Wardrobe Basics During and After Weight Loss

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Wardrobe Basics During and After Weight Loss

Physical changes after weight loss surgery are inevitable. We look forward to the day when we can slide into our clothing easily and enjoy making purchases from “regular” clothing stores. However, dropping sizes has its challenges too! Rarely, if ever, is a person in the position of replacing virtually every item of clothing over a period of 12 - 24 months. Think about it: it is entirely possible that the only items that will fit both “before” and “after” weight loss will be your socks. (Honestly? Some of your socks may even be too big!)

On top of it all, after years of being morbidly obese, many of us discover that we have little sense of what styles of clothing we really enjoy wearing, or what items are truly flattering. For years, our choices have been guided by the limited selections in plus-size departments and simply by “whatever fits” when we are forced to shop for clothing. As the world of fashion opens up, it becomes daunting to navigate our local mall as we search out items for an updated wardrobe. We have no idea what it feels like to have so many choices. We haven’t worn a skirt in years, or had a blouse that buttoned all the way to the bottom. Obesity denied us the chance to wear cute fitted sweaters or to select a special occasion dress.

As you evaluate your clothing needs post weight loss surgery, you will want to consider the following factors:

Start from the skin out

Well-fitting undergarments make a huge difference in the way that everything else looks. Regardless of weight, many women wear poorly fitted bras that do not offer adequate support. For those of us who have lost a significant amount of weight, the issue is compounded many times over. Keep your eyes open for a bra fitting clinic at a local department store, or venture into the lingerie department and ask for a fitting. There is no obligation to make a purchase, but knowing your size and how a well-fit bra looks and feels can provide essential guidance as you make future selections.

And it’s not just bras! Panties need to fit snugly but not too tight and give a flattering silhouette without wrinkles and bunching under your clothes. You should be able to walk with a confident stride without any worry that panties are slipping or sliding out of place or - worst of all - dropping.

You may want to explore the world of shape wear to smooth things out and hold in bumps from excess skin. When shopping for shape wear, a good sales consultant can be a godsend. Every brand and style fits differently. Asking for help can mean the difference between a purchase you will love using every day verses spending money on something that makes you feel like your body is wrapped tightly in an oversized rubber band.

Color
Do I need to say it? The standard color in the wardrobe of most morbidly obese women is....black, Accented with more black. We fear that colors or patterns make us “look big.” We may be used to a touch of color as an accent, but dare not risk too much. We rationalize that black is slimming, when in fact we know that it makes us less noticeable in a crowd.

As we lose weight, it may be our choice to keep a few basic black items in the closet. After all, we can finally select one of those “little black dresses” that everyone talks about. We can also venture out to mix in other neutrals and add splashes of color freely. Go ahead! Try on a few tops or dresses in bold colors or pastels, and add a few bright prints to your wardrobe. Explore the color palette that flatters your natural coloring and features, and capitalize on those that look best. While you are still losing, you may wish to limit the number of items you purchase in any one size for economy’s sake, but it costs nothing to try things on and get a sense for the colors you really like.

Your weight loss opens up a literal rainbow of choices!

Fit

Admit it. Many of us have several sizes of clothing in our closets, hoping that those items will fit “someday.” As our weight loss begins, that “someday” lies just around the corner. Pullout those stored items and incorporate them into your wardrobe as they begin to fit your emerging body shape. Doing so keeps your wardrobe fresh and allows you to get maximum use out of clothing you already own. However, if those older clothes include notably outdated styles, it may be time to donate a few things to your favorite charity.

If you are tempted to keep wearing your larger size clothing as the pounds drop, please reconsider. Baggy clothing is not flattering or “slimming,” despite what we may have been led to believe at our highest weight. Baggy clothing looks frumpy and poorly kept. Baggy clothing deprives us of compliments that we deserve as our weight loss progresses. You will feel better and see your own progress by having at least a few items that fit well throughout the stages of your weight loss journey. One RNY patient maintained her wardrobe by keeping up with size changes in reasonably priced jeans and basic black slacks, along with a couple of easy fitting t shirts or sweaters as the season dictated. Those few items, mixed with her existing wardrobe and a few thrift store finds, allowed her to recognize her progress and look stylish even as her sizes changed with every season.

On the flip side, the reverse is also true: clothing that is too tight is not flattering either. Formerly obese women may be used to forcing themselves into clothes to the point of discomfort. They are painfully accustomed to clothing that feels snug or binding. However, as you move into smaller sizes, you will be more comfortable, confident, and attractive if you stick with a size and fit that give you room to move and breathe comfortably.

