Shopping for Clothes on a GLP-1 in 2026

How I Made My Wardrobe Stretch on a GLP-1

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I started my GLP-1 journey a year ago. As a middle-aged woman in perimenopause, I was finding it harder and harder to shed weight.

Any modifications I made to diet and exercise fell flat after a few weeks, leaving me frustrated and defeated. Nothing fit right. I felt like a failure and wanted to give up. Meanwhile, my then-spouse had been on a GLP-1 for his type 2 diabetes and was dropping weight at a fast rate without exercise or even modifying his eating. He wasn’t eating as much (but still more than I was).

 Few things are harder than watching your spouse getting thinner while you stay stuck.
I decided to dive into the research on why my body wasn’t cooperating anymore and whether a GLP-1 might help. Perimenopause seemed to be the culprit, namely the wildly inconsistent levels of estrogen and progesterone that impact every facet of the body. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was helpful for some of the symptoms and side effects of perimenopause, but not necessarily the inexplicable weight gain.

I also started reading about “food noise” and its effect on my eating patterns. Did I eat only when I was hungry? Or did I think about food almost all the time and therefore eat when I didn’t really need to? The answer to the latter was a resounding yes.

After I advocated for myself, my doctor agreed to prescribe me a GLP-1. Within three weeks, I dropped 10 pounds. My cravings and food noise plummeted.

While the results over the past year have been wonderful, being on a GLP-1 hasn’t been without challenges, especially when it came to figuring out my wardrobe. Buying smaller-sized clothes has been fun, but those shopping runs were taking a toll on my bank account, especially while I was still losing weight.

So, I tried to find more versatile outfits for every occasion that would keep me looking great at every size. I hope you find my recommendations as helpful as I did and still do.

Everyday Essentials

everyday essential clothing
Everyday Health
I don’t know about you, but I love coming home and slipping into the most comfortable clothes possible. Jeans, leggings, and yoga pants are standard go-tos when the occasion calls for casual. But while you’re losing weight, you have to be mindful of things like changing waist and hip size. Plus, you still want to feel good in the clothes, even if they are pajamas (or daytime pajamas, as I like to call my favorite lounge pants).

Jeans That Flex

Good American Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans

Denim is one of the hardest wardrobe pieces to make work during weight loss because so many denim items only fit the size on their label. The Always Fits jeans are the answer to traditionally stiff and constricting denim.

One pair of jeans fits a range of sizes, thanks to the Always Fits stretch denim. For instance, if you’re a size 12, you’ll want to get the jeans that fit sizes 6 through 12. While it’s hard to believe, reviews claim these jeans maintain their shape and comfort in the range of given sizes. While they’re a high investment per pair, their versatility makes them worth it.

Unmentionables Worth Mentioning

SPANXsmooth Fit-To-You Bikini 3-Pack Box

The foundation of every wardrobe starts at the bottom: underwear. Comfort and fit may be tough to come by as the pounds drop, but it is possible. Spanx’s Fit-To-You Bikinis are one-size-fits-all and designed with the patented Spanx fabric that launched the brand. These panties move with you and remain well fitted through multiple sizes. They don’t bunch as you drop weight. They stay in place and leave you feeling comfortable and sexy, regardless of your size. With nine color combination packs to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options.

Pants You’ll Want to Live In

Sexy Basics Buttery Soft Drawstring Lounge Pants (3-Pack)

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a comfortable, quality lounge pant that will last you through much of your weight loss journey. I discovered the Sexy Basics Buttery Soft Drawstring Lounge Pants before I started losing weight. I’m still wearing them a year later; they’re just a little looser, but they still don’t fall off. They’re oh-so-soft, stretchy, and hold up well in the wash.

For something a little warmer, I also love the PeachySoft French Terry Fleece Wide Leg Lounge Pants by Wild Fable at Target. They have a very thin layer of fleece inside, which melts against my skin without heating it. The internal drawstring around the waistband makes them fully adjustable. Talk about comfort!

Luxurious Pajamas at a Fraction of the Price

Amazon Essentials Women’s Long Sleeve Cotton Modal Pajama Set

There’s nothing more relaxing than slipping into the perfect pair of pajamas: soft, cozy, not too thick but not too thin. This Cotton Modal Pajama Set will make you feel luxurious without breaking the bank. The fabric has a little stretch, and the drawstring waist will keep them sitting where you want them, regardless of how much weight you’ve lost. I own two pairs and love slipping into a set after a nice, long bath.

