I'm losing weight but why can't I just get rid of my 'fat' clothes?

[FB_Opus]

So far I've lost 78lbs and still going (shooting for 100lb mark).  I'm told that my clothes are 'just hanging' off me and I have to wear an elastic belt to keep the pants/shorts up.  Yes I am losing weight and inches and very happy about it!

However, I just cannot bring myself to get rid of my 'fat clothes'.  Things like oversized shirts (casual, dress), pants, slacks, and the like still are in my closet and dresser drawers.  I excuse this saying I can't swing a new wardrobe every time I lose a couple inches (which is true) but for some psychological reason I just can't bring myself to even pack them away.  I still wear them and they just feel 'right' ya know?

Anyone going through or have dealt with this?

[Odyssey13]

@FB_Opus  Well done on the weight loss! That is quite an accomplishment.

With the clothes that no longer really fit you, can you take them to a consignment shop or donate them? You've enjoyed them, but now your body isn't the same size and they don't really fit you anymore. Why not keep a favorite shirt as a reminder of the old days as you move along in your new body size.

When I was losing weight, I kept only the things that were one size up from my current size. Mainly I kept a pair of jeans and one top, just in case I gained weight again. So far, I've donated lots of nice items to Goodwill and someone will be able to enjoy them.

Start by getting those oversized clothes and put them on the bed or couch where you can look them over. Ask yourself if you really ever will wear them again. Say goodbye to them as you prepare them for their new home.

You can do it.

Welcome to the forums.

[Connie366]

Wow!  I've lost 40 so far and went through my closet this weekend.  I donated a pile of clothes almost 5ft high.  I don't want those clothes there making me feel comfortable to be able to slide right back into them if I gain a few.   Just do it!  Take the plunge, you will feel better.  Getting rid of the old will make room for new and improved to enter your life.

[get2fitK8]

Okay, there this mentality that you need to hang onto it, but really how much do you need? Even if you want to hang onto a few things fine. Pick out the best pair of pants the best shirt, the best dress, but don't save all the other clothes. not having the clothes might motivate you to get moving when your current pants feel tight.

(If you are honestly worried about going back up and not having cash to buy ANY clothes, check out capsule wardrobes and pick a few pieces you ca nmix and match in your closet...just in case. then ditch the rest.)

[FB_Opus]

Thanks everyone!  Once I get through the summer I'll be sure to hit up the donations bin (like the loose clothing for exercise and around town in the heat).  I do have a suit I've been dying to try on (was very tight one me last time I wore it pre weight-loss) so once it gets cooler it may stay.

[tabaddon]

Well done!

My weight has been all over the place for years, and I've always hung onto things that don't fit. There's no rational reason, just that little voice that said, "just in case you gain it back." Well, I don't want to gain it back, so I shouldn't make it easy to go back to that version of myself, but it's a whole psychological game of "do I deserve it?" that we play with ourselves. But, I've been slowly purging old "big" clothes, a few things at a time. I make a small donation run about once a month. I don't make a big deal of it, so it's not like a major change all at once. I find I have less anxiety about letting go of that safety net when I do it a little at a time.

One thing that's helped me is taking to heart the "past, present, future" system. As I come across things, I ask myself these questions. Is it something that lives (or should live) in the past? Then donate/trash it. Is it something that lives in the present? Things that fit and I actually wear, I keep. Is it something I think I'll wear again in the future? This is tricky and difficult. Even too-small things I think I'll wear again when I lose weight, I have to ask myself hard questions. Will I really wear it again? Will it be in style, comfortable, in good condition, and fit my lifestyle/preferences when I get there? If not, then it goes.

I can't afford to go out buying a whole new wardrobe every couple of months, but when I do need something, I look for sales on things that I'll be able to wear for a while with some flexibilty, and I just pick up a couple things at a time. That way I don't lay out lots of cash on things I won't wear for long (hopefully) during my journey. I also try on everything I buy. This helps me not buy the wrong size for myself 'in the now', and also keeps me from buying too many things since I hate trying clothes on.

