I think all of us who have been, or who are, overweight, have a wide range of sizes of clothes in our closets and drawers. It’s a good thing that I live alone because the closets in all three bedrooms here at home are packed! There are clothes that I haven’t worn in 13 years and some I bought last year. I have clothes that I bought when I was my heaviest in sizes I never thought I’d see and other garments in sizes small enough I never dreamed I’d see again. Now that’s a real probability!
Since I’m losing weight at a fairly speedy rate, I could go broke buying clothes at every size. I’m determined not to do that, particularly since I’m planning on spending money on those Promise List items as time goes on. I’m going to a conference in a couple of weeks, and that requires a different wardrobe than my usual shorts, T-shirts and flip flops. The other weekend, it was time to see what I already owned that I could wear for the conference.
My friends and I call it shopping our own closets. I found clothes and outfits that I’d forgotten about — ones I loved when I first bought them and was so sorry to stop choosing when I gained weight and the garments grew too tight. I have to say that it was a lot of fun going through the different outfits and trying everything on, particularly when so many fit great! I also found clothes that are so big that they’re hanging on me like oversized sacks.
The oversized clothes are in the “To Be Donated” bag. The rest I’m going to enjoy wearing until they become the clothes that are too big for me to wear.
Shopping my closet not only saved me money, but the exercise bolstered my confidence and delight and provided even more positive reinforcement. Booyah!
Weighty Matters 
Shopping your closets sounds like so much fun! Most of my clothing is for me about 15 lbs lighter than I currently am, which makes things just not quite in that multiple-size category. And I cannot seem to lose my belly, but I’m still trying. If only there weren’t sugar in even the most “natural” prepared foods, I’m sure it would help. Plus, if I cooked. Maybe I need to try a protein shake/smoothie in the mornings, now that it’s all warm and everything. Just need to make some more changes apparently.
I hope you have continual fun shopping for smaller sizes in your closets. Good luck!
I would also look into clothing swaps. I found a great group of plus size ladies in my area that do clothing swaps at least a few times a year. I like knowing my stuff is going to a good home. I scored a super cute dress at the last one. There’s a pic of me on it on my blog. I hope we get to see you in some of these awesome outfits soon!
The bariatric support group at the hospital where I had my surgery does clothing exchange, too. I didn’t make it this month but plan to go next month and will take up some of my old clothes and look for new ones.
I promise to eventually post some photos.
I am so excited for you! It must be a great feeling bagging up the past (clothes) and moving forward with the new you that is blossoming into a cheerful positive person with lots of energy! Keep it up<3 susan
This sounds like a great plan, Mary. I’m so happy for you.
Good for you! I did that, too, and was very grateful I had kept things I bought when I lost weight on Atkins several years ago.
Most all of that is now too big (I’m 40 pounds lighter than my lightest Atkins weight) and Goodwill and consignment stores have been my saving graces. I still buy the occasional item retail (lingerie, because I just cannot bring myself to wear used intimates; jeans, because I’m particular about cut & so far I haven’t had a lot of luck finding just what I want in the sizes I need). I get my jeans at Old Navy for the time being; I’ve found some very moderately priced items online at places like shopko.com (which is a regional clothing line in the great lakes area, and HOW I had never found them before boggles my mind) and a few other places.
Sounds like you have a lot of variety on hand, and also good for you for the donation bag. As I get smaller, I pack up my bigger stuff to take to Goodwill, too. I want it out of the house. It’s a promise to myself that I will NOT revert to the bad habits and put the weight back on.