Bras That Flatter Without the Pain

Uniqlo Relax Wireless Bra

One of the first places I lost weight was my chest. I didn’t love that because I started with a small cup size. So when my bras got a little big in the band area, I wanted to find a bra that would be supportive and comfortable.

Uniqlo’s Relax Wireless Bra is soft and lifting without causing any excess skin to pour out around the arm and side openings. I was able to wear one size while losing weight, and now that I’m at my goal, I’ve gone down. It’s still my go-to everyday bra and has been for almost a year. It’s comfortable at any size.

A Truly One-Size-Fits-Most Swimsuit

Hunza G Coverage Square Neck Swim

Summer can mean hot, lazy days in the sun. Bathing suit season is one of the most grueling times to get through when losing weight. But not if you find one that fits practically every size.

The Hunza G Coverage Square Neck Swim achieves that, something I didn’t think was possible with bathing suits. This beautiful one-piece is modest and flattering. It’s made with a proprietary crinkle fabric that’s designed to stretch to and shrink to a variety of sizes. While it’s a steep investment, it may very well be the last swimsuit you have to buy.

A Sweatshirt for All Seasons

Old Navy SoComfy Oversized Tunic Sweatshirt

An oversized sweatshirt pairs well with leggings, lounge pants, and boxers. The SoComfy Oversized Tunic Sweatshirt is soft but not too thick, so you shouldn’t get too hot. You can throw this on over workout gear and even use it as an extra layer for crisp evening walks outside. I love that it’s not bulky, so it won’t wind up looking like you’re swimming in it as you lose weight. With three colors to choose from, you can get something that pairs well with almost anything you own.

Professional Attire

professional attire
Everyday Health
If you’re a professional who needs to dress the part, trying to do so while losing weight can be daunting and get expensive. But with the right fabric selection and key pieces, you may find that your clothes keep looking great even as the pounds come off. One of the challenges is not letting yourself drown in too much fabric. You’re losing weight and (hopefully) feeling better about yourself — it should show.

A Shirt to Fit Your Every Need

Gap Factory Classic Cotton Shirt

A quality button-down pairs well with dress slacks, skirts, and jeans. My favorite is the Classic Cotton Shirt from Gap. It comes in four colors and moves with you. The fabric has a little give and doesn’t wrinkle immediately after putting it on, as some linen styles do. As you shed pounds, it’ll still look classy and elegant without swallowing you whole (oversized is always in style).

For something more tailored, Banana Republic’s Easy Care Tailored Shirt has a tapered waist that will still look amazing as you lose weight.

A Work Pant That Feels Like Yoga Pants

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant

The Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant is a great professional pant, too. It’s structural but feels like a yoga pant: soft, stretchy, and incredibly comfortable. I love that it’s form-fitting with lots of stretch and just little cling. With 10 colors to choose from, this piece will add plenty of versatility and style to your wardrobe.

Trousers That Keep Working for You

Old Navy High-Waisted SleekTech Trouser Pants

Stretchy fabric is a must and always has been for me (even when I wasn’t on a GLP-1). It helps clothes fit well, even as you’re shedding pounds. I’ve tried several brands, but I keep coming back to these High-Waisted SleekTech Trouser Pants from Old Navy. I bought them a size down because they already have some give in the legs and butt. As I lost weight, they never looked saggy in the back. You can get these in five colors. Bonus: If you’re tall (like I am), these pants don’t wind up looking like capris after washing.

A Flowing A-Line That Won’t Quit

Zeagoo Casual Flowy A-Line Midi Dress

I love a good dress, especially when it’s professional but also comfortable. One of my favorite brands is Zeagoo. The material is so soft and stretchy that you can definitely size down and it will still fit. This dress comes in multiple colors and fun patterns. A big bonus: It has pockets! It’s so versatile, you can accessorize with jewelry and heels to dress it up, or throw one on while running errands on the weekend with a pair of sneakers.

If you want something more form-fitting, wrap dresses never disappoint. They’re often sleek, sophisticated, and adjustable. The Tencel Jersey Midi Wrap Dress from Quince is beautiful, versatile, and definitely worth checking out.

Athletic Wear

athletic apparel
Everyday Health

One key component to losing weight with the help of a GLP-1 and remaining healthy is exercise, especially weight and resistance training.

