A Merry Life

Healthy Living & Budgeting Blog | Health, Wealth & Everything Else

The Size 14 Jeans

by

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for details.

Don’t forget to enter to win a $50 shopping spree from iherb.com!  Today is your last day to enter!

In my room I have two stacks of pants. I have a big stack of size 16s and 18s and then I have a big stack of size 14s. The 14s are all the pants/jeans I bought a few years ago at my lowest weight when I thought I was going to keep losing.  I could fit into the 14s for all of a few weeks before the weight gain started happening.

Currently I’m wearing size 16.  I told 18 goodbye a while ago and was happy to do so. 

Yesterday a pair of my size 14 jeans was hanging out with the rest of my clothes for some reason.  I saw they were out of place and went to put them back, but first I had to try them on. 

So I pulled them up and spent twenty minutes doing the “jeans are too tight but they are going to fit” dance routine. And it worked.  I could wear them.  Not in a way that I would wear out in public. No, not like that. But they did fit.  I’ve shrunk enough that I’m almost in my size 14 clothes finally.  That’s almost a bigger goal for me then getting under 200.  Being able to wear all the clothes I bought before but couldn’t wear would be amazing. 

They are the pants I’ve been waiting to fit into.  I know it’s not my final goal weight or size, but for me it’s a huge milestone.  In another few pounds I’ll be able to wear the 14s and take a picture for the blog.  That’s a milestone I’m looking forward to.  Because as of today the size 14 jeans are still beating me.  But I’m getting close.

Now I’m chasing down the 200 mark and the size 14 jeans.  Two big goals going to happen in a row.  Eventually.  If I don’t scare myself off.  I have a tendency to do that whenever I’m about to achieve something good.  So I need to be careful and ust keep doing what I’ve been doing. 

Do any of you have big clothes milestones to reach next?  When you are losing weight do clothes have as much of an impact as weight?

Comments

  1. The super cute clothes are one of the biggest reasons I want to lose weight! I’m not a fashionista per se but I do love clothes, and they just don’t make the same kinds of things in plus sizes. Lane Bryant and Torrid have cute things once and a while, but the styles are much more varied in smaller sizes. Good job Mary! I’ve actually been working on a post for my blog about my body type and the kinds of clothes I want to wear once I’m in the realm of smaller sizes.
    .-= Lauren´s last blog ..I Heart Alton Brown =-.

    • Plus size clothes are lacking in the style category for the most part. I hated when I couldn’t wear anything in normal stores – I basically just gave up and wore jeans and tshirts and hoodies all the time. Luckily I was in college so it didn’t really matter.

  2. Twenty minutes of the pants are going to fit dance. Awesome! i think that should actually be considered an exercise or complete workout. We get plenty of core work done which is mixed in with some plyometrics and mentally we become fatigured. Dedication is awesome.

    What about a fitness video of people just trying to get into the next size jeans…you may be on to something here.
    .-= Seth´s last blog ..Blogger-Made Home Workout Challenge =-.

    • Haha. Have you ever done that dance? I don’t think guys do it because they don’t wear tight clothes (well, most don’t). It must be a girl thing. I’m definitely counting it as exercise. ;)

      When my video of “getting into the smaller size jeans” goes live and hits it big on youtube I’ll have you to thank. ;)

      • This is me personally and I’m a cheapskate and as I got bigger through the years — I tried to make everything fit. I didn’t like to spend money on new clothes and hadn’t discovered awesome thrift stores yet, so I trie to make everything fit. I have probably in my lifetime tried to make some pants fit but it is not too often that I’ve done that dance. It is a girl thing.

        You are right that I don’t wear tight clothes…for most men, they just aren’t comfy. I won’t lie though, as I slim down it is much more tempting. :)
        .-= seth@1010in2010´s last blog ..Blogger-Made Home Workout Challenge =-.

        • I’ve done that too. I’m not like most girls – I don’t spend money on clothes. I’ve just worn stuff people have given me when they grew out of it or bought stuff second hand when I had to wear a new size. The size 14 stuff is the only new stuff I bought in years and I couldn’t wear it… until the near future. I tried to make stuff fit until it absolutely couldn’t.. the dance came in handy at times, even if it wasn’t pretty.

