Losing weight is a rewarding journey, but it can present practical challenges. You need to keep up with clothes for weight loss that accommodate your changing body size without it costing a fortune. Whether you’re shedding pounds due to diet, exercise, or a lifestyle change, it’s important to find cost-effective ways to feel good in what you wear. Here are 12 savvy strategies for managing your wardrobe and budget while you progress toward your ideal weight.
1. Invest in Adjustable Clothing
Look for clothes with adjustable features such as drawstrings, elastic bands, and belts. These items can easily adapt to changes in your body size, allowing you to maintain a comfortable and flattering fit as you lose weight. Adjustable clothing can often be worn through several stages of weight loss, reducing the need to buy new items frequently. Plus, these clothes are comfy to lounge around in when you’re finally at your goal.
2. Embrace Layering
Layering is on trend, and it’s flattering as you fluctuate between weight sizes. Fill up your wardrobe with versatile staples like cardigans, blazers, and vests. These extra layers can cover up any weird fits, while still looking polished and put-together. Think of these pieces as proof that clothes for weight loss don’t have to look baggy and bulky.
3. Shop Secondhand
Don’t be shy about going to Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other secondhand shops to find new clothes. Thrift stores can be goldmines for finding quality, stylish clothing at a fraction of the retail price. This is especially useful when you need cheap clothes for a transitioning period that you may not keep. Why bother spending a bunch of money on items you may end up getting rid of in the future?
4. Utilize Tailoring
Do you have a favorite dress that you still want to wear even as you lose weight? Invest in tailoring, which costs anywhere from $2 to $250, depending on what you need. Sometimes, tailoring existing clothes is more cost-effective than purchasing new ones. Simple alterations like taking in a waistband or shortening straps can extend the life of your clothing and adapt to your new size without breaking the bank.
5. Buy Basics in Multiple Sizes
Jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and other essentials are always in style. Buy these basics in multiple sizes when they’re on sale to accommodate your weight loss journey. Don’t worry about having a surplus of clothes down the line. You can always donate the items that no longer fit your new body shape.
6. Host a Clothing Swap
Have some fun while you purge your wardrobe. It’s as easy as organizing a clothing swap with friends or within your local community. A clothing swap is a fun way to refresh your wardrobe for free and pass along items that no longer fit. Set out food, play good music, and have a blast!
7. Focus on Accessories
You can always dress up the items that no longer fit you. Scarves, jewelry, and hats can divert attention from parts of your wardrobe that might feel less than perfect. Plus, they always fit! Investing in accessories can spice up your outfits without costing as much as new clothes.
8. Choose Classic Over Trendy
Trends come and go. By opting for classic styles rather than following fast fashion trends, you’ll ensure you’re not wasting money on clothes for weight loss. Classic pieces are more likely to remain in style, giving you a longer wear period despite body changes. This also ensures that any investment pieces can be worn longer, providing better value for money.
9. Use Sales and Discounts
Everybody loves a good discount. Keep an eye on sales and special promotions at your favorite stores. Timing your purchases for end-of-season sales can help you stock up on larger or smaller sizes without spending too much. You can also sign up for newsletters and alerts to get coupons and stay up-to-date on deals.
10. Embrace Stretchy Fabrics
Clothing made from stretchy fabrics can be more forgiving and flexible as your body size changes. Spandex is particularly nice since it adapts to your shape and can often fit beautifully across a couple of different sizes. Wear these fabrics when you’re out to feel more confident. They’ll be a real lifesaver when you’re in your “awkward” phase of weight loss.
11. Rent Clothes for Special Occasions
If you have a wedding around the corner, don’t pay for a dress that you’ll never wear again. Consider renting that fancy garment instead. Rental services offer high-end fashion at a fraction of the cost, ensuring you look good without going broke. You’ll always have the pictures to look back on at that awesome outfit without having it clutter up your closet.
12. Simplify Your Wardrobe
Keep it simple, sunshine. Adopt a minimalist wardrobe with pieces that mix and match well. Creating a capsule wardrobe with versatile items that coordinate can decrease the number of pieces you need. It will be easier to adjust as your size changes.
Looking Good
Every milestone you hit on your fitness and nutrition journey should feel grandiose and exciting. You shouldn’t feel bogged down by having to buy clothes for weight loss that drain your wallet. By using these strategies, you can save money while still enjoying a functional and fashionable wardrobe. Focus on your health and comfort.
Read More:
Do Fitness and Frugality Go Together?
11 Unconventional Frugal Habits to Try Today
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.