https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:14:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807838 Fri, 12 May 2017 03:44:40 +0000 minimalist 1807838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SO many good points, tips, and insights here. </p> <p>For now, I've ruthlessly weeded out the largest size, and put a few other things that I could still wear, but look a bit sloppy now, into that box. One favorite is a silk crepe tank with its own detachable camisole. Maybe I can have one made in my current size; it was such a workhorse. </p> <p>Am not actively trying to lose weight, so I'm not sure where things are going. There are a few different factors, including pain levels, medications and their side effects, and so on. When I took a break from one medicine for a few weeks and couldn't exercise, and was also eating some non-ideal foods, I was very glad to have loose jeans on hand. Maybe it's just a matter of slowly finding out what the new-normal range is? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807717 Thu, 11 May 2017 17:57:31 +0000 L'Abeille 1807717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re the minimalists who manage their bodies instead of their closets: I think I recall reading that that was how French women (maybe all European women? maybe everybody?) used to manage in the old days before fast fashion. You had a skirt or pants with a non-stretchy waistband at the true waist. You tried it on every week, and if it was too tight, you gave up dessert or wine or did something different till it fit again.</p> <p>It's hard for me to imagine doing that now. With sedentary work, long commutes, eating out, irregular sleep schedule, and life often crazy busy, it is way too easy to put on weight without noticing and hard to remove it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807710 Thu, 11 May 2017 17:31:17 +0000 jill58 1807710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hold onto different sizes when it seems like a pretty good chance that they'll fit again. I don't expect to fit into the tiniest clothes that I've ever worn as an adult and have not held onto those but several years ago when I put on 25 lbs I held onto my smaller clothes because I was quite sure the weight was temporary. I'm typically a 6/8 and I went up to a 10. Getting back to what feels like my normal size seemed a reasonable goal and at this point most of that weight has been lost. If my weight fluctuations were much greater I might re-think this. </p> <p>Love the idea of,&nbsp;"closet minimalists who weigh themselves regularly and adjust nutrition accordingly, in order to avoid having to keep a range of clothing on hand." &nbsp;Who are these people?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807685 Thu, 11 May 2017 16:30:30 +0000 Angie 1807685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WELL. I edit and review closets for a living, and believe in a <b>very</b>&nbsp;<b>small </b>holding zone. THAT'S the key. Keep a FEW pieces you think you might wear again and pass on the rest. Clothes MUST FIT THE BODY YOU HAVE NOW. But that's not always how my clients feel about it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Many clients experience weight fluctuations. They simply keep two sizes in their wardrobe - and I like that strategy. Like the size 29 jeans for when they are X weight, and the size 30 jeans for when they are Y weight.&nbsp;</p> <p>Clients who have lost a lot of weight - gone down three to five sizes - often pass on ALL the clothes that no longer fit, but some want to box them up (only to pass them all on a year later).&nbsp;</p> <p>Clients that have gained weight run the gamut. Some pass on their too small clothes right away because it's liberating. Some hold onto their smaller clothes for as long as they can - and eventually pass them on after fully accepting their new bodies. Others continue to hold onto to too small clothes hoping they will fit again some day. I go with what makes my clients happy at the time, and revisit those piles a year later.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807673 Thu, 11 May 2017 15:54:39 +0000 approprio 1807673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I like something enough and I think there's a chance I'll return to it, I'll hang on to it. I've grown in and out and back into a few garments over the years, so for me weight fluctuations are not much different from lifestyle changes or style preferences.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think shopping strategy depends a great deal on body shape though. I tend to put on weight around the waist, so that's where I'll look for a forgiving fit. As others are saying, YMMV.</p> <p><i>I've read about closet minimalists who weigh themselves regularly and adjust nutrition accordingly, in order to avoid having to keep a range of clothing on hand. </i></p> <p><i></i>Horses for courses, but this seems back to front to me. Clothes should be adjusted to fit you, not the other way around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807665 Thu, 11 May 2017 15:31:09 +0000 Anonymous 1807665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are so many individual factors here - what's your history of weight variation, are you at an age where a permanent weight increase might be expected, etc. &nbsp;Also, how long do you keep your clothing? &nbsp;If you typically only keep items for a couple of years, then the things you put away probably wouldn't be appealing to you by the time they fit again, etc.