What to do about clothes?

Posts: 1,308
8/7/12 2:30 P

I buy stretchy things that I can easily alter.

current weight: 193.5

213 199.75 186.5 173.25

160

Posts: 389
8/7/12 2:27 P

Plattfamily - by all means, borrow away. Let me know how it works for you, and gl on your journey to being healthier!

current weight: 222.6

237 211.5 186 160.5

135

SparkPoints: (6,116)
Fitness Minutes: (3,581)
Posts: 182
8/7/12 1:25 P

DDAURIA, thanks for the tip! I'm definitely going to try it!

Pounds lost: 13.0

0 12.75 25.5 38.25

51

Posts: 132
8/6/12 3:51 P

im jealous!!! but try a thrift store

Pounds lost: 21.5

0 22.5 45 67.5

90

Posts: 12
8/6/12 3:49 P

There is a website called Rehash (www.rehashclothes.com) which is basically an online swap meet - you can post pictures of your old clothes and "shop" for other gently used clothes that other users have posted. Basically you pay for your new clothes with your old clothes (plus a few bucks for shipping). Maybe you'll find someone who is gaining weight and looking to trade smaller clothes for larger clothes. The site is free - the only cost is having to ship your item to the person you're swapping with. I've probably made 50-60 swaps on there and only once did I have a problem with the person not sending me their end of the trade (it's rare - they have systems in place to make sure you don't get "swaplifted.") I highly recommend you give it a try!

Pounds lost: 2.6

0 3.75 7.5 11.25

15

SparkPoints: (5,334)
Fitness Minutes: (5,551)
Posts: 233
8/6/12 10:15 A

I also am a HUGE FAN of Goodwill! It does take time to go through their things, but I shop at a Goodwill store in an upscale neighborhood that has AMAZING clothes - often brand new with tags and designer labels for less than $9.99. Only better than that is sales at the Outlet place near my home.

I donate all of my old larger sized clothes to goodwill and the local womens shelter.

Pounds lost: 43.5

0 20 40 60

80

SparkPoints: (16,884)
Fitness Minutes: (14,174)
Posts: 563
8/6/12 7:13 A

Give them to Goodwill

SparkPoints: (60,704)
Fitness Minutes: (60,965)
Posts: 1,681
8/6/12 7:08 A

I give them to good will

current weight: 166.0

204 188 172 156

140

SparkPoints: (922)
Fitness Minutes: (296)
Posts: 4
8/6/12 12:58 A

Gluing a cardboard box, that is a great idea! Hope you dont mind if i "borrow" it. I have a friend that has paid alot of money to lose weight, and I keep thinking, I need to set money aside to "reward" myself, eventually. When I see her losing, it is so tempting to join that as well. But then reality sets in and I think, how crazy is that when I know HOW to do it, I just need to DO IT. And, I have to make this a life change, not just a quick way to lose or I will never keep it off. This will be perfect! Thanks for sharing. I'm new to the site and can use all the help I can get!

May Minutes: 0

0 90 180 270

360

SparkPoints: (121)
Fitness Minutes: (75)
Posts: 1
8/5/12 10:34 P

I found a resale shop that takes donations and gives store credit. As I'm shrinking, I donate big clothes and shop on my store credit. I have had fun shopping and got some really cute name brand clothes.

Posts: 389
8/5/12 4:24 P

I work at Value Village (also known as Savers), and the prices we have are pretty awesome. Brand-new high-end jeans are usually around $12.99 (sometimes as low as $5-7) and each week we have a different "feature" color tag that is 50% off Thursday-Sunday and goes to 99 cents on Mondays. Shirts are *always* super-affordable. Also, when you donate anything, no matter how big or small, most stores give you a coupon with discount towards a purchase. For example, my store give $3 off a purchase of $10 or more. Additionally, we have one of those club cards (Super Savers Club) and joining that gets you monthly members-only sales events, coupons, stuff on your birthday, etc. You can ever sign up online and print out a form before you go in. Then, every payday, you can go get one new pair of pants, shorts, or a couple shirts. You won't have a *huge* variety, but you can start to slowly build up what you have.

As for my long-term solution to the "how can I replace my clothes now that I'm fit again" problem: I have little mini-goals each week, and some slightly larger ones each month. When I reach one, I put a dollar in my unopenable "piggy bank". I made it by taking a cardboard box, painting it all pretty, cutting a slot in the top for money, then super-glueing the lid on. If I open it, I have to rip the whole things apart. :) This keeps me from dipping into it. Once I reach my goal weight/size, I tear it open and go shopping. This can work with any number of goals or amount of "reward". I find that even though we're tight on money, I can spare $3-5/week as a reward.

