Weight loss and the way you wear clothes
AmyOutOfControl
Posts: 1,425 Member
So, I had someone tell me this morning that I "hide" behind my clothes. She noticed me wearing something fitted last week and told me she was shocked by how much thinner I looked. I guess the way I wear my clothes hides my weight loss? Some of my clothes are too big because I have lost around 50 pounds (so far) and it is getting expensive to constantly replace clothes. Especially nice work wear.
I realized today that what she said is true. When I gained a lot of weight, I started buying big and baggy clothes to hide it. I suppose I still wear my clothes baggy out of habit. I feel uncomfortable wearing really fitted clothes now. It is almost like I don't see myself as a "normal" weight person no matter how much I loose. It is still hard to look at the smaller sizes and believe I will fit into them. I automatically pick up a size or two bigger than I need. I have to try EVERYTHING on before I buy it now.
For those people who have lost a significant amount of weight -- How long did it take you to get used to your new body?
I realized today that what she said is true. When I gained a lot of weight, I started buying big and baggy clothes to hide it. I suppose I still wear my clothes baggy out of habit. I feel uncomfortable wearing really fitted clothes now. It is almost like I don't see myself as a "normal" weight person no matter how much I loose. It is still hard to look at the smaller sizes and believe I will fit into them. I automatically pick up a size or two bigger than I need. I have to try EVERYTHING on before I buy it now.
For those people who have lost a significant amount of weight -- How long did it take you to get used to your new body?
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amymoreorless wrote: »So, I had someone tell me this morning that I "hide" behind my clothes. She noticed me wearing something fitted last week and told me she was shocked by how much thinner I looked. I guess the way I wear my clothes hides my weight loss? Some of my clothes are too big because I have lost around 50 pounds (so far) and it is getting expensive to constantly replace clothes. Especially nice work wear.
I realized today that what she said is true. When I gained a lot of weight, I started buying big and baggy clothes to hide it. I suppose I still wear my clothes baggy out of habit. I feel uncomfortable wearing really fitted clothes now. It is almost like I don't see myself as a "normal" weight person no matter how much I loose. It is still hard to look at the smaller sizes and believe I will fit into them. I automatically pick up a size or two bigger than I need. I have to try EVERYTHING on before I buy it now.
For those people who have lost a significant amount of weight -- How long did it take you to get used to your new body?
Congratulations on your loss! That's quite an accomplishment! I've been around goal weight for almost 6 months now and I'm still getting used to it
Like you I wore my over-sized clothes long after they were a lot too big, and when I finally went clothes shopping and picked up sizes that fit there was (an unintentional) dramatic reveal of the weight loss and a lot of (complimentary!) comments that made me self-conscious.
There's middle ground between really fitted clothes and baggy ones. Maybe you could pick up some clothing that fits but in styles that are a little looser? I think that might be a good way to ease into your new look. You may never be comfortable wearing leggings and a tighter sweater, for instance, even though they may look amazing. Give it some time, several months at least, and see how your perceptions change. Again, congratulations!8 -
amymoreorless wrote: »So, I had someone tell me this morning that I "hide" behind my clothes. She noticed me wearing something fitted last week and told me she was shocked by how much thinner I looked. I guess the way I wear my clothes hides my weight loss? Some of my clothes are too big because I have lost around 50 pounds (so far) and it is getting expensive to constantly replace clothes. Especially nice work wear.
I realized today that what she said is true. When I gained a lot of weight, I started buying big and baggy clothes to hide it. I suppose I still wear my clothes baggy out of habit. I feel uncomfortable wearing really fitted clothes now. It is almost like I don't see myself as a "normal" weight person no matter how much I loose. It is still hard to look at the smaller sizes and believe I will fit into them. I automatically pick up a size or two bigger than I need. I have to try EVERYTHING on before I buy it now.
For those people who have lost a significant amount of weight -- How long did it take you to get used to your new body?
Unless that someone was your therapist, that was a tactless and uninformed thing to say. You are under no obligation to please anyone else with your clothing choices or to reveal your body in fitted clothing.
Trying on clothing before you buy is a great way to get used to your new body, as is being aware that you're uncomfortable wearing fitted clothing right now. Stay in touch with those feelings and re-define your clothing style as it feels right to you.7 -
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amymoreorless wrote: »It is still hard to look at the smaller sizes and believe I will fit into them. I automatically pick up a size or two bigger than I need. I have to try EVERYTHING on before I buy it now.