<br />I don't have a size holding space. I do have a seasonal holding space and when a new season's clothing is being assessed, size is a factor into whether I keep it. If it is unwearable, it is out. &nbsp;If it is wearable but maybe a little snug or a little loose, it stays on probation. &nbsp;<br />I suspect my solution is colored at least in part by the amount my weight can fluctuate before I feel the need to make a size change. &nbsp;I recently lost an amount of weight that by Shiny's calculation means I would have moved 2 or maybe 3 sizes, and yet I am mostly wearing the same clothes. &nbsp;The new things I have bought have mostly been one size down. &nbsp;So I think the YMMV-quotient is very high on this question.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807505 Wed, 10 May 2017 23:59:32 +0000 Irina 1807505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Shiny, that explains a lot! My weight goes up no more that 2-3 pounds in the winter months but it makes my reg size S fit a bit tight. I hate tight clothes. I started to buy oversized tops about 2 years ago to avoid this very issue. I only keep smaller jeans for the summer but think about getting rid of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807490 Wed, 10 May 2017 22:48:46 +0000 shedev 1807490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a holding zone, but I do keep a few things at the outer edges of my size range. I'm willing to keep things in one size each way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807486 Wed, 10 May 2017 22:32:53 +0000 The Cat 1807486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few items that don't fit will be stored in my attic for up to one year, provided I really like them. (I have to dress for four different seasons, and all items that are not relevant for the current season are kept in the attic, which means that all clothes in the attic will be "reviewed" at least four times a year.) If after maximum one year an item still doesn't fit, it will have to go.</p> <p>New clothes are purchased for my current size, and preferably with elasticized waists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807410 Wed, 10 May 2017 17:54:07 +0000 JAileen 1807410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I had no idea about the weight associated with size differences. I lost weight this winter, but only went down about one size. I'd never heard of the paper towel theory before, either. </p> <p>As to saving clothes from other sizes, if you regularly go back and forth, like Staysfit, then if it were me, of course I'd save them. it really depends on your circumstances - how much storage do you have, do you really think you'll get back to that size, is it something you love, etc.</p> <p>I loved the trampoline! We had that in high school, and aside from swimming, it was one of my favorite activities in PE. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807360 Wed, 10 May 2017 15:25:41 +0000 Christina F. 1807360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a YMMV situation. I do have a holding zone, with my stored seasonal clothes. The reason is that I bought some great clothes a few years ago that I quickly sized out of. I've let go of some, but I have hopes for some others - especially pants, which are hard to find for me. The ones I kept are ones I especially love or think would be hard to replace. I'm actually finally starting to lose weight (thanks, Fitbit!), so I'm hoping I can reintroduce a few items in the next few months.</p> <p>Like <b>La Pedestrienne</b> above, I have better luck with tops. It's my size from the waist down that fluctuates the most. My top half doesn't change much, except for my arms - so more fitted sleeved tops have been gotten rid of or put into holding.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807327 Wed, 10 May 2017 13:17:27 +0000 shiny 1807327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Pedestrienne, I think there's a different (more generous) difference between sizes XS-S-M-L-XL, but I'm not sure how much, and whether it applies to men. I do know that with this recent weight gain over the past 3 years, I landed in small regulars (not petites). Those of you who know me, know that it's rare regulars will fit me in the vertical proportions. And yet, small regulars were fitting just fine in length, because I had the additional girth. Oddly I was pretty happy about this weight gain, as it opened up all new shopping options for me!</p> <p>I stayed in the small regulars for quite a long time, maybe 18 months- 2 years? Despite my weight escalating upwards in the past year in particular during our renovation. It was when the smalls stopped fitting and I started needing a medium that I said enough was enough, especially since in medium regular, the vertical proportions were WAYYYY off!