When to give up on old clothes?

[simpsongal]

Ugh, I guess I'm fortunate that I've been around the same size for a long time.  But I haven't gotten back to that size since having DS.  And I'm starting to think it will never happen.  Even if I lose a few pounds, I think my rib cage is wider as are my hips - and I don't think the flat stomach will be back.

I'm *starting* to fold up old clothes and put them at the top of my closet.  It's killing me though - these are a lot of nice pieces, and some things I've had a long time.  The thought of buying an entirely new wardrobe is really upsetting.  Not only for the $$ but because I hate shopping and don't relish dressing my "new" body. 

But wearing nothing but maternity pants and stretchy stuff is equally depressing.  So is trying on my normal clothes and looking terrible.  I finally ordered some new jeans and tops this weekend.  I went pumpkin picking recently and I had to wear a cardigan over one of the shirts I used to wear all the time, b/c it's too short now.

Ugh commiseration and thoughts welcome.  DH is trying to be supportive but I don't think it's helping ("don't give up, you'll get there...etc.").  I don't think it's going to happen.

[Ashley&Scott]

Wait, your son is 20 months old right? Don't torture yourself like this, go buy some new clothes. You'll feel so much better about yourself. You don't have to get rid of your old clothes just yet, but definitely buy some things that fit your current body. It's time to hang up the maternity pants.

[drloretta]

I was the same size, and underweight, from 17-32. I put on 20 lbs over a year or 2. In my early 40s I put on weight again, and I just gained 7 lbs over a month's worth of vacation. I have 3 sizes of clothes and recently realized I'll never wear the smallest size again unless I give up all the food I love. I'm ok with that. People keep telling me I disguise my gut well, LOL.

My big issue at the moment is that I'm in between sizes. So I'm either feeling like a sausage or I'm yanking up my pants

[VillainV]

I'm sorry. I'm in the same boat -- 15 pounds over my pre-preg weight, and that's only because I lost 5 pounds when I had the stomach flu a few weeks ago.

I have been several sizes in my adult life, most several times. I've bounced back and forth between an 8 and a 14 a few times, and I think there is a good chance that "someday" I will be a certain size again. I keep a small amount of nice stuff in former sizes in some rubbermaid tubs in the basement. It's all stuff that I consider to be "timeless", but honestly if I looked at it I'd probably find some things that are outdated. It's nice to have a few pieces squirreled away if I lose or gain a few pounds. Any cheap stuff (Old Navy, Target, etc) usually gets donated, because it's just not worth keeping. But the nicer stuff (Ann Taylor, etc) I will hang onto.

[simpsongal]

Oct 13, 2015 8:12:46 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Wait, your son is 20 months old right? Don't torture yourself like this, go buy some new clothes. You'll feel so much better about yourself. You don't have to get rid of your old clothes just yet, but definitely buy some things that fit your current body. It's time to hang up the maternity pants.

Yes.  Maybe this post will serve as a PSA to others - wearing maternity pants for 2 years is not good for self esteem.  I thought I would be KU again by now too, so that's been a factor.  I even bought some more maternity clothes to supplement my wardrobe and have even worn those in the meantime

[jeaniebueller]

I just went through this and am finally purging all of my size 6 and size 8 stuff. My DD is 16 months old, I haven't lost the weight and figure that if I do, I'll just go shopping. I am really trying to simplify my wardrobe and closet, and have made some money off of the clothes on my local B/S groups, which is a bonus. Buy new clothes! At least a few staple pieces. You will feel so much better. And frankly, I feel better not seeing all of my smaller clothes in my closet.

[numbers]

I hear you. My shape has changed permanently. Even if I get back to my PP/ideal weight, many of my old clothes just won't ever fit the same.

I went through my pre-baby clothes recently and kept a handful of pieces that I really love for storage, and sold the rest. It was actually a relief, like letting go of the guilt that those clothes don't fit.