For those people who have lost a significant amount of weight -- How long did it take you to get used to your new body?
A long time and I am still not used to it. When I go shopping on my own I generally pick out the size I think I will need plus at least one size lower to try on. When I'm with my husband he will just shake his head and point to the smaller size
I wear more tailored clothes now and that took awhile to get used to. Initially, I thought they were too small because I was used to wearing baggy clothes. My husband told me over and over that they were not small, they fit properly, and eventually I got used to the feeling of non-baggy clothes.
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120lbs down and I'm still not used to my body. I always pick up the Xl and L or a size 16/14 it's such a mind *kitten*.3
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I set my weight loss goal and it was going to be a 7month project according to my calculations. So I scheduled and paid for a ten day trip to a tropical location that was going to require me to wear a bathing suit for the majority of my time. The trip was in the Spring, so just after Christmas I started buying clothes for that trip.
Nothing like a week in bathing suit with all the resultant photos to make me realize my new size.
It. Was. Awesome.19 -
Aww. Sweetie.
I was always kind of boho and swingy, except for jeans - ALWAYS tight jeans, even when I weighed 212 lbs. - but I used to wear baggier fronts not to hide my actual size (there was no hiding that) but so nothing would cling to my rolls. I HATED that look and even more so, the feel. In hot Southern California, damp material clinging to bouncing rolls is just....ughhhhhhhhhhhhh.
So as you see in my avatar pic, now I can wear shirts that just go straight down.
But all else is the same. Slightly trendy, slightly boho/rebellious, VERY casual (usually), and girly colors...go figure! Such a weird combination.
This overall preference of warring styles has been consistent for me since I was 17 (I'm now 50), with changes due only to trends; and at every weight - 98 lbs., 212 lbs., and every pound in between.5 -
Still getting used to it, and it's still changing. I buy a few items every other size as it's getting expensive as I'm down more than 75lbs, and clothes that fit me a month or so ago are too big again.4
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Congratulations! Enjoy the new size and be proud of this accomplishment. I have always been fairly small in size but had a lifestyle change with medication(s) being introduced. The sedentary changes impacted my weight therefore, MFP membership happened. I had familiarity with the old/new weight regarding clothing but comments will come in general from people. I decided if I chose to answer the questions or remarks I would otherwise, I smiled and said, "Nice of you to notice" I was afraid to purchase a lot as I didn't know if I would maintain the same weight. 60 lbs lost and I have maintained but you'll get used to the new you & size. Enjoy, Enjoy, & continue to Enjoy!! Congratulations again!!3
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amymoreorless wrote: »So, I had someone tell me this morning that I "hide" behind my clothes. She noticed me wearing something fitted last week and told me she was shocked by how much thinner I looked. I guess the way I wear my clothes hides my weight loss? Some of my clothes are too big because I have lost around 50 pounds (so far) and it is getting expensive to constantly replace clothes. Especially nice work wear.
I realized today that what she said is true. When I gained a lot of weight, I started buying big and baggy clothes to hide it. I suppose I still wear my clothes baggy out of habit. I feel uncomfortable wearing really fitted clothes now. It is almost like I don't see myself as a "normal" weight person no matter how much I loose. It is still hard to look at the smaller sizes and believe I will fit into them. I automatically pick up a size or two bigger than I need. I have to try EVERYTHING on before I buy it now.
For those people who have lost a significant amount of weight -- How long did it take you to get used to your new body?
These come in handy: http://a.co/0cbfUaY2 -
I always did wear my clothes loose. I hate shopping, so most of my clothes date from when I was larger, sometimes much larger. Some I absolutely can't wear, some just hang from my hips instead of my waist. I wear a belt and enjoy the freedom of baggy legs. I have no idea what my current size is, since I haven't gone shopping in a couple of years. When I buy running gear, it usually isn't sized and medium works just fine. Medium fit at 175 and it fits at 120. When I see pictures of me at races, I'm always a bit surprised at how thin my legs look compared to my perception of them. But since they are usually hidden in baggy pants, that's not surprising.1
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We have a lovely consignment shop here in town. I love to find bargains there. I work in an office, so I can't just live in blue jeans. I feel you on the body image thing. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that I'm no longer an 18 but and 8. It's a new me, so I'm branching out and trying new styles. I've been surprised by a few of my new outfits. Pleased and surprised.2
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It didn't take me long to want to start wearing fitted clothes, but I still had to wear a lot of baggy stuff for the monetary reasons. I hated my old body, as soon as I started getting near a normal weight I could just tell that I objectively looked better and no longer had a reason to hide.