</p> <p>I've dropped 8.5 lbs (officially as of this morning's weigh in) but I don't think I'm quite back in XS's just yet. Two more pounds and maybe.</p> <p>The paper towel theory was an ah-hah revelation for me, in terms of how clothes fit and why it takes so long to lose those last few stubborn pounds. Basically if you take a brand new roll of paper towels, and figure that one sheet equals one pound, the outer sheet will wrap not even once around it. As you unroll, the closer you are to the cardboard core, the final sheets will wrap around more than once. That's why people can lose 10 lbs and it barely shows, whereas others can lose 2 lbs and it makes a dramatic difference. And that's why sizes 0-2-4 have just a 2 lb difference between each size, but 6-8-10 has a 10 lb difference between each size.</p> <p>Off to the doctor's office! Can't wait to see what she says when she realizes I dropped 8.5 lbs since my last visit! They were about to put me on meds for high cholesterol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807301 Wed, 10 May 2017 12:18:17 +0000 LaPed 1807301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder what the weight fluctuation ranges are for men's sizing. I feel like it must be more than 2 lbs for smaller men's sizes -- my husband wears XS and S clothes (30x32 jeans), and has worn the same things through fluctuations of 5-10 lbs. </p> <p>For myself, I find that if I gain or lose weight, fit issues that were already present in certain garments just become more pronounced: calf-sucking pant legs when I'm at the upper end of my range, waists that slide down when I'm at the lower end. I always end up getting rid of those, because even when they technically "fit" it's not a good fit. And it's always pants for me. Tops (or at least the tops I like) seem to be pretty forgiving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807291 Wed, 10 May 2017 11:38:40 +0000 anchie 1807291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It was very interesting for me to learn how much weight difference is needed to go between two sizes. I always thought that it is constant.<br /> I recently lost about 5 kg, and all my clothes feel little bit off, but I don't trust myself enough to buy smaller size yet :)<br /> I managed to shrink few items by putting them in dryer but would not recommend this if you are not ready to possibly ruin them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807259 Wed, 10 May 2017 10:02:37 +0000 Scarlet 1807259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to keep only the things that fit in the easy access parts of my wardrobe (meant literally as a piece of furniture). I put the things that don’t fit or are out of season in bins on the top shelf that I can’t reach. I also have a box in the basement. I think it really depends on how much storage you have. My old apartment was tiny, which forced me to really downsize the amount of clothing I had. I had to get rid of a lot of things that just weren’t going to fit me again. It made it easier for me to part with things that I had a friend who could use a lot of my nicer things, like dresses, and I gave a lot of the casual wear to a student on a tight budget.</p> <p>To your last point, I read about Jackie Kennedy that she weighed herself every day and did trampoline workouts to get herself back down to her desired weight. I always thought trampoline workouts seemed like a fun idea Those things are exhausting.</p> <p>Personally I don’t weigh myself though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807237 Wed, 10 May 2017 05:59:16 +0000 Greyscale 1807237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, thanks for breaking it all out like that. Now I understand it a lot better. I am in that lower range and it seemed odd that my size could change so easily (...usually increasing). That full range of sizes (00-4) represents 10 lbs for me. </p> <p>For me, jeans are the main wardrobe item where it's an issue. So I have a box of too-small jeans in my closet, and a little stack of too-big jeans in my drawer (that get a lot of use on days when I just can't bear anything tight). I carefully got rid of jeans I didn't really love, to keep the capsule small. I like having them in a box rather than taking up space in my active wardrobe. </p> <p>I'm not sure exactly what I'd do about tops. They don't last as long as jeans, and I don't get as attached to them. And styles change more. So I'm more willing to pass them along and replace them with new silhouettes.</p> <p>The other category that's really hard is dressier things for events. It's just not a capsule I pay much attention to and it's tempting to hold onto cherished dresses forever. I wear them so rarely and I had a near-crisis recently when I was packing to go to a wedding and realized that a lot of them are too tight. I always imagine I might lose a few pounds before the next event... but after that near-disaster at least I know to try things on well ahead of the event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807217 Wed, 10 May 2017 03:18:51 +0000 Vix 1807217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Minimalist --</p> <p>I like and have used all the strategies above -- though I think I have to side with Lisa's "there is no right answer / whatever you pick will end up being wrong"!