Hope these help people out. :)



Edited by: WINGLESS98465 at: 8/5/2012 (16:25)

current weight: 222.6

237 211.5 186 160.5

135

SparkPoints: (129,359)
Fitness Minutes: (68,045)
Posts: 12,054
8/5/12 2:25 P

I wear them just a little big as I don't have the money right now to get more. Plus I plan on loosing more so I can wait until I'm about half way to goal.

current weight: 153.4

161 155.25 149.5 143.75

138

Posts: 788
8/5/12 2:21 P

I dragged out my old sewing machine and put it together and altered a few blouses. I'm really pleased with the results. While I was at it, I shortened some sleeves and added a few darts. My sewing hasn't improved much since 8th grade Home Ec, but I know exactly how I want something to fit. If it works, great, if it doesn't, nothing lost.

current weight: 178.8

283 252.25 221.5 190.75

160

SparkPoints: (13,703)
Fitness Minutes: (4,838)
Posts: 227
8/5/12 2:21 P

I donate...I won't need them anymore.

current weight: 133.0

136 134 132 130

128

Posts: 305
8/5/12 2:14 P

As they get too baggy I donate them so I loose the excuse to put weight back on.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 17 34 51

68

Posts: 8
8/5/12 10:04 A

I also shop Goodwill. Can't see paying full price for clothes that hopefully wont fit me very long. I've gotten some really nice blouses and jeans for a good price. Now that I've lost so much weight, I actually love shopping, but still like a good bargain.

current weight: 160.4

230 207.5 185 162.5

140

Posts: 421
8/5/12 12:09 A

I shop clearance sales in my new size or down 1 size. July and January are retailers huge clearance sales. By August and February, retailers really don't want the leftover clearance and mark it down even more.

I donate anything that is no longer flattering. I love to hear people tell me I look great and I get those complements when I wear something that works with my body. I never hear it when I wear an old favorite that is really too big.

current weight: 206.6

215 205 195 185

175

SparkPoints: (3,113)
Fitness Minutes: (4,800)
Posts: 130
8/4/12 11:25 P

That depends upon the condition of each article. If they are in good enough shape, I will either donate them to friends, neighbors, relatives, or the needy and if not, I'll send them to my brother's artsy girlfriend to turn into something else.

SparkPoints: (21,864)
Fitness Minutes: (26,673)
Posts: 885
8/4/12 10:49 P

give to goodwill

current weight: 160.0

168 162.5 157 151.5

146

SparkPoints: (354)
Fitness Minutes: (240)
Posts: 14
8/4/12 10:48 P

I give them to the homeless.

May SparkPoints: 0

0 25 50 75

100

Posts: 2,790
8/4/12 3:11 P

It sounds like your question is whether YOU should alter them or pay someone? "In this economy, alter them or have them altered."

Comes down to do you have the time and skills and how much you value your time at. If it is something I can do I usually do it myself. If money is not an issue then hire someone and spread the wealth. If you go to the seamstress or drycleaner's they usually do a fabulous job.

Congrats on your weight loss.

Posts: 1,570
8/4/12 11:21 A

In this economy, alter them or have them altered.

Pounds lost: 32.0

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

SparkPoints: (9,026)
Fitness Minutes: (4,705)
Posts: 259
8/4/12 11:20 A

Goodwill is my favorite store. When I was younger, I was embarrassed my dad shopped at Goodwill. Now I see why. It's cheap, and if you are willing to spend time checking things over, you can get some quality stuff. I got a black pair of jeans from there I wore for YEARS. I paid $1.65 for them. My current favorite pair of jeans came from a Thrift store. Sometimes I like to go to the mall. I'm a Christopher and Banks fan. They have some good sales. They carry petites. I donate a lot of clothes to Goodwill. If it doesn't fit, or I'm just not wearing it, out it goes.

current weight: 148.0

175 163 151 139

127

SparkPoints: (10,594)
Fitness Minutes: (3,297)
Posts: 347
8/4/12 11:12 A

I HATE clothes shopping anymore! I'm hoping that as I lose weight, the issues I've had with fatter legs than a waist will become less of a problem. My solution to pants that don't fit - buy a curvy belt (best $20 I ever spent from The Gap).

Pounds lost: 10.2

0 5.5 11 16.5

22

Posts: 2,242
8/4/12 5:31 A

Clothes: a problem for me. It appears that no matter what size you are, it is hard to find ones that fit. Even on my 5'2", 115 pound frame, I have not one pair of pants that fit! I can do some tailoring myself but not with pants, and it takes time.