I know my body image is healthier now because I'm nearing the end of recovering from an injury, I had to give up all weight lifting that involved my legs and any cardio with resistance, my legs are noticeably thinner and I don't like it because it's not enough muscle.1 -
I always hated wearing very baggy clothes but had trouble finding clothes that fit both my large belly but smaller hips and legs.
My solution was not super baggy clothes but a lot of stretchy waist pants fitted to my hip size and longer tops with layering.
Maybe you could do a smaller size shirt or dress with a looser vest, sweater or jacket on top for now as you get used to the feel of smaller clothes.
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some days i do baggy (especially when its cold) some days fitted. depends on my mood and what im doing.0
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It takes time for your mind to catch up. Even though I knew my clothes sizes were decreasing, I still saw the heavier me in the mirror. When I first started wearing fitted clothes I felt like I looked too 'big' in them. I don't think there is a specific time frame on this and believe it is completely individual, just as our weight loss stories. I can tell you that now, I will avoid wearing anything baggy or loose 9 times out of 10 because it takes me back to when I felt I had to hide. I was 260 lbs in January. I hit my goal of 100 lbs loss on September 15th. I am currently just over 2 months of maintaining now. Your mind will eventually catch up... but you need to wear the fitted clothes to give it the opportunity to do so too. 3
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I did/do the exact same thing! I started buying tigher jeans and smaller shirts before I could actually wear them just for motivation... but I don't wear them in public yet haha.ChelleDee07 wrote: »It takes time for your mind to catch up. Even though I knew my clothes sizes were decreasing, I still saw the heavier me in the mirror. When I first started wearing fitted clothes I felt like I looked too 'big' in them. I don't think there is a specific time frame on this and believe it is completely individual, just as our weight loss stories. I can tell you that now, I will avoid wearing anything baggy or loose 9 times out of 10 because it takes me back to when I felt I had to hide. I was 260 lbs in January. I hit my goal of 100 lbs loss on September 15th. I am currently just over 2 months of maintaining now. Your mind will eventually catch up... but you need to wear the fitted clothes to give it the opportunity to do so too.
Motivational. I also started very close to 260 and I am down to 239. I'm tall, so my healthy weight is about 180. 59 pounds to go, and I hope I start feeling a lot better about my body before then.1 -
Psychologically for me... I tried to avoid it because it’s one thing to screw up and I’m the only one who knows it... than to screw up and have everyone in my life know it. I’m slowly accepting that I can do this and maintain it and it’s okay to be comfortable with that.1
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still not used to it....I still have some fat clothes in my closet though im slowly sorting them out. I simply am not going to need 110 pounds ago clothes. 4-5 different times no lie i went to the store purposely just to buy smaller sized sports bras knowing the ones i kept buying were to big. Still kept looking at them (even the same ones) and leaving with the same bigger size. Even going in armed knowing im not a medium im an XS. Medium is as low as i can get my brain to go. Especially since im still large chested by cup size, But i guess tiny ribbed and a bit pancaked lol. However i convinced myself to repeatedly buy the wrong size, Over and over. Still do. XS clothing has so little fabric and looks like childrens clothes lol. Had to not let self buy ANYTHING until i try it on. Sometimes twice on different days if its something more expensive. Im curious if ill ever get used to it lol.
I started at 235 im now 1257 -
I am one of those weirdos that never hated my body and has always worn super fitted clothes, or at least in recent years. I knew I had a small waist so always dressed to highlight that, always wore underwear that would be smooth underneath, so granny pants and seamless bras. It's counterintuitive but it makes you look smaller for the most part (you do have to wear the right size or it can look terrible!).
As I've shrunk I just wear the same but smaller. I do still get a surprise sometimes when I fit into a certain size or I look in the mirror and am like, woah, I don't look as small as that naked! For whatever reason I see myself bigger in the nude. Fully clothed I think I see more of the reality.
And even more curiously I am happy to wear more relaxed clothing like vintage kaftans and vintage embroidered Mexican dresses. And those cover a plethora of sizes in one garment so that's a win for the bank balance. I think wearing looser now is because it doesn't look like I'm hiding and I don't look like I'm wearing a sail!