&nbsp;</p> <p>Since you're decreasing in size I'd shop for your current shape but if you like fluid shapes and knits I'd say that's a good thing...because they'll help when you go further down.</p> <p>I'm a big wearer of knits and items that include stretch, so that helps in the other direction. If something's wrong I'll generally store it for a full year...maybe longer if it's really a 4-season piece that I wear a lot. </p> <p>[But I have a hard time moving stuff along...I have a small-er closet and if it's an item I really like I don't want to give it up.]<br />&nbsp;<br />I do force myself to bring out the stuff I've put away about the time I force myself to try on items for my seasonal evaluation (so, roughly 3x/yr). </p> <p>That way I have a more realistic picture...as in no, those fav pants in the holding zone are NOT likely to fit in 2 months so I'd better be thinking about a replacement. Or as Shiny shared, something's pretty close on fit and I have things with which to wear it so I'll hold off on purchasing new. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807204 Wed, 10 May 2017 02:01:54 +0000 shiny 1807204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First I think it depends on how much you fluctuate. Is it a TTOM fluctuation? Then yeah make room in your closet for clothes you wear once a month. Next consider how much weight creep does it take to move up a size? How many pounds does it take to move up a size? And how long for that weight to creep up? A year? Two? Longer? Consider fashion cycles.&nbsp;</p> <p>Example size 0-2-4 takes only 2 lbs between sizes, whereas 4-6-8 is more like 5 lbs, and 8-10-12 is more like 10 lbs, 12-14-16 is roughly 20 lbs between each size -- this isn't about clothing manufacturers being dumb, it's about the paper towel theory. And, it can take just as long to lose those "last" 2 lbs as it can take to lose the first 10 or 20.</p> <p>For years I maintained my weight within +/- 5 lbs and being on the smaller/shorter end that could translate into anywhere from a 0-2-edging-into-a-4. So I had a mix of those sizes at all times in my closet. Then my weight crept up into the solidly 4's, and I stayed there for quite awhile, because I had 5 lbs to work with, not just a measly 2. Until last couple of years with health / new job / renovation etc etc... and it crept up again into the 4-6 range and then into 8's. At that time I banished all too-tight clothing from my closet -- but packed it all away, as I was figuring the weight gain was temporary due to lifestyle stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's still packed away but lifestyle has settled out (health issue solved, and renovation is over and we have a working kitchen once again!) so I am now on the weight loss wagon! In a few more weeks / another month I'm expecting to be able to start unpacking some 4's and eventually maybe even some 2's I've saved. I don't hold out aspirations to get back into any 0's again. I was comfortable and happy in my 4's, so that's my goal.</p> <p>I think it's critically important that whatever you save should be fairly classic and not too trendy, and be items that were hard to find in the first place. In good condition. That's the sort of stuff I packed away. When I unpack them again I'll go through it all and likely do another ruthless declutter. Then again, I am missing some key items and can't wait to break them out, and I'm happy knowing they are tucked away in storage right now waiting for me. And that is keeping me from going too crazy buying new stuff right now -- while motivating me to stick with the diet since I know I have perfectly good stuff waiting for me once I drop another two pounds.</p> <p>Knowing I was calorie counting I did have trouble the last few months choosing between the larger (just right) and the smaller size (slightly too tight). I went with the just right. For trendy pieces! That will go out of style next year anyway. For more expensive pieces I just tell myself to wait awhile longer. Exception is blazers, I bought three new ones last month. Because my shoulders are the same regardless of my weight; the blazer just hangs better.</p> <p>I'm writing a novel here but one final point: I do consider buying new clothing as a reward when I reach weight loss goals. That's stopped me more than a few times. &nbsp;Definitely do not get anything hemmed until you reach your goal: many items I own have gotten longer, as I shed weight. I try to evaluate any new purchase right now with the question whether it will still fit me when I drop X pounds. Tops are more likely to pass that test than bottoms, because I lose weight first in my lower half. