Transition clothes: are they worth it?

Ilisidi

Clothes...what you doing? I am receiving suggestions that it is time to buy a new wardrobe, but I still have at least 35lbs to go (79lbs gone). How do you manage the transition? Is it worth spending money on clothes that will last a few months (fingers crossed) or should I save my money?

cherriewilliams

I buy a few pieces from thrift stores or if I find really good sales but I wouldn't invest in a whole new wardrobe.

cloud2011

Buy them...find them on sale. Even if it's two new items. It's important to help you experience your "new self."

I just went shopping this a.m. I probably should save the money for something else, but I found several things on sale and I'm really excited. I've kept off 31 lbs but am still walking around in clothes that are too baggy. It's not flattering.

My plans are to lose even more weight (between 80-100), so I'm going to be doing this a few more times. But if I don't I'll be wearing my "fat" clothes.

mrseelmerfudd

you probably have a couple of options-
1. wear your baggy clothes as long as they stay up!
2. charity shops
3. lend clothes from family/friends
4. spend money on clothes and then sell them on once you no longer fit them!!

brindlechewy

It would be smart to buy clothes from a goodwill or thrift store for now. That way you won't have wasted tons of money when they no longer fit. You could also borrow clothes from friends who are a similar size. I'd say it's better to follow the above suggestions than to walk around in clothes that are ludicrously baggy.

TheMissingSock

I have been wondering about the same thing - when to buy new clothes? I think I will check the thrift stores and just get pants & shorts as i need them. I like to wear baggy t-shirts, so what i have should work for a while.
I also have a great friend that took in my favorite jeans for me! However, they will probably be too big in another month.

meg7399

The big thing I needed was pants during my transistion period...namely jeans. I used this time to buy second hand. I like Platos Closet (Not sure if it is JUST a MO thing or not). They buy back clothes and sell clothes all that are pretty new and pretty named brand. I was buying nice almost new jeans around 10-15 bucks. Most my shirts were already tight so the transition period they actually fit!

Stephisonaroll

I totally think that it's worth is to buy new (or new to you) clothes during your weight loss..you will feel great in your new size and it will help keep you motivated to continue on to your goal. I was 194lbs when I started and got some new clothes at about 170lbs. Once you get into a new pair of pants (or whatever it may be for you) you will really notice what a change you've made..and you might be suprised at the new size you are If you don't want to spend a load of $$ on clothes that you hope will be too big in the future just go by goodwill or some thirft shops, heck even walmart has stuff for cheap.

TNGirlyGirl

FIrst -- YES it's worth it!! You will feel better about your progress - and look better too.
Second -- one word -- GOODWILL!!!! Get rid of your old clothes and get yourself new ones at the same time!!! And all the $$ you save buying your "interim" clothes can be saved to splurge on a shopping spree for when you reach goal!

Pandorian

Thrift stores are your friend... I've changed pant sizes 3 times through this journey (realized it's every 2" not every 1" typically)
value village, salvation army, second hand shops in town....

sometimes brand name products still with the tags on for $3 instead of $60+

I'm buying my "transition" stuff there to keep it looking half decent but when I get to my goal weight you bet I'm purging the closets of all but some fav's and getting "NEW" stuff not just new to me.

jvan1957

I have the same problem. Everyone tells me my clothes are too baggy but I hate to spend money on new clothes till I lose more,
Daughter suggests I go to Good Will a second hand store )

tawnajean

I say buy a few things that make you feel fabulous to wear right now. It will show off how far you've come and encourage you to keep going! And awesome job on the 79 lbs gone,btw!

bennyhusband

Thrift stores! Trust me, you need to buy new clothes because lets be honest your old clothes make you feel frumpy and fat, mine did any how (I've lost 100 lbs). I had to fold my pants over, punch new holes in my belt, but a new belt. And half the clothes I bough a few months ago, dont fit me any more. Go to a thrift store, spend a decent amount of time it will save you money and frustration cause once you got that new bod your gonna wanna accentuate it. For women it seems to be worse. My girlfriends heels dont even fit her anymore. Not a terrible problem to have all and all though right. Congrats on the accomplishments.

xonicolette

I only buy a piece here and there and I know I shouldn't, but sometimes I buy clothes that are one size too small. It motivates me more to lose the weight faster.

_VoV

If you have daily access to a washer/dryer, buy a few basic pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. If you wash every day, you don't need that much. Check out second-hand stores or shop good sales.

I am losing about a pound a week, so at that rate, I figure I will be seeing a size change every 3 - 4 months. That's certainly not worth the time and money to buy a whole new wardrobe in each size all the way down. But, a couple of well-fitted jeans, five tops, and an oversized hoodie or two can get me through most days. Work clothes make things more complicated, but I would go for things that might start off tight, and then need a belt when looser.

vikesfanmb

YES to thrift shops! Not only do I score next to new clothing at times but also name brands. In fact, I was just at the Salvation Army thrift/family store this morning after my workout and they were having a clothing sale . . all clothing 99 cents!! AND I also managed to score myself a brand new Polar HRM with strap (in the box) for 4.99. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw it.

Thrift shops are definitely the way to go!

sunkisses

I thought it was worth it. I like to feel good about how I look no matter what weight I'm at. Walking around with my pants hanging off my a** or swimming in my shirt wasn't doing it for me. I didn't go crazy, but I had enough to make it through the week.

journalistjen

I hate to spend the money; however, it depends on your individual situation. Knit fabrics or other soft fabrics in pants with either a draw string or something you can wear a belt with (I think) are the best transition pieces you can buy. They can cover a wide range of sizes. Another trick that I do that I don't always recommend is if I have to buy an item, like a sports bra or pants--I will go ahead and buy it a little tight if I know I'm going to lose the weight. I don't always recommend this because I don't recommend wearing the wrong size for anyone, but it's my cheater way of buying expensive items that are form fitting.

lizard053

Wearing properly fitting clothes will help you see the changes you have made! 2 pairs of pants, 5-7 different shirts, maybe a jacket or cardigan. It is soooooo worth it! It feels so good to wear well fitting clothing.

