Too Tight or Too Lose?

adamb83

Alright, folks - I need some fashion and clothes buying advice.

I started this journey at 255 pounds - size 2XL Shirt and size 48" (waist) pants.

I'm now down to 189 pounds - size Large (in some cases, Medium) shirts and size 38" or 36" pants, depending on the style/brand.

Fortunately, I had kept a bunch of pants (mostly jeans) from when I was thinner, ranging in about every size from 48" down to 32", so I haven't had to buy much there - but I feel that I'm constantly (every few months) needing to replace shirts, underclothes, work/dress clothes, etc. It's fantastic - but it's costing a FORTUNE.

So, two questions:

Is it better to buy clothes in advance and squeeze into ones that are still a little too tight, but which you plan to fit into at some point, or to wear the loose clothes for as long as possible. I've been wearing looser clothes because I just can't afford to keep up with the changes but I feel like I look like a total slob sometimes (especially at work)! Not to mention, you can't really "show off" the changes when you're swimming in your clothes.

Also, for others who have lost quite a bit of weight - and who might be in a similar financial situation - what was your plan of action? Resale shops? I've heard of places like Plato's Closet and such, but have never been...

Thanks! Just here for thoughts.

anabell31

I'd hit up the thrift stores for cheap clothes until your weight loss evens out more and you can afford the nicer stuff. I love thrifting anyway, you can always find the coolest stuff there. Usually some really nice suits for $10-30 or so

lewandt

Judging by the kids now, i would stay with the loose. Might be more comfy too.

sevencallmemom

I mostly hit the resale shops and clearance racks. For me, I buy clothes that are a little snug just to keep me working hard. Not ridiculously tight, but not loose because I know myself enough to know that I would get comfortable and not work as hard if my clothes were comfy.

becoming_a_new_me

Alright, folks - I need some fashion and clothes buying advice.

I started this journey at 255 pounds - size 2XL Shirt and size 48" (waist) pants.

I'm now down to 189 pounds - size Large (in some cases, Medium) shirts and size 38" or 36" pants, depending on the style/brand.

Fortunately, I had kept a bunch of pants (mostly jeans) from when I was thinner, ranging in about every size from 48" down to 32", so I haven't had to buy much there - but I feel that I'm constantly (every few months) needing to replace shirts, underclothes, work/dress clothes, etc. It's fantastic - but it's costing a FORTUNE.

So, two questions:

Is it better to buy clothes in advance and squeeze into ones that are still a little too tight, but which you plan to fit into at some point, or to wear the loose clothes for as long as possible. I've been wearing looser clothes because I just can't afford to keep up with the changes but I feel like I look like a total slob sometimes (especially at work)! Not to mention, you can't really "show off" the changes when you're swimming in your clothes.

Also, for others who have lost quite a bit of weight - and who might be in a similar financial situation - what was your plan of action? Resale shops? I've heard of places like Plato's Closet and such, but have never been...

Thanks! Just here for thoughts.

Once every few months a few friends of mine and I get together and trade clothes. It's fun, you get a new wardrobe, and it doesn't cost a lot

mandamommy3

I plan on hitting up the resale/thrift/consignment shops I've got near me and possible the Clearance racks at the department stores.

alibaba77

1. Call a friend of the female gender who makes less money than you but dresses well
2. Tell her you are on a budget $XXX to buy clothes that fit
3. Mention you will only be able to where them a few months
4. Tell her that you need her to help because she has great style and you know she can shop on a budget

Clothes shopping is similar to multi tasking, men just can't compete;-) We, women, are all addicted to it and many of us without the income to participate as often as REQUIRED (to live) without mastering the art of being thrifty.

Good luck!

adamb83

I mostly hit the resale shops and clearance racks. For me, I buy clothes that are a little snug just to keep me working hard. Not ridiculously tight, but not loose because I know myself enough to know that I would get comfortable and not work as hard if my clothes were comfy.