          So when you get to your goal weight you are going to start wearing skinny jeans? ;)

    • I’m nervous to get rid of bigger clothes too, which is why I don’t do it. Last time I’m glad I didn’t because I got to 14 for all of a couple weeks then went back up to the 18s. I want to eventually get rid of them, but I need to be confident that I’m staying at the smaller size first.

    • I like that phrase “allergic to the scale.”

      I’M SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU!!! OMG!! IT’S GOING TO BE AWESOME!!

  5. I have a garment bag under my bed with all of my “skinny” clothes in it, sometimes I pull it out just to check and they never seem to fit.

    Today is my birthday and I thought to myself – maybe I’ll just try really quick, and I pulled out one of my favorite pairs of jeans from my thinner days and they fit! Happy Birthday toooo ME!

    I also have a lululemon hoodie I bought as motivation a few years ago, it still doesn’t fit, but I’ll get there one day and I’ll be more proud than when I hit onderland!
    .-= Jordanna´s last blog ..Tipping the Scales =-.

    • That’s great Jordanna!! What a cool birthday present!! Isn’t it funny how old clothes can be more motivating/exciting than buying something new? That’s so awesome. Congrats!! :)

      You will fit in that hoodie soon too!! I love lululemon… I wish I had something from them!

  6. I think fitting into smaller sizes is even more empowering that stepping on the scale. Congratulations on doing the dance and zipping the pants! You’ll be wearing those smaller sizes out in public in no time! Keep doing what you’re doing!

    • It does make it real. I can lose 15 pounds and not notice any difference. It’s like nothing changes. But then I hit the point where I can wear a new size and it’s like “Hurray! I’ve done something!”

  8. I have a pair of jeans that I could fit into 1 1/2 years ago…they’re gonna be on my ass by Sept. I can barely zip them up..but I am gonna look hot in them again..oh and the 1/2 marry that I am training for. :)
    .-= Michelle @ SugarWand´s last blog ..Sugar Wand =-.

    • Ooooh, you are going to run a half marathon? That’s awesome!!

      I bet you will have those jeans on and they will look HOTT. ;)

    • I think it is too. It’s a reality that you can see and feel. The number on the scale doesn’t actually mean much in the grand scheme of things. Clothes sizes? That is a big deal. It can change what you wear, where you shop, etc. It’s awesome.

  10. I’m totally with you on this. When I was at my lowest weight I went out and bought a ton of clothes. I even ordered online a bunch of clothing in the size I was, and then, predictably, I began gaining again. I’m chasing those clothes down too.
    .-= Meg´s last blog ..Pain in the morning. =-.

    • At least we aren’t alone in doing that. I was so happy when I first got to a 14 because it was the lowest I’d ever been after being around 21/22…. so it was thrilling and I bought the clothes then lost all control of things. But I’m getting close. Chasing the clothes! Yes!

  11. I’m in the same boat; I’m a 16-18 now and have been staring down 200 for a couple of weeks, but I keep sabotaging myself! Why does that happen to us? I’m so close and have been for awhile, but for some reason I’m “scaring it off!” :(
    .-= Kat´s last blog ..I have a crush =-.

    • I wish I had an answer Kat. I was at 210 ish yesterday and since then I’ve been eating uncontrollably. Like I’m aware of what I’m doing yet I keep doing it. It’s like I’m too scared of 200 so I’m messing myself up. If you figure out why either of us keep doing this… let me know. Because for once I don’t have words to analyze and understand my actions.

    • I think NSVs are better than good scale numbers. Because it’s something that, generally, lasts. You might step on a scale and reach a new low one week and it’s gone the next. But reaching a new size in clothes lasts longer, despite fluctuations on the scale.

    • That’s great! I’m glad you are happy with your current size. That’s a nice feeling. ;)

      It’s not quite a victory yet. But it will be when I can wear them and take a picture for the blog!!

