out!
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CoffeeNCardio wrote: »I feel your pain. I have bought nothing but pre-worn stuff from Salvation Army and ARC and Savers and Goodwill since I started this because I was forewarned, and they were right.
Consider this tactic. It saves the planet, hundreds of dollars, and your sanity. I did the same thing while I was pregnant to avoid the high-cost maternity specific clothes at WalMart (they're high cost on our income).
If you think wearing pre-worn clothes is icky, I think you need to take a remedial course on "Soap".
Further, because I also have specific sizing issues (I am very short and apparently no one else on this planet is, because finding pants that fit me correctly is a nightmare) I actually find second hand stores more often have exactly my fit stuff. Maybe it's because that's the stuff more likely not to sell (lots of stuff at salvation army is straight from the local target, tags still on and all) and go out of season. Maybe it's because pre-worn stuff has been stretched in all the right places already. I think it's because I can only afford walmart, and salvation army gets old stuff direct from people who could afford way better and also have similar sizing needs. Who knows? But i get better brands, styles, quality second-hand than I can afford new.
I grew up very poor so not too proud for Value VIllage here- the issue is that our town only has the church thrift store which I've struck out at every time. We have the money to purchase, I just feel guilty wasting the money if the pants won't fit in a month you know?
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JessicaMcB wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »I feel your pain. I have bought nothing but pre-worn stuff from Salvation Army and ARC and Savers and Goodwill since I started this because I was forewarned, and they were right.
Consider this tactic. It saves the planet, hundreds of dollars, and your sanity. I did the same thing while I was pregnant to avoid the high-cost maternity specific clothes at WalMart (they're high cost on our income).
If you think wearing pre-worn clothes is icky, I think you need to take a remedial course on "Soap".
Further, because I also have specific sizing issues (I am very short and apparently no one else on this planet is, because finding pants that fit me correctly is a nightmare) I actually find second hand stores more often have exactly my fit stuff. Maybe it's because that's the stuff more likely not to sell (lots of stuff at salvation army is straight from the local target, tags still on and all) and go out of season. Maybe it's because pre-worn stuff has been stretched in all the right places already. I think it's because I can only afford walmart, and salvation army gets old stuff direct from people who could afford way better and also have similar sizing needs. Who knows? But i get better brands, styles, quality second-hand than I can afford new.
I grew up very poor so not too proud for Value VIllage here- the issue is that our town only has the church thrift store which I've struck out at every time. We have the money to purchase, I just feel guilty wasting the money if the pants won't fit in a month you know?
Well, you can always try the tried and true method of resale. Buy your pants and take great care of them, then resell on ebay or craigslist or whatever later. You won't get back all the money you spent, but you can get some back, and maybe that will create just enough balance to assuage your guilt.2 -
you can take your jeans to a seamstress to make them smaller. i don't know there, but here it costs 5-10euro for something like that.0
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I grew up very poor so not too proud for Value VIllage here- the issue is that our town only has the church thrift store which I've struck out at every time. We have the money to purchase, I just feel guilty wasting the money if the pants won't fit in a month you know?
I feel your pain! I grew up in a small town.
Do you have a circle of friends locally that you can set up a monthly clothing exchange with? We used to do that, and it was a lot of fun. Everyone brings what they can't wear/don't wear, puts in a big pile and then everyone has a blast trying on different things. It's not only fun to find a new-to-you pair of jeans, but also a lot of fun to see someone thrilled to pick up your old sweater.
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jennypapaje wrote: »you can take your jeans to a seamstress to make them smaller. i don't know there, but here it costs 5-10euro for something like that.
Personally, I have NEVER had luck getting pants taken in- unless it's just a little tuck in the waist or something. Every time I've done it, they end up not fitting correctly. IMO you can get jeans so inexpensively here- at Marshall's or wherever- that it really doesn't pay to get them taken in and risk them getting ruined. Maybe you have better tailors there in the EU 0 -
Almost all my pants and shorts are too loose now. Yay for belts... but ugh...1
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I just make do with not many pants that fit. Right now I have two pair of jeans that are the right size, though not great condition as they are old/worn. Glad that flares seem to be sort of in again...at least they are selling them. The other pair I have with the rhinestones...just no. (And what is up with the high waist thing? Why would I want the waist of my pants to hit at my bra line? Makes me think of Erkle.)
