What would you do......and how would you feel?

On a few occasions, I have had women who have lost weight approach me and say they still had some of their old clothes and they wanted to give them to me. (usually church ladies or neighborhood friends, not strangers)

True, I could use the clothes and some of them were really nice. (I don't know about everywhere else, but up here in Mass. plus size clothes can be a bit costly.)

At the same time, I don't really like being anyone's "before" picture either.

What would you do and how would you feel?

I would feel grateful and happy to save the money.
I gave away my clothes on Craigslist and I got dozens of messages from people wanting them.  Clothes are very expensive and I was very happy when people offered me clothes as I was losing.  Hell, I am grateful now when someone gives me clothes.
Accept them, or not, in the spirit they are being offered.  If you don't take them I am sure there are many who would be happy to.

I was really attached to some of my clothes and hated to just donate them to goodwill. I did send some of them to another WLS patient.

I understand your feelings too but I'd take it as a compliment, they must think your style is similar to theirs which I'm sure they think is awesome. Say thank you and return the favor someday when you don't need them anymore!!

edited to add: if it is going to bug you then you won't wear the clothes so then I'd just say no thanks and let it go.

My husband worked with a lady that would gain and lose weight all the time.  Plus, she was a shopoholic.  She would give the clothes to my husband for me.  They were really nice clothes.  I kept what I wanted and what fit and gave the rest to others.

What's not to like about nice free clothes.  I buy a lot of my clothes at thrift shops.  People give away nice clothes that I would never spend the money on in a retail store.  I love a good bargain.

I would rather spend the money on things you can't get used for free, like good food or make up.

When i was in a losing weight phase - my friends gave me bunch of clothes. I picked what I needed - wanted, and passed along the rest.  Then as I was getting skinny - was getting clotehs from my skinnier friends...
Never minded that.

I'm going back to London to see my sister in March with an empty suitcase so I can go shopping in her closet!!!!   I don't worry about it at all ...

I would only take the clothes if I'd wear them.  I had many people giving me clothes during my losing phase and I was so happy to have them.  I did the same, I passed mine on as I lost, and still pass on stuff I no longer wear or want.

I love getting and giving clothes.

Long ago, when I began OH, there was a "trading" and/or "selling" area.  I still remember buying some beautiful clothes.   Our sizes change so quickly that it's better not to invest in NEW clothes until you're where you want to be.  But, you need to feel comfortable wearing them; so if it bothers YOU, don't do it.  I LOVED all the clothes I got.  Eventually, I passed them on and loved doing that too!

As someone who has lost 100 pounds and my clothes are falling off of me, I'd welcome the 3xs given to me by someone who has lost the weight. It isn't an insult in my book.

MISS KITTY-You have gotten some excellent  responses, and I agree with all of them..

I'd just like to add-from MY personal experience-it THRILLS me to see someone wearing something I have given them. Often times I save an outfit I'm especially "close to", until someone special in my life is that size, then I give it to her. People have done the same for ME, and I have never, ever been offended-quite the opposite.

At Tx OH conferences we usually have clothing exchanges, where everything is free--you give/you take--it's hysterical the 2nd day--or weeks afterward, when you see other peeps wearing YOUR clothes, and vice versa--and also somewhat flattering, that they thought YOUR stuff was nice enough to WANT to wear!

I say take the stuff (but only if you are going to wear it), in the spirit of give/take--thank the giver AGAIN, while you are actually WEARING the outfit (and I bet her face will light up!), and then "pay it forward", when the outfit no longer fits you