Congratulations on the weight loss! Be proud of the work you've done, and of the improved quality of life you're setting up for yourself and your family. You deserve to look as good as you feel! 

[lilmisfit1987]

Take it slow and replace one piece of clothing at a time. 🙂 You can still have comfy clothes AND have them be your size. I can understand the attachment to your old clothes. This is a new you, and it can take some time to be comfortable in your own skin agai.

I second the the thought of donating the old clothes too. 

[Snowflakepdx]

I am a strong believer in getting rid of your fat person clothing.   There is no mentally healthy or financial reason to become attached to old clothing.  Clothing styles do change for men and women.  

The worst thing that can happen if you get rid of it is you gain all the weight back and need to buy new clothing.  I've maintained for 7 years and I can tell you for sure that part of my motivation to maintain is that there is no way I would ever want to give up my wardrobe.

The worst thing that can happen if you don't get rid of it is you will need to either wear it, move it, clean it or care for it for as long as you keep it.    It will weigh you down until you get rid of it.

[Mary]

Maybe keep the old stuff around for a bit, or at least your favorites, but also pick up some new things.  It doesn't have to be 'all new' or 'all old'.  Once you have some new items that fit better you might find you actually prefer them and don't mind getting rid of more old stuff.  

Do you have a Marshalls type store around?  

[Elansc]

First, congratulations on your weight loss!!  I agree with everyone else -- get rid of the fat clothes!  I have lost 78 pounds too (and counting) and down 8 sizes -- yes, it is an extra expense but I am buying most of my new clothes on sale or at 2nd hand stores.  And only buying enough to get through a season (as by the end of the season they are hanging off me).  For me, it was simple -- I was never going to need them again so the sooner they were out of my house the better (actually have two more bags to donate in my car right now   it is very liberating).   Maybe start with the biggest -- go slow, be patient, and celebrate the new you!

[FB_Opus]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement!  While packing for my vacation I did notice many clothes I would like to see gone so once I'm back I'll start sorting and donating!

[FB_Opus]

UPDATE:  Well, the purge is going to happen sooner then planned LOL

Went clothes shopping yesterday and I'm down 10" at the waist and now can wear a XL shirt loosely.  Bought a couple pairs of jeans and some shirts to celebrate (I still can't believe I fit!).  Got plans to hit Goodwill in the next couple weeks to get some more clothes.

My friend suggested taking some of my favorite 'fat' clothes and making them into a quilt.  Now I need to re-learn how to sew.  Just a perspective - the last time I could wear that waist size (and sew) was 1987!

[Odyssey13]

@FB_Opus  You finding it easier to let go of those clothes now? Be sure to buy some new things that you absolutely love.

Way to go on the weight loss and sticking to it.

Love starting Monday with a happy success story!

[Maxit]

In order to keep the expenses down, I have been shopping as I need stuff to wear - for most of the summer it was shorts and a couple of shirts ... then it got cool and I bought some jeans ... then there were a couple of occasions I had to dress for (a funeral and a work function with my partner).  I have been donating stuff along the way.  Once you start, it gets easier.

[FB_Opus]

Thanks everyone! 

The purge commenced a few weeks ago.  Here are the clothes and how many bags they fit in:

I got some friends who are going through these before they go to Goodwill-type places.  I gotta say, it was hard saying goodbye to some of these clothes but I like the adventure from buying at thrift stores and being able to find stuff I like in my size!

[Odyssey13]

@FB_Opus  Way to go,girl!! I'm proud and tickled for you.

Keep on target and may you find even nicer clothes for your closet.

[FB_Opus]

Thanks Odyssey!  But I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I'm a guy

[Odyssey13]

@FB_Opus  I was wondering why you had a guy's picture. Sorry, but despite my mistake, you're doing an incredible job!

[gmac877]

Way to go Josh!

[FB_Opus]

Final gloat I promise LOL

Sorted everything for tax purposes ($235 worth!).  Hard to say goodbye to some but new clothes are coming in!