Getting Rid of Clothes After Weight Loss

By Alex Assoune Mar 16, 2021

Our body weight fluctuates over time and old clothes might not fit anymore. It's a very common problem to have clothes that are too big or too small, especially after losing weight.

To protect the environment, get rid of clothes responsibly after weight loss. To make more space for better items in your closet, you can sell, donate, upcycle, or recycle clothes that are one size too big.

Getting rid of unwanted clothes is one of the best ways to simplify your life. But don't throw them in the trash. It's very detrimental to the planet, people, and animals living on it.

The textile and apparel industry is the largest polluters globally. Used clothing and other textile wastes are piling up in landfills at an alarming rate.

The overproduction and overconsumption of cheaply made clothing are responsible for enormous amounts of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions.

Up to 95% of all textile wastes could be recycled. However, more than 80% of all discarded clothes and other textiles end up in landfills to decompose or be incinerated.

We are on the verge of a global social and environmental crisis. It's now more than ever important to get rid of clothes that are too big after weight loss responsibly.

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My weight loss story

I struggled with body image issues and weight problems all my life. I used to have too much weight for my size, then got too skinny once I finally manage to get rid of my body fat.

I had eating disorders, making me eating the worst foods for my health all the time. In 2015, I realized the impact of my eating habits and my purchase decisions on the planet. They not only had a disastrous impact on the planet but also on my health.

I now follow a plant-based diet. My bodyweight is a bit more stable and I appreciate the health, ethical and environmental benefits. I eat mostly natural whole foods that are not heavily processed or refined.
Follow my guide on how to start a plant-based diet to learn more about its advantages and how to lose weight naturally.
I ended up with tons of clothes that I couldn't wear anymore. If you are a hoarder like me, you don't like to get rid of things, especially stylish clothing.

I used to buy new clothes many times each month and change my outfit many times per day. I had too many clothes and an encumbered closet. I then became a slow fashion advocate once I realized the negative impact of my wardrobe on the environment.

I had to learn how to get rid of clothes and not feel bad by finding responsible ways to throw them away, such as selling, donating, swapping, or recycling.
Read up my article on I have too many clothes but like them all to learn more about what you can do with clothes you don't wear.

Getting rid of clothes that are too big

There are better ways of letting go of clothes than throwing them in the trash. Due to the climate emergency, we must take action collectively to reduce pollution and waste.

First, we have to identify what type of clothes we don't need anymore. After losing weight, getting rid of clothes that are more than one size too big is a good idea.

Having an encumbered wardrobe filled with items we don't wear is very tiring. Especially after losing weight, keeping clothes that don't fit reminds us of how we used to look.

It's best to get rid of them to stop spending time feeling bad about our body and instead feel happier, healthier, more confident, and comfortable with a new look.

Organizing your closet will help you create a better fashion style, being more careful about what you buy, and invest in pieces that last longer.

Having too many items is overwhelming and stressful. Too much clothing consumes space, time, and energy. Start decluttering!
If you don't know what kind of clothes you should throw away, read up my list of 20 types of clothes to get rid of right now.
I encourage you to keep a bag or suitcase filled with the clothes you don't wear far away from your closet. If you miss anything, you can pull it out and place it back in your closet for a while. When the bag, gets full, it's time to get rid of it.

After weight loss, clothes that are too big have no place in your closet. Make room for much better items. Keep only the best clothes in your wardrobe. This makes every piece a winner.

Some simple and environmentally friendly ways to discard clothing are:

recycling programs
repurposing used clothing
upcycling into new items
swapping with friends and family
selling unwanted clothes for extra cash
donating to charity

Read up my article on what to do with clothes you don't want for more ways to get rid of clothes after weight loss.
16.9 million tons of used textile wastes are created each year in the United States. That number has doubled over the last 20 years.

Each year, the average American throws away 70 pounds of clothing. Clothes are only worn for around a quarter of the global average in the United States. Less than 1% of all textile waste is recycled into new clothes globally.

As consumers, we must make better decisions. We must buy clothes that last longer, and get rid of garments we don't wear responsibly. Every small step adds up for more sustainability in the fashion world.

You can help tremendously by giving your unused clothes a second life. It not only protects the planet but also helps people that may need your items more than you do.

Apparel, footwear, accessories, and small items are the easiest to resell or donate. Tons of organizations welcome donations and contributions can potentially doa lot of good.

Don't hesitate to get rid of clothes that are too big for you. A lot of people pick the most practical solution for them, which is the closest to their location.

It's up to you to choose what you do with your unwanted clothes. Maybe donating to organizations that support a cause you believe in is the most meaningful for you.

Do you get rid of clothes after losing weight? What are your favorite ways to declutter your closet? Let us know in the comment section below.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.