Ditto Ashley&Scott- go buy yourself some new flattering clothes. Flowy blouses for life!

[Ashley&Scott]

simpsongal I get it, maternity pants are uber comfortable. But you'll feel so much better in regular clothes. 

[VillainV]

Yes, definitely go buy yourself a few pieces that fit you well now, that you feel great in. You'll feel so much better. I know wearing "real" pants sucks at first, but it will make you feel better.

Also, not sure if you're still nursing. Once I dropped down to morning and evening only, I started wearing regular bras again during the day. Wearing real, well-fitting bras did amazing things for my self-esteem.

[purplecow0206]

Also, whenever I wear something new that fits, I almost always have someone ask me if I've lost weight.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 13, 2015 7:58:32 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Ugh, I guess I'm fortunate that I've been around the same size for a long time.  But I haven't gotten back to that size since having DS.  And I'm starting to think it will never happen.  Even if I lose a few pounds, I think my rib cage is wider as are my hips - and I don't think the flat stomach will be back.

I'm *starting* to fold up old clothes and put them at the top of my closet.  It's killing me though - these are a lot of nice pieces, and some things I've had a long time.  The thought of buying an entirely new wardrobe is really upsetting.  Not only for the $$ but because I hate shopping and don't relish dressing my "new" body. 

But wearing nothing but maternity pants and stretchy stuff is equally depressing.  So is trying on my normal clothes and looking terrible.  I finally ordered some new jeans and tops this weekend.  I went pumpkin picking recently and I had to wear a cardigan over one of the shirts I used to wear all the time, b/c it's too short now.

Ugh commiseration and thoughts welcome.  DH is trying to be supportive but I don't think it's helping ("don't give up, you'll get there...etc.").  I don't think it's going to happen.

I would totally go out and buy some new clothes that you love and feel good in.  I would probably put away the old clothes somewhere so I would not have to look at them frequently.  If you get to wear them again great, if not no worries just donate/sell them all at a later time.

I am pregnant with number 2 and I think there may be a lot of clothes that will likely not fit again.  

[simpsongal]

Oct 13, 2015 8:23:44 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Yes, definitely go buy yourself a few pieces that fit you well now, that you feel great in. You'll feel so much better. I know wearing "real" pants sucks at first, but it will make you feel better.

Also, not sure if you're still nursing. Once I dropped down to morning and evening only, I started wearing regular bras again during the day. Wearing real, well-fitting bras did amazing things for my self-esteem.

I stopped nursing a couple months ago.  I need to go bra shopping b/c my old bras seem to be a little snug (and my nursing/maternity are too big).

Does this board have a go-to place for trousers?  I ordered new jeans from AE and some cords from the gap, but I could use a few work pants.

I can't believe I've been hanging onto my summer wardrobe from when I was 21 and studying abroad in Australia.

[wanderingenough]

Definitely get yourself some new stuff. Well fitting clothes can do so much for your self-esteem. Plus, as my mom always says "if I get back to that size, I'm going to want to celebrate with new clothes anyhow."

[purplecow0206]

<HUGS> I really struggle with this, as I lost a sizeable amount of weight before getting married and kept most of it off until having A, and I'm now stuck about 35 lbs above where I want to be. It's finally coming off very slowly, but it's going to take a while for it to fully go.

I currently have the stuff that actually fits me hanging in my closet (it's a SAD, SAD wardrobe, so I'm trying to add to it bit by bit) and 2 bags of clothing in my closet; one that's the size I think I'll get back into and one of maternity clothes. As the weight is finally coming off, I'm watching how my body is now shaped and will continue to pare down accordingly, because I have a feeling that even when I get to my target size, at least some of the stuff in those bags will either not fit or no longer be in style.

I also signed up for Stitch Fix to come quarterly, to help me get ideas and stuff that works with my body now. It's forcing me to try stuff that I wouldn't have grabbed previously and I've been really happy with it, even though I've only been keeping 2-3 of the 5 pieces on average so far.