I appreciate the posts here, and am getting some ideas on what to do differently with clothing! I live on an island about three hours from most stores and have little time to browse for best purchases and try on garments. I need to purchase from places with good return policy! Many of my garments come from Thrift Stores. I refuse to pay full price for clothing except underwear, swim suits, and shoes.

Malls seem to be about the most expensive place to get clothing, but I love the customer service and easy returns. Box stores sometimes have some things that work great for me. Enjoy Walmarts Danskin line for workout wear!

If they fit, it is hard for me to see what is most flattering on me!

Styles change so fast I can hardly keep up with them. So I don't and I look like it! I stick to basic, foundation pieces that I can accessorize. I have too many clothes, as I seldom have discarded for 25 years! Lately, the local consignment shop is my best friend! Got $200 last year for my old things! when they turn it away, I know the item has to go to the Thrift Store.

I wish I could wear tank tops and shorts 12 months of the year since they fit the best and look good on me.

current weight: 112.4

121 118.85 116.7 114.55

112.4

Posts: 8,755
8/3/12 10:40 P

Get ones that fit.

SparkPoints: (3,795)
Fitness Minutes: (1,818)
Posts: 57
8/3/12 10:24 P

This is a new service I just heard about, which operates sort of like Netflix. Still a little pricey for me but at least you're not wasting clothes as you lose...

http://intro.gwynniebee.com/

current weight: 169.6

190 182.5 175 167.5

160

Posts: 3,469
8/3/12 9:31 P

get by with with less

Posts: 198
8/3/12 6:01 P

What everyone else said: thrift store! I got a bunch of size 10, and then size 8, jeans at the thrift store last year. Pants and skirts are the tricky part, as someone else said, you can get away with wearing tops that are a little big for much longer. (I have a simple royal blue t-shirt that I love that is a size large. I'm in a small now, but it still looks good on me, likely because I'm not stretching it at the seams!)

I also like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. We have another place that is similar in my area called Ross for Less. Congrats on your progress and good luck!

current weight: 135.0

150 146.25 142.5 138.75

135

Posts: 788
8/3/12 3:10 P

Woman Within, the women's sizes online store, sells great Ponte Knit pants. The boot-cut style makes you look long and lean, which I'm not exactly, and they're only $24.99. I bought several different sizes and colors. Beware though, they run small. I wear a size 18 in jeans (maybe 16) but in these I wear a 20. Otherwise they would look like leggings. But they're very comfortable and they wash well and don't shrink. Highly recommended. They're forgiving of changing sizes too, because they're a little stretchy, without being stretch pants.

On tops, this weekend I'm going to sort my big clothes into two piles: donate or alter. I'm not a seamstress really, but I can run a straight seam up the side of a blouse. I have a few blouses I like that I don't want to part with yet. If that doesn't work, I'll thrift shop or buy on clearance until I reach my goal weight.

Edited by: CALLMECARRIE at: 8/3/2012 (15:12)

current weight: 178.8

283 252.25 221.5 190.75

160

SparkPoints: (1,226)
Fitness Minutes: (945)
Posts: 4
8/3/12 2:03 P

I love thrift shopping! I donate and shop at the local secondhand stores. I bought two pair of pants that are a little snug, but that gives me something to look forward to. And I don't feel badly about "wasting my money" because they were $3.50 each. I also like the suggestion about getting some of the better clothing tailored.

current weight: 173.0

173 166.75 160.5 154.25

148

SparkPoints: (1,550)
Fitness Minutes: (1,573)
Posts: 16
8/3/12 2:01 P

I made the mistake of keeping larger clothes around last year and keeping them too easy to reach for when the 10 lbs I'd taken off came back on. This time around, I bagged em up and got them out of the house!

I was freaked out about paying full price at a smaller size, so I got some great Ralph Lauren and 7 jeans at a thrift store for less than $20 each. Now my go-to and when they start to feel snug, it's immediately feedback that I'm moving in the wrong direction again!

How your pants fit is a better indication than the scale, so I think it's very important to have your correct size on hand as you're losing weight to keep you focused and ensure you are still moving in the right direction.

current weight: 148.0

150 147.5 145 142.5

140

Posts: 386
8/3/12 12:32 P

I much rather buy smaller than bigger any day and when they start to hang, they are gone. When clothes do not fit properly, they make you look bigger than you really are. GONE! to the nearest donation box and I love buying smaller.

