We’ve got some great tips for plus size second hand shopping. Image via Adobe Stock.
It’s becoming more and more apparent that we need to make more sustainable choices in terms of fashion. One way of doing that is shopping second hand. That’s easier said than done, however. When you’re plus size (especially over a size 24), it can be a bit hit and miss to walk into an op shop as they may or may not have your size in stock, or anything that suits your style. So how do you find great pre-loved pieces that are the right size and style for you? We’ve got a few tips to help you bag a bargain.
1. Shop around
Checking your local thrift stores is a great place to start, but don’t forget that you can also find great options online. There’s Trade Me (who have recently extended their size categories up to 34+), Facebook Marketplace, various buy/sell groups on Facebook (including some that are specific to particular clothing brands or styles), online boutiques such as Curated Curves, as well as people who resell their own clothing via Instagram.
Op shopping online means that you can shop the closets of people who live nowhere near you. That means a greater choice of sizes, and access to brands you might not usually be able to get here in New Zealand.
2. Shop safely
If you’re shopping online, do it safely. Check reviews from past purchasers (this is where Trade Me comes in super handy!) to ensure they’re a reputable seller. Make sure that a picture of the actual item you’re thinking of buying is included, and not just photos from a brand’s website. And always make sure you get the tracking number from the seller once it’s shipped.
3. Double check the fit
Sizing isn’t standardised, so what is a size 20 for brand A could be labelled as an 18 in brand B or a 22 in brand C! I usually look for clothes one size either side of what I’d normally wear to see what options are available to me.
Also, don’t rule things out based on the size tag. If you’re in store, try things on to check the fit. When shopping online, take a look at the brand’s size chart on their website or ask the seller for garment measurements if they’re not already listed. If you don’t already have a good measuring tape it’s definitely worth getting one. Make sure you also check what the garment is made from so you’ll know if it has stretch or not.
4. Alterations
Found something that you love the look of but it’s not quite the right fit for your shape? Think about whether it’s worth getting it altered. I occasionally need to get hemlines taken up (if you’re short like I am, I’m sure you’ll relate!) and have had darts added to garments to get a better fit around the bust.
5. Make sure it’s in good condition
Check for tears, make sure all buttons are present and accounted for, and ensure that zippers are in good working order. Also check seams and places where wear might be an issue (like inner thighs of trousers). If you’re very lucky, you might find garments that are BNWT (Brand New With Tags)!
6. Sort through your closet
For shopping second hand to be a viable option, there needs to be clothing for us to buy. Makes sense, right? This means your clothes that are in good second hand condition (or are sitting unworn with the tags on because they don’t fit or you decided you don’t actually like it that much and never bothered to return it) need to make it into the circulation too!
I try to spread out what I do with my pre-loved clothes – some get given to friends and family members; some I sell online; some are donated to op shops or charities that will either sell them or pass them on to someone who can use them (like Dress For Success or The Aunties depending on what they need); and some I take along to clothing swaps. There’s heaps of ways to give your clothes a chance to find someone new!
Meagan Kerr also writes at This is Meagan Kerr.