Fashion

5 Tips for Dressing Well While Losing Weight

Mike Markel · Published on 2018-04-21

If you’ve ever tried to lose a substantial amount of weight, you know how challenging it can be to find clothes that look good during your transition from overweight to fit. I’m currently in the middle of a major weight-loss journey myself, so I wanted to share some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. And, when you’re buying weight-loss clothes, why not use Ebates to get Cash Back while shopping for all the best products?

Stick With Solid Shirts

Stripes rarely look good on heftier people, so stay with shirts in solid, dark tones. Black, navy and gray all have a slimming effect. I suggest adhering to minimalist wardrobe standards and buying several to get you through the workweek. That’s all you really need. As you continue to lose weight, swap each one out for a smaller size.

Calvin Klein Slim-Fit Solid Dress Shirt

from Lord & Taylor

Pay Attention to the Fit

You also need to watch out for the fit. Manufacturers seem to think all big guys are blocky, so you can find yourself swimming in material. This is especially true for shirts. Stay away from anything labeled “traditional cut” or “classic cut.” Believe it or not, slim fit may actually look great on you, so give it a chance.

Ledbury Gingham Slim Fit Dress Shirt

from Bloomingdale's

Take a Chance on Tapered Pants

Much like the oversize dress shirts mentioned above, retailers get a little crazy on pant sizes. Just because we have bigger waists doesn’t mean our legs are tree trunks. Look for pants that taper all the way to the ankle. This type of cut creates a slimming effect and will ensure it doesn’t look like you’re swimming in your slacks. Another tip: Adjustable waists are your friend. Look for pants that stretch, and buy the smallest size you can. They’ll be tight at first, but they’ll start to feel better as you continue to lose weight.

Levi's® 502™ Regular Taper Fit Chino

from JC Penney

Buy Yourself a Micro-Adjustable Belt

When I discovered this style of belt, I never looked back. It has a track sewn into it instead of holes, and the buckle has a lever on it that locks into the track. The track’s ridges are what keep the belt buckle locked in, and they are all packed pretty close together. This allows you to make micro adjustments throughout the day. You cut the belt to fit your waist, attach the buckle — which is interchangeable — and ratchet it down. Now you don’t have to worry about keeping your pants up when you’re in between sizes.

Exact Fit Men's Belt with Track Lock

from Belk

Invest in Shoes

Your feet are just about the only parts of your body unaffected by weight loss (unless you’ve lost a few hundred pounds). Because of this fact, you don’t have to worry about investing a lot of money in something you’ll need to replace in a few short months. I personally love these shoes from New Balance, and I recently splurged on a pair after hitting another weight-loss goal.

Mens Fresh Foam Cruz

from New Balance

Mike Markel