To alter or not to alter...that is the question

LATTIL
LATTIL Posts: 16 Member
edited September 28 in Health and Weight Loss
As I have lost weight I have had to make a decision about how to handle my work clothing. I wear suits most of the time or dressy clothing because of my job. Due to the expense, I have been having them altered to my new size(s) as I can. I noticed though that I often am in a bad mood on days I wear altered clothing. It dawned on me that there is a psychological impact to wearing my "fat" clothes even though they are physically smaller in size. Have you altered your clothing? Are you glad you did, or do you also find there is an impact to your psyche?

Replies

  • bjohs
    bjohs Posts: 1,225 Member
    That's a hard one. I have never altered any old clothes but have given them to charity. Although some people simply can't afford to replace their entire wardrobe, there is something to feeling good about fitting in to new clothes. When you feel you look good, you have more confidence too. Have you ever thought about having a clothes swap with friends? Free "new" clothes that don't hold on to memories of your former self. Just a thought.
  • PST0622
    PST0622 Posts: 115
    New clothes all the way....It is so much fun to shop in the misses section!!!!
  • AshDHart
    AshDHart Posts: 818 Member
    I haven't altered my clothing because I know it puts me in a cruddy mood to wear the fat clothing. The last thing I want to do is have lost x# of lbs and still be in the same clothes even if they are altered. I'm working hard to get this off and this is my one little indulgence. I'm fortunate to 1) work from home 80% of the time so clothing needs are lower 2) have the money right now to treat myself to a new work outfit.
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    I would agree that there is a psychological component to it. For months I wore my super super baggy size 20 black pants to work .. and I didnt notice it until I noticed how much better that I felt in the new pants.

    A few months ago I bought a size 1X top ... but I didnt feel comfortable wearing it to work. The other day I finally did... I got more compliments in that one day ... I realized I have to stop hiding my body in clothes that are 2 sizes too big.

    I say buy it! You earn it and deserve it!
  • h3h8m3
    h3h8m3 Posts: 455 Member
    I don't have any psychological aspect to it I guess... to me, the altered clothes are smaller, so it's a victory. I will buy new clothes when I get all the way to my target weight, but my old clothes are way baggy. I've done a combination of things, including altering clothes, wearing those smaller ones that I hadn't worn for years, and buying a few things from a second-hand store.

    If money isn't an issue no reason not to buy new clothes. But for me, it just didn't make sense to spend extra money on new clothes twice.
  • bethvandenberg
    bethvandenberg Posts: 1,496 Member
    I can see where this might come into play however, I see it this way. They're not your fat clothes anymore. They're your fitting clothes. There's a lot of expense in the clothing that we're talking about. I'd say to add some new blouses and costume jewerly sets to make them seem very different.

    I'd say that when you get within 20 lbs, or ??? I don't know what your goal is, then you go and purchase some new outfits :) Be proud of the fact that you've got some great clothes and they fit.
  • LATTIL
    LATTIL Posts: 16 Member
    Great suggestion on adding a new blouse and jewelry to the altered clothing! I'm down 5 sizes now, so have had to do a combination of both - but definitely find that my psyche prefers the newer stuff over the altered clothes.
  • SewJoe
    SewJoe Posts: 43 Member
    Good idea to accessorize altered clothing, which gives me a thought. Why not go the the fabric store (maybe take one or two suits at a time) and match up some new buttons or some great trim for the jacket or collar? Jazzing up the altered clothing gives it just enough of a change that will make it seem different. You may be feeling this way because the clothing is still the same as it was when it was many sizes larger. Change it up, go funky, get inspired to step out of the box just a little.
  • bmmadden
    bmmadden Posts: 499 Member
    I think it's time to treat yourself to some new clothes at least a few new outfits at a nice store and then buy a few nice pieces at nice Goodwill's or consignment shops until you hit your goal then go on a big shopping spree
  • LATTIL
    LATTIL Posts: 16 Member
    @sewjoe - your suggestions sound fun and something I'd love to wear. Not something I'm talented enough to do, however. ;) Will have to find a frind that sews that lives near me. :)
  • JennsLosing
    JennsLosing Posts: 1,026
    i dont buy expensive enough clothes to get them altered lol. If i was in your situation, I might, i dont know for sure though.
  • stephanielynn76
    stephanielynn76 Posts: 709 Member
    Congratulations on your weight loss!!! I know the feeling. I haven't gone down that many sizes but I honestly have very little in my closet right now that actually fits. I purchased new clothes along the way before I reached my goal and I still wear those even though they are kinda falling off. I have invested in a couple of new belts for those too. As for the other stuff... I've taken the stuff that is just way too big out of my closet and packed it away... and I've invested in just a few pieces of new clothing that are at my current size. I actually found a fantastic sale at Dillards and I got some new dress shirts/pants... the pants were still quite big on me but for $13 I purchased them and had my mom take them in a little. It's frustrating I know. You know you need new clothes but you're hesitant to make the investment because A) you know you might lose more or B) you're afraid you'll gain back (as in my case).

    Hmmmm... what about local re-sale shops... those places where you can sell off your old stuff and buy used stuff for cheaper? We have several of these places in town. It would beat paying full price for clothes that might be "transition clothes" and it would be new to you!
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