SparkPoints: (2,391)
Fitness Minutes: (590)
Posts: 65
8/3/12 12:13 P

I really agree with getting rid of old clothes through donation. You are not only helping someone else out but helping yourself too. Not having any more "big" clothes will help motivate to stay in the smaller sizes. Besides, the smaller sizes are so much cuter!

current weight: 271.5

280 267.5 255 242.5

230

Posts: 1,167
8/3/12 7:48 A

All my old (bigger) clothes went to Goodwill.

Pounds lost: 2.0

0 5 10 15

20

Posts: 546
8/3/12 2:46 A

donate. there are plenty of people who could use clothing.

SparkPoints: (289)
Fitness Minutes: (731)
Posts: 20
8/3/12 2:12 A

You've already gotten a lot of good tips. As most of us do, I'm sure you have many friends/sisters/coworkers of all different sizes. You can organize a "clothes trade" party where everyone brings items which no longer fit, etc, and trade.

I really love pants from The Limited and Express- they always have really good sales and promotions, and the styles are classic and really good for work. I recommend buying a new pair of black pants and a charcoal grey pair, and you can mix and match those colors with almost any top, and create a different look based upon the top or sweater you pair the pants with. I wear my grey pants with purple, red, black, white, yellow, green- you get the point :).

Also, where I live (in Southern California) there is a chain of stores called "Make it Fit" that can tailor absolutely anything at awesome prices. You may want to check if you have a similar store in your area....

current weight: 152.4

160 156.75 153.5 150.25

147

Posts: 1,167
8/2/12 9:02 P

I lost about 30 pounds and didn't buy much for new clothes until all the weight was off. I put it off and put it off because I have more to lose. But it got to a point where really I couldn't stand to wear those big, baggy clothes any more.

I went about it gradually so it never felt like a big expense. If you watch for sales and buy a few key pieces that you'll wear a lot, it's not so expensive.

Pounds lost: 2.0

0 5 10 15

20

SparkPoints: (13,528)
Fitness Minutes: (7,854)
Posts: 974
8/2/12 8:54 P

For some of your better, or favorite clothes, seek out the local seamstress. I did that with some higher end clothes, and they saw me through three size changes.

Posts: 1,564
8/2/12 6:41 P

Salvation Army Thrift shop is my favorite place to shop! Plus I can drop off my old clothes for donations at the same time!

current weight: 137.0

152 146.5 141 135.5

130

Posts: 2,377
8/2/12 6:19 P

Yard sale nothing wrong with putting money back in to your new clothes

Then donate or give to friends.

Clothes also make good beds for pets. LOL

New clothes Ross or 2nd is good to start. Find sales. If something looks great get a few colors.

Good luck in your journey!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 3.75 7.5 11.25

15

SparkPoints: (2,323)
Fitness Minutes: (50)
Posts: 949
8/2/12 4:47 P

I donated a bunch, but there are now some items I now fit in again. (Some reason I forget them, and not necessarily because I really liked them -- but those fit now.)

Suggestion: donate most to Goodwill or similar, save two or three extra special memory things, and work from there. The older stuff, in my case, i often wore till it was stretched to ugliness -- seams on their last legs and all. NO reason to save that stuff -- and if you have popped seam clothing... don't donate it. NO ONE wants it, even in the fourth world. (Although there are places which will take this to stuff furniture such as sofas.)

SparkPoints: (14,557)
Fitness Minutes: (13,914)
Posts: 1,136
8/2/12 4:46 P

wash them when they get dirty

current weight: 157.3

173 166 159 152

145

SparkPoints: (2,391)
Fitness Minutes: (590)
Posts: 65
8/2/12 3:55 P

I have some smaller clothes in my closet that I am going to shrink back into. I buy a lot of my clothes from Roaman's and get regular emails from them for great sales. Especially clearance items and there buy one get one half off sales. I never pay full-price on anything there. I have also picked up some items at garage sales this year. I don't want to spend a big amount of money until I have lost signigicant weight.

current weight: 271.5

280 267.5 255 242.5

230

SparkPoints: (83,707)
Fitness Minutes: (82,285)
Posts: 4,907
8/2/12 11:48 A

I 'm shopping my closet. I save some things and it is so much fun getting back into them after about seven years. I also shop mostly at Mavy's which I've compared with Ross and other discount stores. Combining sales with the coupons Macy's sends often, like $20 off $50, makes cost often less than at discounters and I can count on the quality. In fact I'm off to Macy's this mornin to shop for some of the grandkids. I can walk from here and get in some pretty good cardio there and back.

current weight: 126.0

156 147 138 129

120

SparkPoints: (11,682)
Fitness Minutes: (3,845)
Posts: 537
8/2/12 10:13 A

Last night I went to good will and shopped my brains out. What a find! And after a purchase of 10 pairs of pants for work, and jeans I only spent $50.00. When they become too big I will redonate them. Thanks for the inspiration.

