Weight Loss Clothes

When you are losing weight, finding the right clothes can be challenging. This is especially true for patients who have had bariatric surgery and who may be losing weight and changing sizes quickly and regularly. Paying attention to fiber content and garment style, and choosing shapewear as needed can make purchasing clothing as you lose weight easier and more enjoyable.

Fiber Content

Natural fibers are comfortable when you are overweight because they allow moisture and perspiration to evaporate. They can also be quite soft, which is a benefit when your skin is sensitive or you have healing wounds or other skin conditions. Cotton is a popular choice for garments. It takes dye easily, so it is available in a wide variety of colors. It produces a fabric that is easy to care for and somewhat elastic. Silk produces a fine fabric that is strong, absorbent, soft and has a beautiful finish. Linen is very absorbent; it is usually combined with a synthetic fiber to help make it more resistant to wrinkles. In addition to these natural fibers, look for clothing specifically designed to wick moisture away from your body.

Adaptable Clothing

When you are choosing clothing on your weight loss journey, look for designs that will remain attractive as you lose weight. Clothes designed to fit closely are bad choices when you are losing weigh rapidly. Leigh C. Roberts, a gastric bypass patient who lost more than 100 pounds, says she found that skirts and dresses were better choices than pants because they fit better for a longer period of time. Elastic waists are adaptable to fluctuations in size from gaining and losing weight and from bloating. Choose belts that are adjustable to provide some definition to your silhouette. Choose basic pieces that coordinate and add interest with jewelry, scarves and other accessories.

Shapewear

As you lose weight, especially if you are losing a large amount of weight, you may find you have excess skin. There are a number of styles of shapewear that are designed to help you appear more slim and toned. This can also hold excess skin in place to minimize chafing and discomfort. Lipo in a Box is a popular brand of shapewear among bariatric surgery patients. As your weight and shape changes, you will need to be remeasured for properly fitting bras and underwear, and you will probably find that your shoe size changes as well.

Managing Expenses

While you are losing weight, you will need new clothes, but your budget will probably prevent you from purchasing an entirely new wardrobe until you have reached your goals. You can manage expenses by borrowing clothing from friends and shopping at consignment and thrift stores. If you are a bariatric surgery patient, you may find it helpful to talk with local consignment and thrift store owners; they may set aside clothing for you in the sizes you need.