  14. I agree with the others who have said that the clothes are as big a motivation, or even bigger, than the scales! I was beside myself to get into a very old blazer on Friday that I hadn’t fit into in years. And today I’m wearing a pair of new pants that’s 3 sizes smaller than where I started, along with a new belt, and that’s at least as good a feeling as hitting a big milestone on the scale!
    .-= Chad´s last blog ..Weighing In After My Night on the Town =-.

    • Congrats on getting into that blazer Chad! And the new pants and belt? Geez! That’s freaking awesome dude!

  15. I am with Seth, I good workout! :-)

    Seriously, congrats! You are on your way with this weight loss journey & living life to the fullest! How exciting is that!!!!

    I really like to see the scale stay at a certain weight BUT I even more like when my clothes fit better or when I was losing & getting in smaller sizes. That says so much!

    Funny thing for me about this wedding dress shopping. I have not bought real clothes for myself in a long time.. no $$ – HEAR ME WHAT NOT TO WEAR! Anyway, back to serious, I was so surprised at the small size I fit in & that it fit good & sometimes a bit loose except for my big ole lats in my back. It is so interesting how we see ourselves so differently! Me still after all these years!
    .-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Write Your Own End Chapter; Giveaway Info =-.

    • Thanks Jody! Fitting into clothes better is much cooler than the scale. I think I’m more excited to fit properly in my 14s than to be under 200 lbs. :)

      Go buy yourself some clothes! Hehe. I understand. I don’t buy new clothes either. I either thrift or wear stuff people give me. The majority of my clothes are donations… and I’m okay with that.

  16. That is awesome! No better feeling than that “gift” of fitting into something you weren’t able to before. I have faith you’ll hit your goal! You said you said goodbye to the18’s but it sounded like you still had them? (Maybe I read that wrong) If you do still have them, do yourself a favor and donate them. Not only for a nice little charitable write off but don’t give yourself the option to go back there. Sometimes knowing you’d have to buy a whole new wardrobe again if you regained any weight can be quite the motivator to keep it off. If I said all of that for nothing, sorry for taking up the space! LOL

    I honestly can’t wait to get into clothes that I can buy at any store. I mean I’d love to just go to Old Navy or something but at this point, I’d be thankful to walk into a Lane Bryant (whom I despise) and pick something off the rack. I’m just so DONE!

    • I still have two or three pairs. I like your idea, but I did that before and then ended up needing them again. I had to spend money to get a few new pair when I hit that size again and it sucked. I’d rather just keep them around for now because I’ll be getting rid of them when I’m moving anyway. For now I’m just going to keep them around as a visual reminder of where I don’t want to go again.

      Have you been to Old Navy lately? I don’t know what size you are but I know the one in my area increased it’s sizes into the 20s. That may or may not help you, but I think they’ve definitely moved into the plus sizes a little bit. So you might be able to shop there sooner than you think. ;)

  18. Buggerit! I also meant to say congratulations, but the timer went off for the hot water to heat the baby bottle, so instead of jumping up to get it, I automatically hit “submit” and then got up to get it. Oy vey!

    Congrats, Mary. It’s a great achievement to be almost back into them again. Every little step counts. :)
    .-= Kada´s last blog ..Progress! =-.

    • LOL. Thanks for posting the progress pics… I’ll go check it out now!

      Thanks for your support and encouragement. ;)

  19. Awesome! It’s so rewarding to be able to fit into smaller clothes. I cannot wait to get to a smaller size so that I can shop at any store that I want to!
    .-= Alissa´s last blog ..Weekend =-.

  20. You’re coming up on some big milestones! Congrats!

    I have a pair of 10s that I used to be able to fit into (that were big on me too) and I stare at them longingly once a week. Keep it up!

    My old clothes are a huge motivating factor. I always keep “fat pants” around but I really should just get rid of them because then I won’t have anything to wear if I gain my weight back. I don’t even know why I keep it as backup. I shouldn’t even have those thoughts.
    .-= Jess´s last blog ..BLC Weigh-in #4 =-.