I just purchased 2 pairs of shorts yesterday. They may be baggy when it is actually that warm, but I find Bermuda length shorts tougher to find, particularly ones that fit well.
Have you tried Old Navy talls? Not awesome, but cheap enough to wear a month and not cry over maybe. Their sizing is all over so I would read reviews and order two sizes at once to save on shipping.
ETA: Remembered that American Eagle sells talls. They generally fit me much better.0 -
During my weight loss process, I switched to skirts. They are so much easier to deal with because the fit doesn't have to be perfect.3
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Love that I'm shrinking, but hate when I put on my clothes they hang on me so sloppy. I have blown through sizes where I've only worn something a few times (and I don't have a lot of clothes anyway!) I have to have clothes so I just buy a couple new tops here and there, fortunately I have 2 pair of black pants I wear to work and alternate them, at least they still fit for now. I hate to give away my big clothes "just in case" I gain weight, but hope that's not in the plan!1
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I currently have 3 pairs of jeans that fit (one pair my mom gave me). One is soon to be too big. Shirts are a challenge--I'm still big-busted (though I am slowly losing there, too), so I still need a little larger size there, but too big and they look like maternity clothes since my bust causes them to blouse out badly in the front. I will wear the jeans a couple of times before I wash them. I'm just making do with that for now. As I go down sizes, I'll probably just buy one or two pair at Walmart (though I don't have the long inseam problem--I'm only 5'4"!). I'll donate items as they get too big. Church clothes are a challenge; thankfully our choir uses a color scheme with black as the base, so a single pair of black pants and I'm good. I got some that are loose and flowy so I can take them in as I go.
Since you said you grew up poor, don't consider donating them as a waste. There will be others who can use them. I just figure it's a way to "give back".0 -
Love that I'm shrinking, but hate when I put on my clothes they hang on me so sloppy. I have blown through sizes where I've only worn something a few times (and I don't have a lot of clothes anyway!) I have to have clothes so I just buy a couple new tops here and there, fortunately I have 2 pair of black pants I wear to work and alternate them, at least they still fit for now. I hate to give away my big clothes "just in case" I gain weight, but hope that's not in the plan!
See, if I keep my big clothes "just in case", it makes it that much easier to gain back. I have to get rid of them if I want to stay motivated. 0 -
I also second Old Navy and dresses/skirts. Old Navy has longs online and some in store (my friend is about 5'8-9" with rather long legs, and they fit her well), and they're usually pretty cheap. Different inseam sizing on shorts as well.
She also does well with American Eagle jeans and pants, which are pricier, but not closing in on $100.0 -
During my weight loss process, I switched to skirts. They are so much easier to deal with because the fit doesn't have to be perfect.
I agree with this one...Skirts are much more forgiving of size. I just find they get longer as you lose weight, but sounds like that wouldn't be a bad thing if you're already tall.
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During my weight loss process, I switched to skirts. They are so much easier to deal with because the fit doesn't have to be perfect.
I like this idea. I've been buying a lot of skirts and dresses lately, too, not just for cost and comfort, but also because I'm finally getting down to a size where dresses look better on me. I used to hate wearing them because I felt like I was too fat, and the cuter ones were always too small.
I agree that second hand is the way to go during weight loss mode, as well. I saved a lot on clothing that way. Now that I'm getting close to my goal, I'm ok with buying new again.
My one problem is with some tops and dresses. I have trouble fitting in the smaller sizes, not because of my waist for once, but because the bust is usually way too small for me.