The thing that I've figured out in the last 6 months or so is that the frustration and hurt from not being the size I want to be doesn't help me get to the size I want to be. My life isn't what it was when I was at my lowest weight, and I'm ok with not getting back there. I just want to feel healthier and pulled together in how I look NOW.

ETA: This was supposed to come before my other post...

[VillainV]

Oct 13, 2015 8:38:36 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Oct 13, 2015 8:23:44 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Yes, definitely go buy yourself a few pieces that fit you well now, that you feel great in. You'll feel so much better. I know wearing "real" pants sucks at first, but it will make you feel better.

Also, not sure if you're still nursing. Once I dropped down to morning and evening only, I started wearing regular bras again during the day. Wearing real, well-fitting bras did amazing things for my self-esteem.

I stopped nursing a couple months ago.  I need to go bra shopping b/c my old bras seem to be a little snug (and my nursing/maternity are too big).

Does this board have a go-to place for trousers?  I ordered new jeans from AE and some cords from the gap, but I could use a few work pants.

I can't believe I've been hanging onto my summer wardrobe from when I was 21 and studying abroad in Australia.

I've had better luck at places like Loft, Ann Taylor, J Crew, etc.   I gave up on Juniors sizes a LONG time ago...and post-pref, there is no way my curves would fit into those sizes anyway.   The way I figure, juniors clothes are generally designed to make people with no curves look like they have them.  I don't need any help making my curves look curvier...

Also, I'm not sure if your town has a store called Clothes Mentor?  It's a re-sale shop, same idea as Plato's Closet, but for adult brands.  They have a very strict 2-year style policy (they only sell styles that are less than 2 years old), and most of it is name brand like Gap, Loft, etc (at least, at my local store).  They only buy stuff that looks brand new (no signs of wear) and it's generally around 30% of original retail price.  If you're looking to save money, you might be able to find a few nice pieces at a store like that.

[ilikedonuts]

I gave up. DD2 is almost 2. I was back in all my old clothes the day I left the hospital with DD1, but I knew I wouldn't be lucky the second time. These extra 20 lbs from DD2 though are not going anywhere. It's all bagged in the corner of our room for donation.

[simpsongal]

I just started making piles for donation, a small pile for 'maybe I'll fit back in this' and a really tiny pile of sentimental pieces (e.g., the shirt I wore 10 years ago on my first date w/DH - it's from forever 21, LOLz).

I already feel better. It's like I'm making room for stuff I can actually wear and look good in. My first box of clothes arrives tomorrow. Thanks for the kids words and support.

[Willis Jackson]

Definitely buy new clothes.

I lost all the weight after DS1 but could never wear my pre-baby pants again.

[Deleted]

I recently did a big purge and I felt a little sad that I will never fit into size 2 (LOL) to size 4 stuff again but I realized those clothes were from a different time in my life. I don't think I can be wearing 2" inseam shorts right now to chase my dd around, kwim? Before I got pg, I was trying to buy more quality and timeless pieces. Have fun shopping!

[charlotteandwilbur]

I try not to keep anything in my closet that doesn't fit me at the moment. I have some smaller things in storage that I love and are classic pieces if I lose weight, but I've donated or sold most of my pre-kids, smaller-hipped wardrobe.

[fortnightlily]

I've just been mostly buying a lot of cheap Old Navy type stuff until 1) I work up the motivation to deal with my diastasis recti belly, 2) I'm positive I'm done with childbearing

I wore an old shirt last week at work that used to be fine but post-baby is terribly, inappropriately, revealing of the 'girls'. Whoops. Retiring that one...

[turtlegirl]

Since right now I'm only 7 weeks pp, I'm living in lounge clothes and nursing friendly stuff.

