What do you do about clothes?

Cristy_AZ
Cristy_AZ Posts: 986
edited September 22 in Motivation and Support
I have only dropped one size really so far and have a long ways to go. Just wondering if you have any suggestions on clothes for the in between times. I don’t want to and can’t afford to buy clothes in every size. There’s not a decent thrift store or exchange store around me. But maybe that’s what I’ll have to find. I have a sewing machine but am really not good at altering things. I’m ok with a lot of my work clothes, adding a belt and just wearing them loose, layering things up, but that won’t last and I really just need a pair of jeans right now, I only wear them every other Friday to work and have one pair that now fit and one pair that I usually wear that I’ve been pulling up all day. But a decent fitting pair of jeans is expensive! And I don’t want to be this size long enough to make them worth buying!! Anyone who’s lost a lot have any tips? What did you do for clothes and the sizes went down?

Replies

  • cbevan
    cbevan Posts: 31 Member
    I think I would just buy a few inexpensive things to tide me over between sizes - mostly pants, because too-big shirts aren't as much of a problem. They might not fit as well as expensive jeans, but will fit better than jeans that are a size or two too big.

    Look for sales - when Old Navy has them on sale, you can get their jeans for under $20. Also check out TJ Max / Ross / Marshalls / Burlington Coat Factory - the sell overstock and "last season" clothing, so it's priced well below normal retail, and you can get better quality stuff for less expense.
  • BunnyDVP
    BunnyDVP Posts: 71 Member
    I shop at Goodwill and the Salvation Army thrift stores. Clothes are in good condition and affordable. When I lose more and the clothes become too big again I donate them back. Everyone wins that way.:smile:
  • elainegsd
    elainegsd Posts: 459 Member
    I've done a combination of having stuff altered (costs about $10 to have waist taken in on a pair of jeans) and buying from Lands' End. If you wait for their special, super-duper, free shipping plus big bucks off type sales, you can get a nice quality pair of jeans that fits well for about $21.

    I don't have the time, energy or patience for shopping second hand, otherwise I'd be haunting Goodwill/Consignment shops.
  • sweetseraph7
    sweetseraph7 Posts: 91
    As I have gained I've always kept my smaller sizes in a box in my basement, this way I wouldn't have to worry about those inbetween times. However, I know Amazon has some nice priced things and good clothes - or you could check the clearance racks at Macys and such - being a former employee I know you can sometimes find pants (if you look hard enough) for pretty low price - I got a pair of Ralph Lauren for $27 one time!!! Or check out like Family Dollar or Dollar General - they Might have something too. :) Good luck!

    Also word of advice - rip the zippers or buttons off the pants that are too big for you - that way you won't have the mind set (I have this size i can go back in to them if I need to).
  • sillygoose1977
    sillygoose1977 Posts: 2,151 Member
    I just keep wearing my saggy baggy jeans and look like a frump. I buy one pair of cute jeans that fit for going out. No one cares what I look like at work because I work all alone.
  • sziemba1
    sziemba1 Posts: 34
    Well you have quite a problem there. I would advise setting some clothing goals such as treat yourself to several new wardrobe items after losing so many pounds. Maybe treat yourself to a shopping trip for select items after losing 25 - 30 lbs. If you are like me you cannot afford to replace you entire wardrobe every time you change a size. So be selective on what you need and what you discard. There were some clothes like T-shirts, shorts, PJs and underwear that I hung on to till I lost my entire 60 lb goal. But there were other items that had to go -- fancy dresses and more dressed up outfits.
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    you ow it to yourself to buy a new pair of jeans in each new size. Something like that can be achieved at Walmart or Target for around 25 bucks. It a treat that you deserve. Personally, I can hold out for 2 sizes before I need new pants, but I do not work outside the home and yoga pants are not a big deal. Winter coats hide a lot of loose or ill-fitting clothes these days, too.
  • cbevan
    cbevan Posts: 31 Member
    As I have gained I've always kept my smaller sizes in a box in my basement, this way I wouldn't have to worry about those inbetween times...

