It’s been a while since I’ve written about my personal love of plus size vintage and sustainable fashion. Since writing my guide to plus size thrifting, so much about the world and how we live our day-to-day lives has changed. The pandemic changed the way we go about our lives, and that indeed includes the way we shop.
Adjusting To New Normals
I used to take weekly trips to the handful of local thrift shops in my area. Content to take my time going through each and every item, on each and every rack, anticipating the hidden treasures I could find. I loved the ritual of it all. The ability to give something a renewed life. It sparked a creativity in me that I had never accessed before.
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Growing up fat, I could never really have a sense of style. There were about three stores, max that even carried my size. Also, being one of four kids – there wasn’t a lot of money to spare, so I couldn’t necessarily drop $60 on a top. I had to make do with what was the most affordable option that fits. Thrifting gave me a sense of ownership of my style, allowed me the opportunity to own one-of-a-kind pieces, and gave me permission to try new things.
So, as the country went into lockdown and the months dragged on, I began to really feel that absence. The absence of my social life (I often went on thrift dates and events with friends) as well as the loss of my sense of self. So, I did what the rest of the country had to do… Adjust from IRL to URL.
I began connecting with other plus size thrifting enthusiasts and discovered so many incredibly curated vintage shops with either inclusive or exclusively plus sizing. That rush of excitement and anticipation of discovery returned.
While, technically, in my area, thrift shops are open, there are several reasons why I still don’t feel comfortable thrifting in person yet (being considered high risk, and also living with others who are high risk being the major ones). I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to shop secondhand while also supporting small, independent businesses!
What I love most about the shops I’ll be sharing with you today is how beautifully curated each one of them is. I hope you enjoy my selections!
Plus Size Vintage Shops I Love
If you love 90s fashion, with all of its bold and funky prints and patterns, Fattie’s vintage shop on Etsy is a MUST. The amazing Nicole Byer is a frequent shopper of this online shop, as well! Follow them on Instagram for exclusive story sales as well as sneak peeks.
Deidre, the owner of Thova, began her business just this year and has an established brick and mortar location (for those of you in the western MA area), as well as an online shop! What I love most about Thova is its attention to quality.
The shop is filled with timeless pieces and lush fabrics that are in incredible condition. Follow the shop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes looks at their brick-and-mortar shop and upcoming sales.
Bold, bright, and full of life. All three things that both describe Maya Price and her colorful vintage shop, More Than Your Average. Here you will find statement pieces galore! Maya also has an incredible eye for accessories.
Some of my favorite sunglasses have come from her shop! Follow the shop on Instagram for the gorgeous photoshoots, styled and directed by Mya!
This is a popular Instagram shop, where users submit items for sale.
What makes Sell Trade Plus unique is that it features sustainable items almost exclusively. Whether it be brand name or hand made, you are sure to find gorgeous pieces at a fraction of the retail price!
Chubby Fem Thrift is a Black, Queer and Trans owned thrift shop based in Edmonton, Alberta! London and Spencer started their shop after recognizing a lack of places in their area that catered to plus size sustainable fashion.
This online shop has a mix of thrifted finds and Chubby Fem Originals, designed by Prairie Fruit Arts (Spencer). Be sure to grab a free button or sticker before you check out!
This Chicago based shop also has an online store! With an aesthetic I can only describe as rock n roll glam, this is the place to go for bold, quirky pieces in sizes 12-26! They also sell housewares and items!
Their curation is seriously on point.
With its shop space currently closed, Cake has done an amazing job pivoting to exclusively virtual sales. They frequently host live sales via their Facebook account (most recently for sizes 4X,5X, and 6X).
Plus BKLYN has an amazing selection of trendy pieces. If you want to score some of the hottest brands and looks on a budget, definitely head over to their Instagram highlights to see if they have it first before paying full price. They carry sizes 0X-6X!
Anytime I browse through Berriez, I’m filled with such joy. It’s vibrant, expertly curated, and so much fun! They feature bodies of various sizes to model the clothing, which I really appreciate. They also ship worldwide!
you should check out Rocket A Go- Go in Tempe Az…it is mad cool…You’re very welcome?that is all