    • I know! Big mlestones are awesome (and apparently, scary)!

      I keep my bigger sizes around. I don’t think it’s a bad idea. What works for some people – getting rid of them – might not work for everyone. I know when I did it before I regretted it. So I keep them around even though I don’t plan on wearing them again. Plus, it’s nice to have a pair or two around still for when you hit goal. The whole “look how far I’ve come” thing.

  22. My suggestion: take a picture of yourself in the 14 jeans now. No need to post or share it, but it will probably keep you motivated, esp if you print it out and put it somewhere that it will inspire you — like near your computer screen or remote or fridge — it may inspire a few more crunches or push-ups that will keep you on the steady road of progress that you’re clearly following!

    • Hehe. That’s an idea… and definitely no need to post it. ;) Not sure if that would motivate me though. I’ll think about it. Thanks for the idea!

  23. Pulling on a pair of pants that used to be tight is the GREATEST feeling, right? Last summer I gained some weight when I moved in with my boyfriend (damn you nesting!) and I have a super cute pair of Calvin Klein shorts in a slim size 8. I was suffering from the muffin top in a big way. I am hoping that by the time it is time to unpack the summer clothes the shorts will fit the way they used to!!! It will be worth all the sweat over the winter months to get into those babies.

    Keep up the good work and pretty soon you’ll be saying 14? I remember when I wore 14! (I used to wear an 18, too. Best feeling in the world to get rid of them!!!)

    Alison :)

    • Haha, they are still TIGHT. So I’m waiting for the awesome feeling of them being like they fit right. I hope those jeans fit when you unpack them!

      Getting out of the 18s was awesome. True that!!

  24. Clothes motivate me way more than a number on the scale ever could. Funny timing for your question, I’ve been working on a post about how a local clothing store “helped” my weight loss tremendously. My next big goal for a clothing size is single digits!

    Great job fitting into the size 14! :)
    .-= Julie´s last blog ..Look What I Found & What I did (Again!) =-.

    • How did the store help you? Purely motivation? Or something else? Either way, that’s awesome!!! Good luck hitting the single digits! (I can only imagine wearing those.)

  26. I can’t wait to be in the single digits, something I haven’t been since elementary school. I have a LONG way to go, but I’ll get there. I am so sick of wearing boring old people clothes (I swear that’s what most “plus” size clothes look like to me. Congrats on being *THIS* close to a 14!
    .-= Josie´s last blog ..Workout Pledge =-.

    • I can’t even imagine single digits. I don’t remember single digits… I was in double by middle school. Single digits are too far away so I focus on one size at a time. 14 is next so I’m FOCUSED on it.

      (I agree that most plus size clothes are like boring old people clothes! It’s not fair!)

  28. I just recently went down my first size and I feel like it makes if seem like the pounds you see going down on the scale are actually real and and are translating onto your body. It’s a very cool thing and the day that I am out of the 20’s in pant sizes will be a good day :)

    • Awww, yay! Congrats on getting down that first size! That’s a big step. You will get out of the 20s eventually. And then I will celebrate with you! :)

  29. I’m in 14’s, I am about 168. My next goal is 12’s…I should be there in about 8 more pounds. My ultimate goal is size 6/8. That will be around 132 lbs. Congrats on your pulling them up lol.
    Keep up the good work.

    • I figure in about 10 more pounds they will fit well. It’s weird how people fit in different sizes at different weights. Well, not weird, but interesting! Good luck getting to your ultimate goal. You can do it!

  30. WAY TO GO!!! That is so exciting! Getting into new sizes is so exciting for me too! I am currently between a 12 and 14. I think new clothes sizes is definitely as exciting if not more exciting than hitting goal weights! Keep it up!

  31. My skinny jeans are the type that if I gain so much as three pounds, I can’t get them on. Oof. It’s unfortunate.

    …currently, I can’t get them on. But those are THE pants! I want to be able to fit them (in a wearable-in-public sort of way ;)) by the time I get possession of my condo. I’ve got 4 1/2 weeks to do it. Game on!
    .-= Sagan´s last blog ..Disordered and Emotional Eating =-.

