Significant Alterations Worth It?

Yes, $150 is a healthy investment in dresses, so I would definitely spend the money to alter those dresses, as long as they were still in style. Hopefully they are timeless pieces. Congratulations on the weight loss!

If you paid $150 each, then alterations are worth it, assuming the style of the dress lends itself to that. I'd talk to a good tailor who makes you try things on, and see what he/she says. You won't get much of anything at a consignment shop after they take their cut and discount it enough, but if it helps mentally to get rid of clothes from your heavy days, then go ahead. Even at $80, a $15 alternation might be worth it. But if you're asking for permission to go buy new stuff to celebrate your new body, I'm giving it herewith!!!

I can see having the dresses altered if they are classic and you are sure you would wear them for years to come (and don't think you'll be having more children.) If not, I wouldn't bother...cut your losses and be thankful for your weight loss!! I can't wait to be in your position and dump all my clothes at the consignment shop (or garage sale, whatever...) ;)!!

Shorts, no...I honestly think that it would not be cost effective to have them altered.

They would probably cost less to alter, then to purchase them new. In that way, it's worth it. Unless you're looking to just get a whole new wardrobe, I would absolutely alter them!! If they are pieces you aren't excited about wearing again, I wouldn't bother.

Congrats on your weight loss!

Go get estimates.

If they're less than the cost of replacing... Then...?

I would take one of each to a tailor and discuss your options. He or she can tell you what to expect for cost before any tailoring is done and you can decide from there.

I'd alter them if I paid that much money for them and was sure I'd wear them again.

If you would wear the dresses if you could (they are still fashionable and not on the way "out"), then I would invest in the alterations. It shouldn't be that much. Definitely less than a whole new dress wardrobe. And if you are like me, you have a terrible time even finding things you like. Since you have several, get them altered to fit.

If you aren't sure, then go get ONE done and see how you like it. If you are happy, then you can go take more or the rest... If you do one and decide that it really isn't what you thought it would be... then you don't have to bother with the others if you don't want to---you can consign them or donate them or whatever.

I would try just one of the skorts either way... I'm not sure how much is involved in altering those or what it would be likely to cost. And they are not as pricey as the dresses you have, nor would they cost as much to replace.

You may actually find that you prefer the items you have altered over anything you would buy new off the rack. :)

i would have my favorite dress altered. see how much it costs and what it looks like when it is done.

if they are relatively new and in good condition it might be worth it.. on the other hand.. you might find some really cool new stuff.. check at the consignment shop.. if you got down to a size 6 or 8 there are tons of cute stuff in those sizes.

Ask the person who will do the work for customers they have altered for their opinions.

I have cut down clothes and sometimes it is easier to get new. I say this because the way the clothes are made it is sometimes impossible to put them back together.

If you really feel that you will wear them again have them altered. Otherwise get a new wardrobe and celebrate your weight loss. Congrats.

the other S.

Are the clothes your wore when you were 30lbs heavier REALLY in the styles that you want to wear now?

I'd just sell them. Buy a whole new wardrobe to celebrate.

I'd ask a good seamstress first. Then if not consignment. Two things come to mind. This type of labor adds up quickly as it's not a simple hem. The clothes will need to be remade, seams taken out, pieces recut. This almost may not be possible depending on how the neck and sleeve holes are cut. It may not be possible as "the other Suzanne" mentioned.

For a dress you probably could but anything like a skort, shorts or pants...they usually end up looking awkward and you would be better off buying new. We did it for my husband several years ago and he ended up getting new ones because he didn't like the way they fit/looked.

My sister inlaw used to sew. She would alter clothes if they were clean lines, especially dresses with no special cuts depending on how much you would need to alter. Altering a simple summer dress one or 2 sizes would be worth it. Anything more and you could end up with something that feels wrong. Like others mentioned, skorts, shorts and pants, more than one size may feel awkward.

I'd consign, personally. Quality alterations can be very pricey, especially if they are significant. But take one example to a tailor and see what he/she says and then you'll have an idea of how much everything will cost. And congrats on the new you!