The Incredible (Sharp-Dressed) Shrinking Man
For a pleasant change, I didn’t outgrow my clothes — my clothes outgrew me. That explains why co-workers used to tell me something dieters long to hear: “You need to get some clothes that fit.” My size-52 pants from 10 years ago no longer fit my size-42 waist.
This shrinkage issue is one all guys aspire to experience while dropping pounds and sizes — and it’s a process I hope to continue enjoying while downsizing more. We’ve enlisted some help from an expert tailor and men who frequent our WeightWatchers.com “Guys on a Diet” message board for tips on dealing with what’s essentially a good problem to have.
Gradually go down
Don’t shock your wallet by waiting until nothing fits, suggests tailor Erik Peterson, with Tom James of Tampa Bay. Buying new clothes or altering garments should resemble the safe way you’re losing pounds, says Erik. “It’s just like weight loss — you should do it in slow movements and with careful planning” Think one size at a time. If suits, slacks or shirts need to be tailored down just a bit to look presentable, your local dry tailor can usually take off a size affordably. Custom tailors like Tom James can downsize clothing up to three sizes, although significant changes are irreversible (hopefully like the weight loss).
Enjoy the ride
The way your clothes fit is a great gauge of how you’re doing, so soak it in when the once-tight shirts and pants start to loosen up. Brian Walter (CSURAMFAN), who has had significant success with Weight Watchers, will never forget the first day he fit into a size L again. “I truly thought I would always wear clothing sizes that started with X,” Walter says. “Of all my memories from this, that is one that I remember most vividly.”
Tailor talk
Erik suggests asking questions of yourself and your tailor before deciding the fate of your clothes: Do I want a new look? Will the cost of alterations be worth the original price? How old is the clothing? Is It in style? Or would it make more financial sense to start from scratch? Can I get more wear and tear out of my old clothes? Tailors have options depending on your shape and situation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why Erik says a tailor consultation can be valuable, potentially helping your wallet, your wardrobe and your looks. “Maybe we’ll just bring in the sides right now and not bring in the collar. It depends on the individual. How much they want to spend and, realistically, where they are.”
Bag the baggy stuff
A keep-you-looking-snappy rule of thumb from Sam Wood (THR33WOOD): “When you can pull your britches down without unbuttoning them, you are ready to go down a size.” Another pointer: Avoid wardrobe malfunctions (wear a belt when the pants start to sag). Wearing clothes that fit will make you feel and look better — the opposite effect you might get from outfits so oversized they might reflect an unwanted raggedy appearance, Erik says. That’s another reason he advises not waiting until you hit your ultimate goal to buy new or fix used clothes. Most times you will need something in the interim.
Try something new
My old standby attire used to include black sweats, tan Dockers and Polo-type shirts. The more weight I lost, the more my wife was determined to change that (among many husband-improving projects). To my surprise, I enjoyed a shopping trip to my tailor with her three years ago when she took me to buy pants made in a fabric I hadn’t worn since the early 2000s. These pants weren’t my standby khakis. I bought jeans. Stylish ones — even off the rack. And they feel great on this 38-year-old.
Some solid advice
Your mom didn’t lie — darker colors have a slenderizing effect. Erik suggests wearing shirts and suits that are black, blue or charcoal gray. Add pizzazz and personality with a fun tie or brighter shirts. Avoid lighter colors, pinstripes or windowpane lines. Erik also notices that bigger guys tend to wear pleated pants for comfort. Trying nonpleated pants might be a welcome change after weight loss, but he says only to do that if it makes you comfortable and your open to exploring current trends. Try wholesale style changes when you’re ready, but ease into it.
Donate the old duds
While losing weight, Brian Walter bought clothes at thrift stores and returned them when they didn’t fit. He jokes that he rented the apparel. It didn’t make sense to buy new stuff that’d soon be the wrong size. Giving to the local Goodwill is a noble concept. Plus, you won’t have to wade through a big mess in your closet to get to the smaller sizes — something I’m loving after donating 143 shirts, sweaters and pants in 2009. Donations can spark motivation. “Get rid of the old stuff, as mentally, they will give you permission to grow into them again,” says William Finlayson (MONTE120), who’s down 81 pounds. Consider donating to the USF Suit-a-bull program.
Keep some “before” clothes
It’s almost a weight-loss rite of passage. You wear big pants. You lose a lot of weight. You take a photo holding said big pants showing how your whole family can now fit into the large legs. Cliché? Overdone? Hardly! The classic after-shot with you holding your old pants is one of the greatest photos and feats a man can boast about — it’s a well-earned shot of success.
About: Erik Peterson has been with the Tom James Company since 1995. He serves clients in the Tampa St Petersburg Lakeland Sarasota market with their personal clothing needs. Specializing in Custom Bespoke Mens Suits Shirts Ties and Casual wear Erik Peterson – – Tom James Company would be happy to assist you with your wardrobe planning. He typically sees his clients in their office or home by appointment and is happy to help fit or tailor any of your existing clothing.