All my pre pregnancy clothes are just laying in a Ibig pile on the floor and I already did one pass through them and donated a few things that I'd been holding onto for way too long. The rest I'm saving to try on again once I'm done breastfeeding for a few months and really figure out what my new shape is.

Then my plan is to slowly build a quality wardrobe, maybe sign up for stich fix, etc. I've never been a big clothes shopper before and generally have pretty cheap clothes. But I figure that now that I'm in my 30s and have had 3 kids it'll be time to buy some quality clothes that fit well, are pretty timeless, etc. in whatever size that may end up being.

[aspentosh]

Take it from me... go shopping.

I didn't for many many months because I was "going to get pregnant soon" and I look back and am so mad I wasted that time not looking better. Same goes for bras. They are expensive, but worth it.

You don't need to drop a ton of money, but for your sanity and self esteem, get some new stuff!

[Deleted]

I'm glad that you posted this as I am in process of packing away stuff that I just don't see fitting again. My DS is almost 11 mo old, and I am staring at a closet of great clothes that no longer fit. Like you, I was the same size (0-2) FOREVER, and then I had DS (I'm currently 39 years old). I was a 32D pre-pregnancy as well. Maybe like you, I'm trying to save money or something, and we're also thinking about a baby2 soon.

Well, LOLZ and 11 months later, I am a 32DDD, and I am wearing some 4P and 6P pants. I packed away my maternity clothes at 5 months post-partum as I just felt terrible about myself. I felt slothy and gross.

I bought some great jeans, signed up for a few Stitch Fix boxes, and bought several new shirts, and I feel more MYSELF again. Each season, I go through my storage tubs in the basement and try things on - and I'll get a few articles here and there that now look OK. My goal is to go through them all, and get rid of stuff that will never ever fit again.

I'm still 15lbs over where I was, but I've also been exercising and muscle weighs more than fat (RIGHT?!!!). I have 3-4 pairs of jeans that fit (before you think that's a lot, I WFH mostly and can wear jeans to work) and some shirts that work. I have 2 dresses that fit, 1 that sort of fits, and a pair of khakis that I don't love but they work. Next on my list is a pair of black pants!

All of this to say, get thyself some great, new clothes!!

[carolinagirl831]

Oct 13, 2015 8:18:22 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Oct 13, 2015 8:12:46 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Wait, your son is 20 months old right? Don't torture yourself like this, go buy some new clothes. You'll feel so much better about yourself. You don't have to get rid of your old clothes just yet, but definitely buy some things that fit your current body. It's time to hang up the maternity pants.

Yes.  Maybe this post will serve as a PSA to others - wearing maternity pants for 2 years is not good for self esteem.  I thought I would be KU again by now too, so that's been a factor.  I even bought some more maternity clothes to supplement my wardrobe and have even worn those in the meantime

Go by yourself new clothes!! you feel so much better!!! Maternity clothes are not flattering on the non maternity!!

[Deleted]

I have gained so much weight since college. I get rid of the stuff I never loved in the first place then In a fit of delusion I put the rest in the basement.

Then I periodically go through that and get rid of more stuff.

When I'm done breast feeding I'm going to purge a lot. I have a bunch of stuff that just isn't that attractive regardless of if it's the right size. I plan to have my friends help me decide.

[mandapanda18]

Oct 13, 2015 8:23:54 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

simpsongal I get it, maternity pants are uber comfortable. But you'll feel so much better in regular clothes. 

This! I am within 5lbs on my pre-pg weight, but my shape is so much different. My ribs are wider (I can tell when i try to zip up some of my favorite dresses), my tummy is much squishier and my boobs are sadder

I gave up, tossed my clothes (some of which I have had since I was in HS 15+ years ago, class of 2000), had a good cry and bought some new clothes.

[browneyedgirl9]

I just did a major closet clean out today. DS is 21mon old and I still dont fit into my old clothing.

Toss everything that doesnt fit, only keeping really important pieces you really want. And go shopping to buy new clothing that fits!