Clothes Alterations - Do you think this is possible?

Anoneemoose

Morning all!

If I buy a new wardrobe full of clothes and then lose weight, is it possible to alter the clothes (with the services of a professional) to fit my potential new shape?

Reason for asking is I have been overweight for 5 yrs and during this time, I have put off buying anything decent. So, I generally buy cheap stuff which doesn't last. It also means I never really feel confident in anything I wear.

I have some money saved specifically for a wardrobe overhaul but keep putting it off 'until I lose weight'. I realise that this either may never happen or may be a long time away. I am considering using the Debenhams free personal shopper service as have read some good things about it and hope to update my wardrobe with stuff I actually feel good in.

With all this in mind, I am just trying to get an idea whether it is worth doing? I am lucky to have the opportunity to buy new stuff but really don't want to have to get rid of it all if I do change shape!

flea72

Tbh, its not worth the expense. Alterations are expensive. Much cheaper to buy new clothes

Also theres only so much you can take in on a garment and depending on what type of waistband, and whether it has zips and where they are will affect how major the job is.

When losing weight myself i tended to buy clothing that could adjust to cover two dress sizes. So tops with tie waists, so i could pull it in tighter. trousers with stretch and belt loops, so at my bigger size they had give, and as my waist went down i could use a belt to keep them up

bellaquidsin

If you can sew, then go ahead and buy new but look carefully to see if things can be altered i.e. avoid zips and garments where the cut would be affected.


Try buying one or two garments that only just fit, this will spur you on to loosing the first few pounds and these always go quickly anyway.


Don't buy too many clothes, think capsule wardrobe.


I am on the same journey.


Hope that helps.
Bella.

chanie

Your shape may change as you loose weight, so the clothes may not suit you.

Maybe you should buy some clothes that will accommodate your shape as you loose weight. When I was pregnant, I really didn't want to spend a lot of money on clothes that I'd only be wearing for a few months, so I wore:

Leggings: they are cheap to replace, comfortable and stretchy. I really rate the £10 ones from Sainsbury -lovely and thick.

Wrap dresses - they are adjustable so can be pulled tighter as you loose weight. I have one which I had from before having children and I wore it throughout my pregnancy and still wear it now.

Jersey material/wool -stuff with some stretch in it.

Accessories - jewellery and scarves can brighten up outfits and will normally fit as you loose weight.

Brambleberry

Hi Anoneemoose,

You know your own body shape and how much it is likely to change if you lose weight. Unless you are on a stringent diet where you will drop size dramatically then you could shop for a few things now to help refresh your wardrobe, then have a little money spare for the next size down, or the next season so you can spread the joy of nice new clothes over a longer period of time.
Before you consider the personal shopper experience, spend a little time browsing in the shop you intend to use, and look at the sizes/cuts available in the ranges you like so that you are able to discuss your ideas with the assistant.
Also, if you are thinking of buying more expensive clothes, continue to be discerning, look at how the garment is constructed, what the care label says etc, because you could find dry cleaning bills rocketing or fabric getting tired before you have had reasonable wear.
Be aware that some of the supermarket fashion is ok too - the two dresses in my wardrobe that regularly get the most compliments are both three years old and going strong - from sainsbugs!

HTH

Bbx

Anoneemoose

Many thanks for the replies.

As I say, I have really only been overweight for 5 years (apart from pregnancies). After pregnancies, I reverted back to my usual shape when I lost the weight. I also had a brief period a few years ago where I lost weight through the Cambridge plan but put it all back on. When I was at my target weight during that, I was still the same shape, just smaller.

I have issues with emotional eating but also health issues which slow the weight loss down and that is why I don't want to 'rush' myself or put too much pressure on me.

I have lived in leggings and tops for the last 5 years and am fed up with them and that is what I want try and get away from but I am worried there won't be anything else that will suit me. I suppose I just want to feel as good as I can now instead of waiting for something that might never happen, like I usually do.

I'm not looking at high end things - I like some of the John Rocha stuff and I recently bought a couple of 'Mantaray' tunics which I like and are good quality.