If you have a few high quality or favorite items that you simply cannot part with, consider having some alterations done. Many dry cleaners offer alterations services, or you may discover a local tailoring business in your community. A well placed nip or tuck can give you added mileage from a favorite skirt, jacket, or pair of slacks. But beware the temptation to take those slacks In yourself using safety pins, duct tape, or a hot glue gun! The objective is to look your best as you lose those excess pounds and to accent your figure with well-fitting clothes.

Choose versatile pieces

As your size changes quickly, your wardrobe will benefit from choosing a few versatile pieces of clothing that can be worn in different ways. A high quality t-shirt can be paired with jeans, go under a blazer, or become staple on a cruise or resort vacation. As that same t-shirt becomes a little loose, add a belt to accentuate your emerging waistline and keep it as an active part of your wardrobe for a while longer. If you live in a cooler climate, you may want to invest in a light to medium weight crew or v neck sweater that can function in the same ways.

Other particularly versatile pieces to form the foundation of your weight loss wardrobe might include khaki pants, a pair of dress slacks, a basic skirt, and a blazer or unstructured jacket in coordinating colors. The combination of these basic wardrobe elements with a few varied tops or sweaters goes a long way in creating your new wardrobe.

Accessorize

When you reach a certain point in your weight loss, you may choose to work with a very limited wardrobe for a while. When sizes change quickly, you may find that you skip some sizes entirely - and why invest in clothing that may only fit for only a few weeks?

Consider investing in a few good quality accessories to add variety to those “basics” in your closet. Scarves, artsy earrings, and bold necklaces may fit your style and lend interest and variety to an otherwise limited wardrobe. For those who need to dress for the work environment every day, accessories can be a true lifesaver in helping pull together varied looks for the office.

As you explore your options in accessories, it is a great time to experiment with less expensive pieces that may help to define your sense of personal style. Try that chunky bracelet or stackable rings on for size.

And finally, don’t overlook the potential of wearing a belt. One support group participant invested in a high quality leather belt to celebrate her one- year surgiversary. Another picked up a great deal at a local Marshall’s store to celebrate a “non-scale victory.” The satisfaction - and style - of a nicely placed belt is one of those priceless benefits of losing weight. A belt can provide a tangible assessment of our progress, as well as a cautionary flag if our weight begins to creep upward.

Consider Quality

When building a new wardrobe from the ground up, remember the old adage, “less is more.” Make clothing selections carefully once you reach your goal weight and avoid the purchase of poorly made, low quality items. Identify a few brands of clothing that give good quality and a flattering fit, and build from there.

Watching for seasonal clearances and markdowns on quality name brand clothing allows you to make some “investment purchases” without breaking the bank. Become well acquainted with your local T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, or other off-price chain. Check out the outlet malls and consignment shops, and even thrift stores for name brand merchandise. But don’t overlook the anchor stores in your local mall either. Browsing through Macy’s or Nordstrom can familiarize you with the look and feel of higher quality clothing, as well as with price points that can help you recognize the truly good buys when you see them elsewhere.

Avoid clothing that looks and feels like the fabric will not hold up well to washing, or colors that have the potential to fade quickly. Check for neatly finished hems and seams, and a few extra buttons just in case.

Finally, let’s just say it. Underneath our clothes, most of us still have a few places that jiggle, or some loose skin to deal with. We need to be sure that we select clothing in high quality fabrics to cover those trouble spots effectively. It makes all the difference. Choose fabrics with good body and resilience, not those that feel limp and clingy.

You will be a “head turner” in your new wardrobe for all the right reasons if you shop carefully and select good quality clothing. Rest assured, you will be glad you did!

The Buddy System

For many years, I resisted opportunities to shop with friends. After all, they didn’t need to worry about finding fashion in the plus size departments, and they certainly were not interested in browsing at plus size stores. It was just too embarrassing to let a friend in on what size I actually wore. Thus, shopping became a solo activity, and one that I did only when absolutely necessary.

After weight loss, it can be a great help to bring a good friend along as you shop for clothing. Select the friend who always looks well put together, or whose taste you admire. A friend can give you an honest opinion as to which colors, styles, and fabrics look best...and which to avoid. A friend’s watchful eye can quickly size up whether you are ready for a smaller size pair of jeans and hustle back to the sales floor to bring in another size. A friend can be honest when you try on that adorable mini skirt, advising you that it may only work with a pair of leggings underneath to cover some sagging skin that is just too exposed with bare legs.

Building your new wardrobe after weight loss can be a wonderful reward for a job well done. Enjoy yourself, and remember to consider good undergarments, fit, color, versatility, accessories, and quality as you select items for this exciting adventure!