Pandorian

I like VergingonVegan's idea... I apply it when I travel anyway, instead of a suitcase just for all the different outfits for a week a pair of pants in the bag and the ones I'm wearing for the trip... 4 or 5 different shirts.... a sweater for any cold evenings... leaves me half or more of the old suitcase to use for souveniers etc. I love checking out second hand shops when I travel as each area has their own "surplus" of items stuff that you may not be able to find find 'at all' at home is in every other shop in the new area.

with a couple pairs of pants and the different tops you've got more than enough possible combos to "not wear the same thing" in combination on a week long trip... could do more of this at home too.

gp79

If you've lost a drastic amount of weight....(to me this is like 60lbs or so) I think it's worth the investment to have a properly tailored wardrobe. Maybe not an ENTIRE wardrobe but if you're wearing business casual to work, hit up a mens warehouse or something and have some clothes tailored to your body. Slacks / sport coat, pants which are tailored to you and a shirt that properly tapers from shoulders to waist. If you're on your last notch in your belt, put the leatherman away and get a new belt. If you're seriously in transition, get one that's slightly smaller than you'd normally buy which you can shrink into.

SaraTN

I hit my local consignment shop and focus on what is on sale. When I am finished with them I either take them to a local charity or to another consignment shop for resale.

reneeileen

Yes! You have to live your life for who you are and who you are becoming. You can be strategic about it. Thrift shops and clearance racks are a great place to start. I took a look at my clothes and decided which sizes I needed to retire and what gaps that left in my wardrobe. I went to Ross, Marshalls, Target, Thrift Stores and bargain shopped looking to replace what I needed first. I also started wearing a belt with those borderline pants. The nice thing about tops and dresses for me is that I have a little more flexibility with sizes I already own.

If you have a few girlfriends locally, schedule a clothes swap. Bring clothes, accessories, house stuff, things for the kids and spouse, a bottle of wine and a dish of food. Make an event of it. Set it up like a store. Have fun. Donate what isn't taken to a charity or save it for a garage sale. Me and my girlfriends used to do this and it was so much fun. When I moved I didn't have enough friends to schedule something like this but I think it is time to get one of these on the calendar again.

Bonita_Lynne_58

I'm picking up a few things from the "clearance" racks and shopping for a few items from thrift stores. I'm not willing to spend alot of money on clothing until I reach my goal. But I enjoy the emotional boost wearing smaller sizes gives me.

reneeileen

Sorry, I just realized that you are a man :embarassed:

The clothes swap is still a good idea though :flowerforyou:

susanswan

When your old clothes look sloppy and make you feel unattractive, you deserve to show off your progress with some new ones! But I agree with the others to "shop smart". I'm a sucker for Macy's and usually shun Target, Kohl's, etc. But be open minded and you can find some great deals for some basic pieces. If you still have quite a bit to lose, then buy tighter than you might normally buy as soon enough they will loosen up on you. Also just one good pair of jeans can carry you through and you can wear your sloppy jeans around the house, taking walks whatever. Think of transiitions of the seasons, too. Stretchy tops were my most forgiving and the pants of course the least forgiving. Just getting one or two new things will really perk you up and make you feel great. My stretchy size 10 levi's carried me through to size 6 if I didn't wear them too long before washings and pulled out a fresh pair from the dryer when I wanted to look "good". I'm still "waiting" for the last few pounds, though to really start buying my new jeans and pants. Just shop around at different places, and perhaps places like Good Will and thrift shops that you might not normally look and you can find some greaat deals. I was fortunate to find my favorite cocktail dress ($23 instead of $150!) - profile picture- at Macys when I had a coupon and everything was on sale that day! Some days you can really score! Have fun!

CuteAndCurvy83

Thrift stores and outlet stores. Before I got pregnant I had my clothes that still "fit" but were big on me, so I bought a pair of jeans and a couple shirts in the smaller size. I refuse to spend much money,when I still intended on losing so much weight!

angraham2

I get my "in between" cloths from thrift stores like St. Vincent, Good Will and our Hospice Thrift. Otherwise, Ross Dress For Less has some very reasonable choices. You need to feel good about yourself! While most of my closet is filled with second hand stuff, I do like to have a new outfit that fits right once and a while.

bcr1559

You need to buy new clothes! I just learned this the hard way on Tuesday. A good friend took me to buy new jeans because she was sick of seeing me pull my pants up all the time. I walked into the store wearing a size 12 and walked out with a size 6! I thought it would be a waste of money but I feel so great putting on the new jeans that I have even more motivation to finish loosing all my weight. It's a great feeling and so worth the little bit of cash to buy some basics. Keep up the good work and go buy some skinny clothes!

AZKristi

Yes. It is unprofessional and unattractive to wear ill-fitting clothing. That doesn't mean you need to spend a ton of money because you aren't buying garmets that really need to last. Buy a few inexpensive pairs of pants, a few inexpensive shirts, etc.

Elleinnz

Yes yes yes - youbwill feel and look so much better in "new" well fitting clothes - it is a huge morale booster during your journey.....

As others said - thrift stores, and you only need a few well fitting peces to keep you till you get to the next size......