“When you’re in a caloric deficit, your body will lose some muscle mass along with fat,” says Jessica Duncan, MD, chief medical officer at Ivím Health and a board-certified obesity medicine physician in Marietta, Georgia. “Muscle is metabolically expensive to maintain, and your body will sacrifice it if it needs to. Building and preserving muscle mass matters not just for how you look and feel, but because muscle tissue burns more calories at rest. It’s protective for your long-term metabolic health.”

When I started a GLP-1, my side effects made it hard to exercise at all. But as time went by, and my body acclimated, I was able to start rebuilding muscle, making me stronger and healthier than I had been. Athletic wear can be expensive, so I invested in pieces that conformed to my changing body. Most of these picks still fit well today.

sneakers

Sneakers That Energize Your Workout

Saucony Women’s Guide 19

Did you know that your feet might change sizes as you lose weight? My feet got smaller about six months after I started a GLP-1. Since exercise is such a crucial part of a healthy weight loss journey, I knew I needed a super-supportive sneaker, too. I opted for the Saucony Women’s Guide 19 for walking. They’re lightweight but cushioned in all the right places.

If you start noticing them getting a little loose, check out this video on how to lace them up to make sure your heel stays in the proper place.

sports bra

The Last Sports Bra You’ll Ever Need

SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra

A good sports bra can be tricky to find, especially as you lose weight. You need something that holds you in without suffocating but is easy enough to take on and off. I’ve been wearing this brand since 2020, and it’s the most durable bra I’ve owned. One of the best parts is that I can control how tight or loose it is. With heavy-duty Velcro at the band and on the straps, it’s fully adjustable so it can shrink with you. Plus, it has a zipper in front to keep you from feeling like you’re trying to get out of a straitjacket after a workout.
Fabletics Leggings

Leggings That Can Take a Beating

Fabletics On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Legging

I’ve been a Fabletics VIP member for years. My favorite workout leggings are and always will be the On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Legging. They keep you compressed without making you feel like a sausage and stay in place even as you lose weight. And they never look see-through, even after heavy wear at three different body sizes. I’ve had the same pair for three years, and they still look and feel new. Bonus: They have pockets, so you can bring your phone with you on walks or at the gym.

Formal Wear

formal attire
Everyday Health

A special occasion, like a friend’s wedding or a nephew’s graduation, calls for a few staple high-end items. I won’t sugarcoat this one: You may wind up buying more transition pieces to get the look you want, as your body may change more quickly in one area than another.

“Facial fat, arm, and breast adipose simply react quicker to calorie restriction than other regions. This is why a person could lose 15 pounds and see the face change in six to eight weeks, while little change in the lower abdominal region,” says James J. Chao, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer at VedaNu Wellness in San Diego. Here are some products that can be reworn and restyled for different events (and sizes).

Sparkly Heels That Won’t Break the Bank

DSW Kelly & Katie Maurra Sandal

A great pair of comfortable, classy sandals like this strappy block heel from DSW can snazz up any look. These sandals are so comfy, with the right amount of lift to accentuate your legs without making you wobble or feel petrified you’re going to fall. The subtle sparkles help achieve a more formal look and put the finishing touches on your formal wear.

A Formal Dress That Evolves as You Do

Amazon Wkior Shift Dress

This shift dress is one of my favorites for its versatility and flow. I was always concerned about my arms as I lost weight. I didn’t like to show all the excess skin. This dress made me feel comfortable and confident, regardless of the setting. Accessories, such as a belt, statement jewelry, and a bold handbag, go a long way in helping you achieve many looks before you reach your goal weight.

Elegance at Any Size

White House Black Market Sleeveless Pleated Halter Midi Dress

A halter midi dress, like this one from White House Black Market, gives your changing body a shaped, elegant, and classy look, even if you don’t feel like anything will. Halter tops are also a great way to accentuate the cut of your shoulders. The more fitted middle defines your waist without squeezing. The chiffon is light and airy, perfect for summer events.

This long-sleeve cardigan from OmicGot can help extend the life of this dress into the fall season without losing an ounce of elegance.

Rental Companies

rental company clothing
Everyday Health
The journey to your weight loss goal can feel long and challenging. I know mine did. While you can make clothes work between sizes or as you size down, that may, at times, come at the sacrifice of a tailored look. If you want to change your wardrobe every time you size down, clothing rental companies are a great, wallet-friendly option.

