11 Secondhand Plus-Size Retailers You Need to Follow
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Over the past few years, more brands have joined the slow fashion movement by designing clothing for quality and longevity. That's great news, right? Well, while these recycled and ethically-produced pieces are better for the environment, many of these sustainable fashion brands don’t sell anything beyond a size XL, which leaves out about 70% of women in the U.S. who wear a size 14 or larger.
As a result of this limitation, shopping sustainably has become a privilege that those that wear plus sizes don’t always have access to. But not all hope is lost — there’s still the option of vintage shopping because whether you’re a size 2 or a size 24, you deserve to find the perfect size-inclusive places to ethically buy the latest trends.
Not sure where to start on your hunt for plus-size vintage clothing? Emma Zack, owner of plus-size store Berriez, says that her best tip for shopping vintage is to completely ignore the size tag. “A vintage size 20 doesn't usually fit like a modern-day 20. Don't be afraid to try before you buy!” she tells Seventeen. "I always look for pieces with elastic waistbands, or some semblance of stretch to ensure that it'll fit over my hips.” And another pro tip? “Bring a measuring tape to the thrift store with you," she says.
We've rounded up the second-hand plus-size retailers below, covering both in-person and online options which gives you the flexibility to easily browse from your phone or try things on in person. Keep scrolling to explore some of the best plus-size vintage shops where you can score some sweet thrifted and retro-inspired finds.
Berriez
Based in: Brooklyn, NY
Berriez is an Instagram shop turned online vintage store run by Emma Zack, and her eclectic curation of fruit patterns, quirky tulle dresses, cloud prints, and other reworked prints that scream joy. “These aren’t clothes that are designed to be slimming,” Zack told Refinery29. “They’re made to fit plus-size women, and they’re all about making fashion feel joyful and light-hearted. We don’t always need to take fashion so seriously.”
Shop all things Berriez on their website. Berriez also has a private, by-appointment studio in East Williamsburg, NY and Zack plans on opening a brick-and-mortar store within the next year.
ModCloth
Although ModCloth isn't a strictly plus-size shop, it has been the go-to spot for accessible (read: available to purchase online) clothing with a vintage twist for years. For anyone whose heart beats a little faster at the sight of a '50s skirt and a retro print, ModCloth just might become your new favorite shopping spot.
ModCloth's plus-size offerings typically go up to a size 4X or a 26W, for everything from swim to knits to floral overalls.
Shop ModCloth's plus-size offerings online.
Loud Bodies
Based in: Cluj Napoca, Romania
Loud Bodies is an online shop filled with vintage-inspired styles for dreamers and romantics. Expect to see unapologetic ruffles, vintage frocks, cottagecore dresses, and silky slips that fans of the brand know by name. If you're currently on the hunt for a unique prom dress that draws inspiration from decades past, Loud Bodies just might have the one for you.
Browse all of Loud Bodies' offerings on their website.
Bad Moon Vintage
Based in: Seattle, WA
For lovers of the e-girl alt aesthetic looking to shop plus-size options with a dreamy twist, Bad Moon Vintage by Kim Epsky has curated collections of incredible vintage pieces that you'll be sure to love.
Straight from the Bad Moon website: “In a sea of sample-sized shops, Bad Moon offers dreamy, bold, and sometimes downright witchy fashions in sizes 12 through 28+. We are a judgment-free safe shopping space for people to find and express their beautifully weird selves — we invite you to come as you are.”
Shop Bad Moon Vintage online and keep an eye out for a new themed drop almost every Friday.
Thrilling
Based in: Los Angeles, CA
Thrilling is a Black + Asian woman-owed marketplace that showcases a selection of items from small indie businesses, and 95% of their vendors are women- or POC-owned. While Thrilling isn’t exclusively a plus-size shop, they have an extensive selection of plus-size clothing available on its website. From ‘70s striped shirt dresses to bright ‘60s wool coats, you’re sure to find a unique piece to snag in their plus-size collection.
Oh, and Beyonce’s stylist Zerina Akers has collaborated with them in the past. No big deal!
Shop Thrilling's plus-size collection on their website.
More Than Your Average
Based in: Washington, D.C.
More Than Your Average’s collection of bright, beautiful colors is curated by D.C.-based stylist Mya O. Price whose signature look is colorful and incredibly fun. If you’re on the hunt for retro floral prints, bold statement outerwear, or whimsical rings and accessories, this is the spot for you. We’re adding these handmade rainbow rings by artist Marina Fini to our wishlists RN!
Shop the rest of More Than Your Average's offerings online.
Plus BKLYN
Based in: Brooklyn, NY
Plus BKLYN is a secondhand resale boutique where knock-out shopping and consigning your vintage and designer plus-size clothing can happen in one trip. They’ll accept items size 14 and up during store hours from 12-8 p.m., every day of the week! Bringing in a bag of clothes you no longer wear to exchange for cash and leaving with something that you’re totally in love with? It’s a win-win situation.
Browse their website to find your next eclectic vintage purchase, or stop by their brick-and-mortar store in Brooklyn for the full experience.
Based in: Chicago, IL
Fueled by her passion for finding vintage pieces that cater to all shapes and sizes, Britteny Riordan founded Luvsick Plus Vintage to help plus-sized fashionistas everywhere find their perfect fit. The store features unique, edgy pieces that date back to the '60s and '70s, and carries sizes 14-26.
You can shop in person at Lost Girls Vintage shop in Chicago or from the comfort of your sofa online.
Curve Conscious
Based in: Philadelphia, PA
Curve Conscious is a Black-owned consignment store based in Philly. After facing endless frustration with the lack of plus sizes in local resale, consignment, and thrift stores, Adrienne Ray founded Curve Conscious, which carries sizes 12-28.
You can shop, swap or sell in-store at Curve Conscious. To shop or sell online, you can visit Curve Conscious on Instagram and Facebook and purchase via PayPal invoice. Online orders can be picked up in-store for free or you can have them shipped straight to your door for an additional fee.
Ethical Bodies
Based in: St. Louis, MO
Maura Cosgrove started selling second-hand clothing on the Ethical Bodies Instagram account in August 2020. Cosgrove said she was inspired by Luvsick and decided to start her own sustainable clothing business because she noticed the lack of representation in sustainable options for plus-sized bodies. With pieces ranging from flashy gold leggings to a Gatsby-inspired beaded dress, you can’t go wrong with a dazzling pick from Ethical Bodies.
You can shop via DM on Ethical Bodies’s Instagram page.
The Plus Bus Boutique
Based in: Highland Park, CA
Before The Plus Bus was a fabulous boutique catering to plus sizes, it was a concept created in 2015 by best friends Jen Wilder and Marcy Guevara-Prete when they “found themselves drowning in clothes.” It was at that moment when they took initiative and hit the streets of LA, where they gained a loyal following and grew from there. Infused with funky patterns and bright colors, the Plus Bus offers affordable options.
You can shop in person at The Plus Bus Boutique in Highland Park or have your “aha” moment online.
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