Where’s the Plus-Size Section? A Secondhand Scavenger Hunt (But Make It Fashion)
If you've ever gone thrifting as a mid-size or plus-size shopper and thought, "Is this store allergic to anything over a size 12?"—you’re not imagining things. The secondhand market is growing fast, but when it comes to size inclusivity, it still has a ways to go.
Let’s unpack the realities of finding mid and plus-size clothing in the resale world—what your options are, how it can improve, and where to shop if you're ready to say goodbye to low-rise jeans labeled as XL.
Why Is It So Hard to Find Larger Sizes Secondhand?
The scarcity of extended sizes in secondhand fashion isn’t a coincidence. Here’s what’s going on:
Limited original production
Many brands have historically overlooked inclusive sizing. If fewer items were produced in larger sizes to begin with, fewer are available on secondhand racks today (Statista, 2023).High demand, low supply
When great items in sizes 14 and up hit the resale circuit, they tend to fly off the racks quickly, especially as awareness around sustainable fashion grows.Closet longevity
Shoppers who wear mid or plus sizes often hold on to clothing longer because it’s harder to replace well-fitting items. That means fewer donations and resales (Fashion Revolution, 2020).Labeling confusion
Between vanity sizing, international size discrepancies, and outdated tags, what fits isn’t always what it says on the label. And unfortunately, many thrift stores don’t organize by measurement or style—just a confusing “S/M/L” label at best.
What Are the Options for Mid & Plus-Size Secondhand Shoppers?
There’s still a lot to love—and wear!—if you know where to look.
🧡 Online Resale Platforms
These platforms let you filter by size, brand, condition, and vibe:
Poshmark – Easy to search by size and follow shops that carry inclusive inventory
ThredUp – Their plus section carries up to 5X with filters by occasion and fit
eBay – Great for vintage, global brands, and unique pieces
Etsy – Many vintage and handmade sellers cater to extended sizing
Depop – Trend-forward, with growing mid- and plus-size seller communities
Dedicated Resellers – Look for curated shops like Reduce Reuse Rewear that focus specifically on mid-size and plus-size fashion
🛍️ In-Person Thrifting Tips
Thrifting offline? It’s part treasure hunt, part strategy:
Check the men’s section for oversized basics and outerwear. You can often find amazing unisex/women’s graphic tees in this section as well!
Befriend the tailor—altering something that fits "almost" right is easier than starting from scratch
Or better yet, learn how to alter at home! TikTok creators are a goldmine of DIY hacks for hemming pants, taking in dresses, or turning boxy finds into statement pieces
Follow thrifting and styling influencers who specialize in mid and plus-size fashion—they’ll show you how to tuck, tie, and transform thrifted pieces into full looks, even when the fit isn’t perfect
What Needs to Improve?
If secondhand fashion is going to work for all bodies, here’s what needs to happen:
More clothing in larger sizes entering the resale cycle
Encouraging shoppers who wear mid or plus sizes to resell their clothes—rather than trashing or donating to under-sorted donation centers—can boost supply.Resale platforms and shops prioritizing size inclusivity
Many secondhand shops still don’t stock extended sizing intentionally. The more demand we create—and support those who do it right—the more inventory we’ll see.Better sizing labels and organization
Using actual measurements instead of vague tags could help make shopping less of a guessing game.Original brands producing more inclusive sizes
Because secondhand options depend on what’s made in the first place, size-inclusive fashion needs to start at the source (Business of Fashion, 2022).
Why This Matters
Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression—and everyone deserves access to stylish, sustainable options that fit. When shoppers who wear mid or plus sizes are excluded from secondhand fashion, it reinforces outdated beauty standards and limits participation in sustainable fashion movements.
Thrifting should be for every body. Period.
Sources (APA Style):
Business of Fashion. (2022). The Size-Inclusive Fashion Opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.businessoffashion.com
Fashion Revolution. (2020). Fashion Transparency Index. Retrieved from https://www.fashionrevolution.org
Statista. (2023). Share of U.S. women's clothing market by size. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1201447/us-women-clothing-market-share-by-size/