Revive Your Wardrobe Every Month

Nuuly

With Nuuly, you can rent up to six pieces a month for a flat $98 (the brand typically offers $15 off your first month). One of the perks is that you can return the clothes without laundering them. You simply pack the clothes, and the company handles all the dirty work. Nuuly also offers the option to purchase items at a discount, so as you near the finish line of your weight loss journey, you can start adding to your permanent collection at a fraction of the price. The brand even has a thrift shop where you can find past rentals you’ve loved but didn’t think to purchase at the time.

Editor Ally Hirschlag has been using Nuuly for over six years now. She loves that the brand allows you to shop by body type (including Plus, Maternity, and Adaptive). And the user reviews are genuinely helpful, giving you a sense of how something will fit your current shape and size.

Get a Personal Stylist on Demand

Stitch Fix

It can be hard to know how to pull an outfit together or stay up on the latest trends. With Stitch Fix, you can have a stylist pull together an outfit (or an entire capsule wardrobe) on demand. It helps with the paralysis we all get staring at our closets. The major difference from other rental companies is that you set the price range you’re willing to pay, and the stylist tries to find options within that range. You can use the service on an as-needed basis and pay a $20-per-order styling fee on top of the cost of the items.

A Flexible Membership

FashionPass

I haven’t tried FashionPass, but I have a friend who does and swears by it. For $125 a month, you can rent up to 10 pieces plus two accessories. This gives you the freedom to change sizes at any point and have a new-for-now wardrobe without any long-term commitment. You return the pieces you’re finished with and get more. If you fall in love with something, the site also lets you buy it for up to 90 percent off the retail cost.

How Else Can I Keep Up With My Changing Body on a Budget?

Thrift shops can be a valuable resource for shopping in between sizes without breaking the bank. If the idea of sifting through racks for those diamonds in the rough doesn’t seem appealing, I’ve had a lot of success with ThredUp, an online thrift store chock-full of name brands at a fraction of the price.

What Are the Best Fabric Types for Fluctuating Weight?

The way something is made can often determine how it’ll fit and, more importantly, when it will stop fitting. I stocked up on clothes made primarily from soft, stretchy material, such as cotton jersey blends, spandex, and ponte knit. These materials mold to your shape and, most importantly, maintain their shape when removed. They will remain a durable and dependable staple in your wardrobe as you shed weight without looking stretched or misshapen.

Kristen Kuminski, RD, a registered dietitian in Buffalo, New York, suggests looking for “[b]rands with stretch and adjustable elements — things with elastic waistbands, wrap styles, or tie-waist details — tend to work across a wider range of sizes as the body changes.”

Draping materials, such as linen and rayon, are naturally looser and made to hang. If you prefer pieces that don’t cling, look for A-line and swing dresses. These are great options for accommodating your changing body and can be paired with a belt or cardigan as you lose weight.

What Key Pieces of Clothing Should I Include in My Wardrobe While Losing Weight?

When you start a GLP-1, it may be tempting to throw everything out and start over. Certainly, that’s your choice if you have the budget for it. But as Kuminski suggests, “The goal isn’t to look perfect right now. It’s to feel comfortable and confident while your body does something remarkable.”

So, instead of restocking your entire wardrobe every time you size down, you can purchase or keep a few key pieces that will last through several size changes. Here are a few staples that have worked for me from size 14 to size 8:

  • Wrap dresses
  • Button-down shirts
  • Skirts
  • Blazers
  • Cardigans
  • Elastic waist or drawstring pants

My advice? If you have a brand and style you love, invest in multiple sizes when they’re on sale.

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Jen Sinclair

Author

Jen Sinclair Is a freelance health and wellness writer who has spent the last two years writing feature articles and reviews of mental health and medical services and products. Her...

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Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...

Evan Starkman

Fact-Checker

Evan Starkman has worked in health journalism since 2011. He has written and fact-checked content for sites such as WebMD and Mayo Clinic. He earned a master's degree in journalism...

Ally Hirschlag

Ally Hirschlag

Editor

Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in...

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Resources
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  5. After Decades of Misunderstanding, Menopause is Finally Having Its Moment. Yale School of Medicine. April 2025.
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  8. Dhurandhar EJ et al. Volume 217. Development and rigorous multistep validation of a psychometric tool to measure food noise. Appetite. February 2026.