current weight: 118.0

220 192.5 165 137.5

110

SparkPoints: (4,314)
Fitness Minutes: (1,376)
Posts: 197
8/2/12 9:14 A

Skirts are your friend! I've never been much of a "skirt girl" but they're infinitely more forgiving than pants in terms of being wearable through size changes. In preparation for shrinking out of my wardrobe I went on ebay and found several a-line style skirts for $10-15 each; now I wear them with layered tees and tanks from Old Navy (about $7 each) and probably won't need to update my wardrobe for another 25 lbs or more - and at that point I can just have the skirts hemmed and take in the waistband, and they'll still be good to wear!

current weight: 219.2

237 220.25 203.5 186.75

170

SparkPoints: (20,483)
Fitness Minutes: (18,453)
Posts: 661
8/2/12 9:13 A

One of my SparkFriends mailed me a ton of her old stuff that she had sized out of. Beautiful interview suits and work gear. Just let everyone around you know your "problem" and I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions.

May Minutes: 386

0 125 250 375

500

Posts: 10
8/2/12 7:50 A

Thrift and consignment stores are gold mines. Check for those run by churches and other non-profits. Many sort through donations and keep only those items that are in very good condition. You may occasionally even find brand new items with the tags still on them. BTW - when you go, take along your gently used clothing that no longer fits and donate it. That will help out the next person working their way down the scale :-)

Edited by: SKIPTON95 at: 8/2/2012 (07:51)

current weight: 195.0

233 223.5 214 204.5

195

Posts: 1,047
8/2/12 6:56 A

Look up clothing swaps in your area or think about hosting one! It's not too difficult, all you have to do is gather up some friends, gather up some clothes that are too big/too small/not "you" anymore, and start swapping.

May Minutes: 125

0 250 500 750

1000

Posts: 1,105
8/2/12 12:08 A

1) Try a clothing swap with friends/family? As I lost my weight, my sister in law was pregnant, so we swapped everything from gym pants to winter jackets as the changes progressed. Now she's giving it back to me since I'm pregnant now! Haha

2) Old Navy has great sales, watch them for your basic wardrobe staples. Just get a few pieces at a time to tide you over.

3) Buy underwear that fit! Silly, I know! But if your underwear/bras are too big, this will make everything else feel way too huge. At least you can feel comfortable with those against you securely even if your clothes are giant billowing sails!

Great job on such a WONDERFUL problem!

current weight: 152.5

155 151.25 147.5 143.75

140

SparkPoints: (18,508)
Fitness Minutes: (7,930)
Posts: 1,166
8/1/12 1:57 P

I was lucky. My daughter had to have some really nice clothes several years ago when she did student teaching her senior year of high school. After she graduated she shot up 4 inches and couldn't wear them anymore. I kept them around and last week I wore a pair of the slacks to the office.

Reverse hand-me-downs?

current weight: 111.2

164 150.8 137.6 124.4

111.2

Posts: 510
8/1/12 1:27 P

Another thing you can do is a clothes swap - with people in your local community, or there are clothes swap websites. Then you can potentially get clothes for free that people don't want any more, and other people get your clothes.

Posts: 776
8/1/12 12:22 P

we have an awesome store that has clothes for .99! love it but you have to go often b/c sometimes they have nothing good and other times its a gold mine lol

Pounds lost: 3.6

0 30.75 61.5 92.25

123

Posts: 482
8/1/12 11:46 A

SYLPHINPROGRESS, that doesn't make me feel better. LOL, there's almost nothing that disgusts me more than hotel bedding. I watched a crime show a few months ago where they sent the hotel bedspread to the lab to be analyzed. The lab tech found DNA from over 100 people on the bedspread, including semen from more than 30 different men. Hotels rarely/never wash the bedspreads and some don't even wash the sheets.

Edited by: JEANNEBOYD1 at: 8/1/2012 (11:48)

Pounds lost: 22.6

0 7 14 21

28

Posts: 510
8/1/12 7:07 A

You can buy really cheap new clothes on ebay - there are sellers that buy in bulk at the end of season when items are discontinued and new fashions come in.

And I don't know about the US, but in the UK there are clothes shops like Primark which are actually cheaper than thrift stores - and not even when they're on sale (but of course even more so when they're on sale!). And you don't need a lot of clothes really - you can wear the same pair of trousers several days in a row, for instance. I buy very cheap vest tops to change each day, and then will wear the same cardigan/sweater over them for a couple of days in a row.