    • Oh dang… the skinny jeans.

      You can do it. Three pounds in 4.5 weeks? Yeah. You can do it! I wanna see a pic of those when you do.

  32. Lol. I did the exact same thing yesterday. I had some goal jeans I wanted to get into, I achieved that a while ago. Then I had some UK size 16 to fit into which I wore on my first date with future hubby (8.5 years ago), I managed to get in to them this winter just gone in November.. and when I was home in November I bought some UK size 14s, yesterday I tried them on, they fit, not in the I would wear these out in public kind of way (just like you) but in the not far off kind of way… I was soooo excited.

    Yay for NSVs! You will be there in no time Mary! :o)
    .-= misssarahlou´s last blog ..Motivation Monday! =-.

    • It’s sooo exciting even when they aren’t wearable in public. I love that! :) That’s awesome that you’ve even gotten past the original jeans. Go YOU!!

      Thanks. :)

  34. this is such a topic around our house right now.
    the husband has STACKS of too big jeans (pricey Lucky brand) which he is about to give away…and for some reason I wanna consign them.

    because we were talking about my house right? and how strapped we are? :)

    I believe you will NOT scare yourself off, Mary.
    You are in such a new place mentally and so focused and healthy.

    YOU CAN DO THIS.

    see you in a few…
    .-= Miz´s last blog ..Yep. Testing the mobile blogging again… =-.

    • Hehe. I keep my older bigger pants because, well, I can still wear them baggy and all. I’m poor! Of course I can’t get rid of stuff.

      I hope you are right. I think you are right. Ok, I know you are right. But geez. I’ve had a rough couple of days with stuff and was totally off with the focus.

      Thanks.

  35. Yeah, I got excited about it and then a few days later I was thinking the “I hope I don’t fail in getting there” which is sort of leading me toward failing (it feels like).

    Thank you for the support and encouragement my love.

  36. Glad to see that you’re nearing a few more of your goals! I really dig your ‘it’ll happen when it happens’ approach. Very awesome, indeed.
    .-= Rachel´s last blog ..What a Doozie! =-.

    • Hehe, I kind of had to take on the “it will happen when it happens” approach since it takes me so long to lose weight. ;)

  37. I would think that clothes would be more important, because pounds are just a number, and especially if you are gaining muscles, that number wont always reflect what you see. Its nice that you have a big stack of jeans period! I have a small stack..jeans are so hard to fit, for any body type. Yay for almost fitting into your next size jeans!!! :) Hey, are you still going to do that fashion blog?
    .-= merri´s last blog ..Five Star Restaurants: Lovejoy’s Tea Room =-.

    • Yeah, clothes are important, especially when you aren’t losing a ton of weight but you are changing your body shape.

      I can’t decide on the fashion blog. I’m interested but I don’t know that I’m passionate enough about it to keep it up. I don’t want to start another project if I can’t finish.

  38. wow – 72 comments!? that’s awesome :)

    but, even more awesome – size 14! atta girl! i’m still focusing on a size 16 and i’m not even close. gonna get there though! :)
    .-= Adrienne´s last blog ..Recording =-.

    • Yeah, 72 comments, but about half are mine since I reply to all the comments. ;)

      You will get to size 16 – NO DOUBT. And I will get to 14. We can do this!

  39. Woohooo! I have a size 14 pair of capris hanging in my closet that I’m dying to try on. I am currently in a 16 as well, but they are starting to get loose. Once the weather is warm enough for capris (should be this week) I’m going to see how they fit. Wish me luck :)
    .-= Mary Lutz´s last blog ..Weight Loss Progress Week 9 =-.

Recent Posts

Top Posts & Pages

Categories

Disclosure!

Note: Affiliate links may pop up on the site when I'm recommending something. They are free for you to use, but they help support me by giving me a small commission of any sales. It's like leaving a tip for good service while buying something you'd purchase anyway. Thank you for supporting A Merry Life!