That's a good point!

adamb83

1. Call a friend of the female gender who makes less money than you but dresses well
2. Tell her you are on a budget $XXX to buy clothes that fit
3. Mention you will only be able to where them a few months
4. Tell her that you need her to help because she has great style and you know she can shop on a budget

Clothes shopping is similar to multi tasking, men just can't compete;-) We, women, are all addicted to it and many of us without the income to participate as often as REQUIRED (to live) without mastering the art of being thrifty.

Good luck!

Lol. Very good suggestions! I will send out the texts post-haste!

annalee_1

Thrift stores are your best bet you can get some nice things there and not spend a ton of money only way I could afford it. You probably need to get use to more fitting clothes I know I feel funny in form fitting clothes I was so use to wearing baggy clothes to cover up my fat body!

Soozie1978

I bought a belt and used it until I had to poke more holes and then that wasn't enough. That brought me down about 2 sizes. Now I have hit clearance sales for a few basics to get me through - Black and navy blue pants, a pair of jeans, and a couple of shirts that can take me into spring. Many shirts I can still get by with if I'm careful how I pair them. I agree with the thrift shop idea. I would stay looser or just fitting without stretching pockets and seams to best show off the new you!

As far as undergarments, My son, who is about 250 pounds and in sports, prefers compression shorts to tidy whities. They are expensive, but they will stretch and shrink with you quite a bit. Might be worth a try if the style suits you.

myogibbs

Thrift stores, like Goodwill and Salvation Army are a great bet. You have to shop...you have to be prepared to be there awhile & wear layers in case they don't have a dressing room, so you can try on stuff. Try it on, even though it is a major pain It is cheap, but no use just having more clothes that don't fit. My rule is to only buy name brand clothes, b/c they tend to last longer. You can find really nice clothes if you are willing to look. I wouldn't buy clothes that are too tight, unless you can kind of wear them now. Great problem to have, huh?

fingerpaints

Everything I own is thrifted, not because I can't afford to shop elsewhere but because it is awesome. It is cheap, nobody else owns it, and you find literally everything there. As someone else mentioned, be prepared to sort through racks & racks of junk. Eat first & arrive caffeinated. Lots of places don't have changing rooms. Try the stuff on over your clothes. It's awkward, but it saves you bringing home something that doesn't fit. Try to find good-quality stuff (brands you've heard of, or nice-feeling fabrics) and check to make sure it's not stained or ripped anywhere. It all depends on the quality of the thrift store you're at.

If you're not fitting into some of your nicer bigger clothes, try selling them to a consignment store or online- you may get a few bucks that can go back into your wardrobe budget!

And my two-cents about the tight-vs-baggy... Too tight never looks good, even when it "sorta" displays your results. It's still winter, so you can get away with layering some of your bigger pieces until you get-to-shopping. Good luck!

junyr

You should never wear clothes based on their size. You should wear clothes that make you feel good.

fitnoflab

Thrift stores! So much fun! Like other posters said you have to be prepared and patient but you can find some gems for really cheap. Also when clothes don't fit anymore you can pay it forward and donate back to thrift store.

adamb83

Alright, thrifty it is! Thanks for all the feedback!

Le_Joy

I buy stuff that is snug, it lasts longer and is motivation to make it fit more comfortably. And for non-underwear I shop at thrift shops and clearance racks. I can't afford to spend money on nice fancy new clothes every 2 months!

monocot

Oddly enough I'm Still wearing my 3 XL shirts. They swim on me but I pin them in the back so I don't show my Boobs.
It doesn;t really matter for me though cause I work in a kitchen and my clothes get wrecked. So I can get away with Looking like a slob.
I own a couple Tops and jeans that fit great.
I also am in a group that does a clothing exchange. Everyone Brings there to big or two Clothes to this garage. and we go through everyone elses stuff So I don't bring back of my large clothes that were rarely worn but Bring back smaller stuff like is still Nice!