    Also word of advice - rip the zippers or buttons off the pants that are too big for you - that way you won't have the mind set (I have this size i can go back in to them if I need to).

    I have clothes in every size between 8 and 16 in my closet, so I don't have to buy new. Although I worry that by the time I get back to my 10s, they will be really out of style!
  • sillygoose1977
    sillygoose1977 Posts: 2,151 Member


    Also word of advice - rip the zippers or buttons off the pants that are too big for you - that way you won't have the mind set (I have this size i can go back in to them if I need to).

    Might be less wasteful to donate them. :wink:
  • skinnyclothes
    skinnyclothes Posts: 57
    If you buy them a size or 2 to small you can go to a maternity store and buy this thing called a belly band. That way if the jeans are too small it holds them on you. Your jeans will last longer and then when they actually fit or get to big you will have a huge feeling of accomplishment. Also check for sales. I've even bought jeans at wal mart marked down to like 5 dollars.
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    When I first started losing weight I would go down a size about evey 10 pounds...that gets expensive.

    However, the clearance rack became my VERY good friend. I would look for pants and skirts in my current or next size smaller and pick up a few items. If you don't pay a lot for them, you don't really care if they are too big in a few months.

    I still invested money in nice blouses and sweaters (w/a bit of stretch) because I got a lot more wear out of them. Shoes, purses and jewelry don't care how much you weigh!!
  • DancingDreamer
    DancingDreamer Posts: 520
    As I have gained I've always kept my smaller sizes in a box in my basement, this way I wouldn't have to worry about those inbetween times.

    always a good idea.

    i shop at goodwill. super cheap and when the new clothes dont fit any more, you just give them right back and get new ones (or go to an exchange store, sometimes you can end up with "free" new clothes over and over again). also bargain hunting. hunt down every sale you can find and go search for the cutest cheapest clothes. it actually ends up becoming really fun (at least for me) getting cute clothes for WAY less than normal is a total thrill. its a little work because you have to find where the sales are but it can be totally worth it. (also clearance racks! you wouldnt believe some of the stuff they have for up to 75% off, its nuts sometimes!)
  • alyssa83202
    alyssa83202 Posts: 334
    I've only lost 2lbs right now, but I still clothes in smaller sizes from before I gained weight so I'll just be wearing them as I lose the weight, and then I have a shopping spree planned for when I get down to my goal weight!
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    I have clothes in every size between 8 and 16 in my closet, so I don't have to buy new. Although I worry that by the time I get back to my 10s, they will be really out of style!

    HA! HA!! I did get back into a couple of pairs of my "skinny" jeans...and promptly donated them!! I had a good chuckle that I had held onto them for so long, only to get rid of them.
  • txmomma0889
    txmomma0889 Posts: 179 Member
    I get mine at walmart for like $12... also... I check out burlington,ross, and burkes... they all usually have pants for like $10 most the time....that way you don't spend to much till you reach your gooal
  • skinnyclothes
    skinnyclothes Posts: 57
    I hoarded all my skinny clothes so I have everything from a size 3 to size 18 plus maternity... I am currently in a 16 but hoping to be a 15 in a week.
  • kacylaine
    kacylaine Posts: 154 Member
    I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas! :happy: I've been taking in the waist of my work pants so they don't fall off my butt. Everything else I don't really care if it's baggy.
  • Cristy_AZ
    Cristy_AZ Posts: 986
    No
    As I have gained I've always kept my smaller sizes in a box in my basement, this way I wouldn't have to worry about those inbetween times...

    Also word of advice - rip the zippers or buttons off the pants that are too big for you - that way you won't have the mind set (I have this size i can go back in to them if I need to).