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807202 Wed, 10 May 2017 01:55:46 +0000 Staysfit 1807202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gain about 6-9 lbs every winter and lose it again in the spring. Sometimes my clothes get very snug or don't fit when warm weather hits so I have a small capsule of items in loose and stretchy material where fluctuations in weight really don't factor much in the fit. They are not my favorites to wear, but they serve a purpose. I once read that instead of buying for two or more sizes, it's better to purchase items that are designed to flex in size and then can be used more frequently before their style utility has expired. I like the concept, and it will eventually save on storage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807164 Tue, 09 May 2017 23:52:29 +0000 Anonymous 1807164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not convinced there is a right or wrong answer to this dilemma, which has been the bane of my existence. I have one of those bodies on which 5 lbs can be the difference between sizes, if that makes any sense. &nbsp;My weight also fluctuates regardless of what I eat or do - staying the same for years, then wildly going up and down. &nbsp;There are lots of things I have gotten rid of over the years because they were too small at the time that I sure wish I had kept. But at what point does this get ridiculous? &nbsp;I do have a holding zone of sorts - a cedar closet in the basement- but every season I flip through the things in there and rarely end up pulling them out. &nbsp;I realize I'm contradicting myself, which is my point. Most of the time, if something becomes too small, (I know you are going in the other direction) I end up getting rid of it. &nbsp;There is never a satisfactory solution in my mind. &nbsp;You get rid of it, then next year you want it. You keep it, and don't lose the weight you thought you would.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807156 Tue, 09 May 2017 23:37:57 +0000 Aziraphale 1807156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a good question, minimalist, since many women experience significant size fluctuations.</p> <p>I'm not sure what the best answer is. I don't normally fluctuate much, but about six months ago I went up a size (fairly abruptly!) for the first time since my last pregnancy a decade ago, and I'm having a similar dilemma. Is this my "new" normal? Will I go back down after getting back into shape (I've done nothing but work at a desk and look after the kids for six month, no exaggeration)? What to do? </p> <p>I do currently have a rather large "holding zone" for the clothes that are simply too tight. I'll probably keep it for another six months, and if I can't get the weight off, I'll re-evaluate then. </p> <p>In theory it's probably better to not keep clothes in difference sizes, but in practice that's not always possible. When I came back from Christmas holidays and had to dive straight back into work, I sure was happy that lots of my clothes were on the baggy side to begin with! I had zero time to exercise or shop for new ones, but at least I had previously loose pants that still fit comfortably after some weight gain.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807155 Tue, 09 May 2017 23:37:35 +0000 Emily K 1807155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a tough one. &nbsp;I've been a yo-yo dieter since my son was born (ten years ago) any it's played havoc with my wardrobe. &nbsp;I am currently losing weight--approaching my low weight. &nbsp;I've been buying for my current size and, if an article of clothing is something I really enjoy, I've been buying it in the next size down as well. &nbsp;</p> <p>I keep things that are a size (or sometimes two sizes) big, but I get rid of them eventually. &nbsp;When I gain weight, I've tended to save my favorites from among my smaller-size wardrobe, but I usually end up donating instead of wearing them because fashions or my taste will have changed by the time they fit again. &nbsp;</p> <p>Then again, my weight fluctuation has been pretty dramatic. &nbsp;If you are talking about just one or two sizes, I think it would be OK to save all the clothes until you see how things stabilize. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/holding-zone-for-size-fluctuations#post-1807154 Tue, 09 May 2017 23:20:45 +0000 minimalist 1807154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anyone else experience size fluctuations? If so, how do you manage holding zones for sizes you're not currently wearing? How much do you keep, and where do you keep it?</p> <p>And how do you approach purchases? Only for your current size?</p> <p>I'm hoping things will stabilize for me soon, size-wise, but putting higher priority on health. I made a weak attempt to weed out upper-range wardrobe to just a capsule of things that I love, but got hung up on feeling tempted to alter a few items so they'd fit now. Which would defeat the purpose of storing tight capsules in non-current sizes. </p> <p>On the acquisition side, I'm now regretting having passed up white denim flares in a smaller size, or even duplicating in the same size so I could hem one for flat shoes. (NYDJ for $18, so it would have been more of a space splurge and environmental-impact misgivings than a budget issue.) And all of the bottoms I recently picked up at NR to try on at home are a bit too large. </p> <p>I've read about closet minimalists who weigh themselves regularly and adjust nutrition accordingly, in order to avoid having to keep a range of clothing on hand. That might be an option for me once things have stabilized, but it's not an option at the moment. </p>