Clothes after weight loss
Short answer: After losing weight, your old size rarely fits, and underwear is the first thing to become too big. Buy a few pieces at a time until your weight is stable.
Underwear first
Underwear and bras are the most noticeable, because they are meant to sit close to the body. When they become too big, they slip, wrinkle or no longer give the support they should. That is usually where you first feel the need for something new. Start with a few pieces that fit now. See bamboo underwear for women.
Buy a few at a time
While your weight is changing, it is wasteful to fill the whole drawer at once. What fits today may be too big in a few months. Buy what you need for a week and wait with the rest until your weight has been stable for a while. That way you get the most out of your money.
Measure again
Your chest, waist and hips have changed, often not at the same rate. Measure again rather than guessing, and compare with the brand's table. It takes a few minutes with a tape measure and saves you exchanges. You will find a step by step explanation in the measuring guide.
Your bra size
Both the band and the cup can change with a change in weight, and not always as you expect. A band that has become too loose rides up at the back, and a cup that is too big wrinkles. Measure both again. See how to find your bra size at home.
Stretchy clothes in the meantime
Soft, stretchy pieces keep up with the body longer than fitted ones. Trousers with an elastic waist or a loose top can be worn through months of change, while jeans and shirts quickly stop fitting. Use them as in between clothes until your weight is stable. See bamboo loungewear for women.
For men
The same applies to men. Underpants and undershirts become too big first, and a loose waistband slips down during the day. Measure your waist again and buy a few pieces in the new size before replacing the whole drawer. See the equivalent pieces in bamboo underwear for men.
When to update your wardrobe
There is no fixed rule for when it is time to replace things. A good sign is when your weight has been stable for a few months and the old clothes no longer sit well. Read more on the subject in fit after a change in weight.
What you can keep wearing
Soft, stretchy pieces such as loungewear and nightwear can be worn longer than fitted trousers and shirts. They are loose to begin with and cope with a changing body. That is why they should be the last to be replaced. See bamboo nightwear for women.
Do not keep everything
It can be tempting to keep the old clothes just in case. But clothes that are too big take up space in the wardrobe and make it harder to see what actually fits. Keep a few pieces if you like, and pass the rest on once your weight has been stable for a while.
Give it time
The body can keep changing shape for a while after the weight has settled. Take it in small steps and buy what you wear every day first. You will then end up with a wardrobe that fits the body you have now, without spending money on things that quickly became too big.
Frequently asked questions
What should be replaced first?
Underwear and bras. They are meant to sit close to the body, so this is where you first notice that the size no longer fits and where a new pair makes the biggest difference.
Should I buy a new wardrobe straight away?
No. Buy a few pieces at a time while your weight is changing, and wait with the big shop until it has been stable for a few months.
Which clothes can I keep wearing?
Soft, stretchy pieces such as nightwear and loungewear. They are loose to begin with and can be worn longer than fitted trousers and shirts while your body changes.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
