Buying clothes after a big change in weight
Short answer: When your body has changed a lot, your old clothes no longer fit, and it can be hard to know what size you are now. Here is a calm way to find clothes that sit well.
Measure rather than guess
After a big change in weight, your old size is not a reliable guide. Take a tape measure and measure your chest, waist, hips and inside leg. Write the numbers down and compare them with each brand's size chart. Sizes vary between brands, so the same measurement can be a medium with one brand and a large with another. That gives a more accurate starting point than relying on old habits or guesswork.
Start with the basics
It is tempting to buy a whole new wardrobe straight away, but your body may still change a little over the coming months. So start with what you wear every day. A pair of trousers, a few T-shirts, underwear and socks. Once you have worn them for a few weeks, you will know more about which size and fit feels right for you. Browse bamboo clothing for men for soft everyday basics.
Fit before size
The number on the label matters less than how the garment sits. A T-shirt should lie neatly across the shoulders, with the seam at the outer edge of the shoulder. Trousers should sit at the waist without digging in and without needing a belt to hold them up. If you are unsure between two sizes, try both and choose the one that fits best at the shoulders and waist, since those are the hardest areas to alter.
Fabrics that are kind to a new body
Stretchy fabrics leave room for small changes and feel comfortable while your body settles. Bamboo viscose with elastane is soft, follows the body and drapes nicely without clinging. Stiff fabrics such as heavy denim and hard shirting are less forgiving, so wait with those until your size is more stable. Skin can also be more sensitive after a big change, and a soft fabric is pleasant then.
Pass on the old clothes
Clothes that no longer fit take up space in the wardrobe and remind you of another time. Sort them and pass on anything in good condition to a charity shop or to friends. You might keep a couple of favourite pieces if they can be altered. A tidy wardrobe makes it easier to see what is missing and to get dressed in the morning without hunting for things that fit.
Buy a little at a time
Buy in small batches so you do not end up with lots of clothes that no longer fit in six months. Look at the sale for men if you want to add basics without spending much. The brand Egtved is one example of a label with classic basics, and it is always worth reading the brand's size guide. If the change in weight has health reasons behind it, talk to your doctor about the process.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my new size not fit with every brand
Brands use different size charts. Measure yourself and compare with each brand's chart.
Should I buy a whole new wardrobe straight away
No. Start with basics and buy more once your size is stable.
Which fabric is most forgiving
Fabrics with elastane, such as bamboo viscose with elastane, follow the body and allow for small changes.