    I have clothes in every size between 8 and 16 in my closet, so I don't have to buy new. Although I worry that by the time I get back to my 10s, they will be really out of style!
    Lol! I used to too, but lost everything I owned in a housefire a year back, so all I have was bought or donated to me in my biggest ever size, have already donated a box of the largest size.
    Thanks for the ideas everyone, might have to find a thrift store close enough to make monthly trips to.
  • dmossett
    dmossett Posts: 24
    You may want to try a consignment shop. You can put your clothes that are too big on consignment and use the money you make when they sell to buy new clothes.
  • jmathews
    jmathews Posts: 196
    I shop at Goodwill and the Salvation Army thrift stores. Clothes are in good condition and affordable. When I lose more and the clothes become too big again I donate them back. Everyone wins that way.:smile:

    I went from a size 14 to a 2/4...I shopped the thrift stores about every 2 sizes...Good luck!
    BTW-I still frequent the thrift store. I have found some really great pieces there.
  • sweetseraph7
    sweetseraph7 Posts: 91


    Also word of advice - rip the zippers or buttons off the pants that are too big for you - that way you won't have the mind set (I have this size i can go back in to them if I need to).

    Might be less wasteful to donate them. :wink:

    Yeah I didn't think of that haha! at least not at that point in time!
  • tessjordan88
    tessjordan88 Posts: 201 Member
    I was wearing a lot of draw-string and elastic waist pants until I got to go shopping. Is there an outlet store near you? I got a few really good pairs of jeans at Vanity Fair Outlet for $4.99-9.99 each.

    You could also check LaneBryant.com or some other major department store websites and go through their clearance items. You won't be able to try them on first though. But sometimes youcan really find some steals!
  • tessjordan88
    tessjordan88 Posts: 201 Member
    O yeah! I forgot about freecycle.org You can get FREE stuff that people in your area are just throwing out!
  • leiivarius
    leiivarius Posts: 15
    I tend to wear baggy warm sweaters and cozy cardigans, since it's dead-winter here.
    I try to avoid tight jeans and small t-shirts / tops.
  • kennedar
    kennedar Posts: 306 Member
    I dont know American stores but surely there is a cheaper, nice store that you can shop at when they have sales? I would add your email to a mailing list to watch for really good sales. We have a store here, Ricki's that I am on their mailing list. I buy my pants when they are on sale for about $10 a pair. They are not the best quality and would only last a few months, but that is really all I need them for. I dont know if they ship to the states, but they might be worth looking up!
  • newmeat30
    newmeat30 Posts: 766 Member
    If you buy them a size or 2 to small you can go to a maternity store and buy this thing called a belly band. That way if the jeans are too small it holds them on you.

    I love belly bands (you can get them cheap on ebay too). They are great for jean/pants/skirts that are too big, too small, or fit just right. They look like you are wearing a tank top under your regular shirt. I have a rather large tattoo on my lower back, being a teacher it is inappropriate to have skin showing. The belly band keeps my back skin and fat rolls hidden at all times. Love them!
  • HerbieSue
    HerbieSue Posts: 288
    Do you have a Savers? It's a donation store that benefits Candelighters (cancer patients). Tons of cute jeans!
  • scagneti
    scagneti Posts: 707 Member
    Great ideas! I was wondering what to do about clothes in the "between" times. I hate shopping so to have to buy new clothes every month or so would really suck!
  • tater8589
    tater8589 Posts: 616
    Personally I love a darker pair of jeans. I wear one pair of jeans multiple times before they need washed. You could try for a decent priced pair of nice/dark jeans and pick up sale tops that look good with it, if you want new. Somepeople checkout Goodwill and Salvation Army (I have) for cheep stuff. And if you happen to have friends going dieting too then you may be able to swap or borrow clothes. My mom's best friend has loaned her a lot of clothes since she(friend) no longer fits in them and my mom is still losing weight. Some of the nice stuff you have can also be taken in at the seams to make it fit better and you can get more use out of them. Also, you can put some of your old stuff in the resale shop and use that money to buy new :) Good luck
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