I also agree that supermarkets are good as well however in recent times, I have found the quality in some things lacking. I bought a lovely dress from Tesco before Christmas and the stitching came away after 2 wears. My HG dress is one I bought from Primark about 15 years ago for £10. It is 'the' black dress and never goes out of fashion. It has been all over the world with my family (aunty and sisters have borrowed it). I can also dress it up and down. It is however a size 12 so have no chance at the moment!!

gentlepurr

Hi Anoneemoose!

Join the club! Im another one who put loads of weight on, after spending 10 months with my leg in plaster and then giving up smoking, i went from about 9st 12 to 12st 12 over a period of years, yoyo-ing as i went, and no matter how i have tried i didnt manage to find anything that fit properly even when i did decide to bite the bullet and buy new clothes, my size went from a 12 to 18 or 20, and gawd forbid, in some shops, 22 :eek: but the trouble i found is the bigger the clothes the worse the fit, if they fit my bust the arm holes were all over, or if they fit the trunk of my body the waist was too low, so i feel like no matter how much you spend it wont take away from how you feel and thats what its all about.

Lucky or unlucky, but i was poorly last summer and lost over half a stone, and that gave me the kick start i needed. I havnt dieted but i have cut out the crap, stopped buying cakes, chocolate and ice cream (yes it was sooo hard walking away from the ys 10p muffins etc lol!!) and all but stopped eating bread, except for the occasional wholemeal sandwich. I'm now down to 11st 4 just by cutting out the crap and although im still far heavier than i ever was i feel like my self confidence has taken a great boost. I think what im trying to say is why not try and tone up just a little bit first and then maybe you will look more objectively at your whole wardrobe, existing and new...

xx

meritaten

unless you are buying quite pricey clothes then alterations are so expensive its just not worth it.
as others have said - some supermarket buys are very good - some are abysmal.
I understand you are fed up of leggings and tops..............so get a small 'capsule' wardrobe. I suggest a pair of tailored trousers, smart skirt and jacket then various 'tops' which you can mix and match.
have you considered an 'outlet park' - some amazing bargains to be had and you can almost always try the clothes on. I have had some of my best buys from a local outlet park.
If this isn't possible then various mail order companies have 'online catalogues'. you can try on at home and returns are dead simple. don't wait to lose weight before sprucing up your wardrobe - and I would have a hair restyle too! honestly - it may well be the motivation to kick start losing weight the healthy way. like another poster said 'Cut the Crap' and the weight will steadily come off.

Anoneemoose

Thanks again.

I live in the North East so am going to book an appointment with the Debenhams personal shopper at the Metro Centre. It doesn't cost anything and you're not obliged to buy anything either. Nothing to lose and hopefully will come away with ideas at least. I have been looking at capsule wardrobes on the internet but am still scared of not finding anything nice for a size 18!

When. I was a size 12/14, I could wear cheapish stuff and it always looked fab. I used to love jeans and t shirts and I always 'blinged' them up with costume jewellery and scarves. I just don't seem to be able to get away with cheap now!

Diet wise, I have given up on them. I am following an eat when you're hungry and only when hungry. Stop when no longer hungry. Eat what you want (not what you can have). So far, it has been fab. I have a had a good variety of foods including some things that I would have considered naughty and beaten myself up over in previous times. I have however, naturally eaten these things in smaller portions. The good news is, I have lost 6lbs since a week gone thursday. I am not going to weigh myself too often though as that is just a recipe for disaster.

I have found a lady who does alterations and she is reasonable so if I see anything I really like, I can always get her to have a go at altering when I lose some weight. She is experienced so am sure she will tell me if it can't be done. Either way, I will have to either alter or get rid somehow so might as well try first. That's of course if I do find anything.

We do have a couple of designer outlets within day trip distance so that is something to consider for the future!

Thanks again.x

happy35

I found tthe personal shoppers at Debenhams in Metrocentre really helpful. I went for an outfit for a wedding and ended up with something I wouldnt have bought usually but it looked really nice when I had it on.

meritaten

Can I give you an additional tip? be very careful about eating late at night. my mantra is
breakfast like a king
lunch like a prince
supper like a pauper

I don't take it TOO literally - I just eat whatever I like during the day. after 6.00pm I eat VERY lightly. I find large suppers make me put on weight.