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I bought used jeans on eBay for the intermediate sizes (I also need a long inseam). There are specific brands that I know fit my body type well and I just looked for those; was able to find them for an average of $15 per pair (normally they would be in the $60-$80 range; I don't believe in $150 jeans). And I find I only need two or three pairs available - I wear them two or three times before washing, unless they get spilled on or something. Now that I'm at goal weight I don't mind spending a bit more on clothes, but i feel your pain - it sucks having to spend money on something that you know you'll only wear a short time, yet you want to wear flattering clothes as you lose weight!0
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kmbrooks15 wrote: »Love that I'm shrinking, but hate when I put on my clothes they hang on me so sloppy. I have blown through sizes where I've only worn something a few times (and I don't have a lot of clothes anyway!) I have to have clothes so I just buy a couple new tops here and there, fortunately I have 2 pair of black pants I wear to work and alternate them, at least they still fit for now. I hate to give away my big clothes "just in case" I gain weight, but hope that's not in the plan!
See, if I keep my big clothes "just in case", it makes it that much easier to gain back. I have to get rid of them if I want to stay motivated.
I have, unfortunately, had to return to the big ones after regain Determined not this time! 0 -
thrift stores are your friend.
jeans (and undies/bras) are the only thing i consistently buy new. i only wear one or two brands of jeans lol0 -
goodwills and such are you friend0
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Thanks for all the ideas and commiseration so far! Like I said, I wish I was finding anything at the church thrift store but they seem to be heavy in plus sizes and 00's- not much in the way of 8's
. I'll have to try on some skirts/dresses now that its summer I guess and hope for the best as I have had terrible luck with Old Navy's staying power (I'm actually waiting on a refund from them right now for some Rockstars that fell apart in the wash haha).
On the positive side a friend of mine has some 31's for me to grab today, bless her- I need 29's but they're smaller than what I have now at least!0 -
Thanks again to everyone who contributed above! I found out there was another thrift store here in town that is actually bigger and got a few things today (with all three of my kids with me it was a little too hairy to do any detailed looking you know? Found out I'm more of a 6 than an 8! Good things all around, glad I asked in here!
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JessicaMcB wrote: »Let me preface my post by saying I am very grateful I've been able to lose weight well enough to this point that I have issues like this and I'm not trying to be whiney.
Since February 1 I've lost 45lbs and plan to lose 28lbs more. I've gone from a 16/18 to an 8 (6 in select fits). About a month ago I bought some size 12 jeans online because we live in a small town where haute couture is Walmart haha, they're now obviously falling off and it feels like $150 down the tubes. I tried a bunch of different places in another town over and I'm consistently in an 8 but struggle to find any jeans under $100 because I require a long inseam . My inseam requirements make it basically impossible to buy used in town as well.
How do you know when you're able to invest in clothes again? Does buying clothes stress you out because of the potential for it to be a waste? Is there any way to suss out what your body's potential "end size" would be? I'm so over being the mom with athletic leggings on...and they're getting too big too! Help!
You might try to sell the ones that are too big and use the money to buy new ones. Any other women with long inseams in your area, you might want to organize a clothes swap party?
I also love thrift & co-signment shops, I have the opposite problem, too short inseams equally as hard to come by, the ones at these shops usually have already been altered.
Did you check the Levi lines online, they are hard to beat for quality and sale pricing is good too.
I would think you could find good jeans for less than $100+, most I had to layout for a pair is $85, that was at a dept. store sale, I'm working towards getting back into those, they are a 6, I had regained some weight and it will be a while before those zip up again.
Good luck.0 -
I can't find a waist band small enough it is super frustrating! I didn't think I would stay this size long so when I decided to get clothes this size I basically found out they don't exist by the time I knew I'd be hanging out here long enough to buy clothes. So, unless I'm going out, it's leggings or yoga pants for me! I wear scrubs at work fortunately so I don't have to worry about a super well fitting expensive wardrobe. I have found Aeropostale carries the smallest junior size at 000, and they're usually on sale super cheap. They don't look too "teenagery" and for the price I wouldn't feel bad tossing them if I gain weight. They also come in long inseams!0
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I am lucky in the fact there are a couple Goodwill's near. I don't find a lot there, but I check in every week or two.0
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