I've got a bit to go but I'm just excited for the clothes I will finally be confident enough to wear in public. I have a particular pair of shorts that are my goal, they're short shorts and I want to rock the crap out of them. I'm nearly there.3 -
ChelleDee07 wrote: »It takes time for your mind to catch up. Even though I knew my clothes sizes were decreasing, I still saw the heavier me in the mirror. When I first started wearing fitted clothes I felt like I looked too 'big' in them. I don't think there is a specific time frame on this and believe it is completely individual, just as our weight loss stories. I can tell you that now, I will avoid wearing anything baggy or loose 9 times out of 10 because it takes me back to when I felt I had to hide. I was 260 lbs in January. I hit my goal of 100 lbs loss on September 15th. I am currently just over 2 months of maintaining now. Your mind will eventually catch up... but you need to wear the fitted clothes to give it the opportunity to do so too.
i still see 280 pounds in the mirror.1 -
Another vote for my head is still changing, and my weight has a long way to go yet. My attitude towards my body has changed. I'm down 84 lbs and still have another 60-70 (?? not sure yet) to go, but now I feel overweight instead of obese. And that's an enormous relief for me. I know I carry myself differently because of that.
I wear jeans most of the time. I'm a weaver and work in a spinning, weaving & knitting shop so I need very little in the way of business casual or formal clothing. I've replaced my jeans with thrift shop finds a couple of times, because I get tired of having to hitch them up every few minutes when they've gotten too big. I do wear some of my larger tops, especially the older hooded sweatshirts. Most of them were bought on trips or for an event or something special and I don't want to get rid of them. And after having spent so much time with tight or uncomfortable clothing, that feeling of kind of walking around inside the sweatshirt is freeing.
As I slowly clean out my closet for things to go to Goodwill, I realize how much of my clothing was an apology for being fat in the world. Not a healthy or happy feeling.5 -
callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »ChelleDee07 wrote: »It takes time for your mind to catch up. Even though I knew my clothes sizes were decreasing, I still saw the heavier me in the mirror. When I first started wearing fitted clothes I felt like I looked too 'big' in them. I don't think there is a specific time frame on this and believe it is completely individual, just as our weight loss stories. I can tell you that now, I will avoid wearing anything baggy or loose 9 times out of 10 because it takes me back to when I felt I had to hide. I was 260 lbs in January. I hit my goal of 100 lbs loss on September 15th. I am currently just over 2 months of maintaining now. Your mind will eventually catch up... but you need to wear the fitted clothes to give it the opportunity to do so too.
i still see 280 pounds in the mirror.
I have the opposite, and I've actually heard of it as a phenomenon (can't remember the name for it)...I think I look okay, even sleek (on good days) in the mirror, but when I see pictures of myself, UGH...WHO IS THAT FAT WOMAN?
This is AFTER losing 60 lbs...so...although it's apparently a "thing" I still can't really wrap my head around it.
Looking at pictures of myself that people have recently taken is always a slap in the face for me.0 -
Seriously: it’s free to try on new or thrifty clothes, so do it1
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Seriously: it’s free to try on new or thrifty clothes, so do it
I can honestly say I hate trying on clothes. It's such a chore.
I do it, though, so I agree with you...gotta go try some on if you're getting to the point where things are falling off (I remember my "my pants are falling down!" thread here and my Brit friends dying from the hilarity of it all...idiom fail) and yes, it costs nothing just to look.0 -
Thanks for the feedback everyone. It's nice to know I am not alone in this. I went to Goodwill this morning and bought a few tops (in size small - OMG!) and pants (SIZE 8 - single digits!). It is very weird to buy clothes that small. I didn't even wear these sizes in high school.
I also donated all my size 12-16 and L-XL clothes. I guess I have been subconsciously hanging onto them waiting to gain the weight back. I have not been able to fit into some of them for over a year. I was on the diet fad yo-yo bandwagon so long that I had lost hope of ever being a healthy weight again. This MFP slow and rational approach to weight loss is really working. 9 -
amymoreorless wrote: »Thanks for the feedback everyone. It's nice to know I am not alone in this. I went to Goodwill this morning and bought a few tops (in size small - OMG!) and pants (SIZE 8 - single digits!). It is very weird to buy clothes that small. I didn't even wear these sizes in high school.
I also donated all my size 12-16 and L-XL clothes. I guess I have been subconsciously hanging onto them waiting to gain the weight back. I have not been able to fit into some of them for over a year. I was on the diet fad yo-yo bandwagon so long that I had lost hope of ever being a healthy weight again. This MFP slow and rational approach to weight loss is really working.
Yay! 3
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