Although the proliferation of plus-size clothing is at an all-time high, there's one frontier that doesn't quite get the same amount of love: vintage. We don't want to belabor the subject, but there are many upsides to vintage that current-season threads can't provide: You can find rarer treasures, the price is (usually) right, and shopping really feels like an adventure. But not all thrift stores stock clothes in full-size ranges.
To help you out, we've rounded up a bevy of ways for you to get your hands on some good vintage without having to overhaul it at the tailor's. Click through to read our top picks, and tell us about your favorite places in the comments!
1. Re/Dress
As one of the few plus-size sites to actually offer vintage above a size 14, Re/Dress continues to amaze with its other options, especially thanks to its cult-status Teggings — a luxuriously soft blend of leggings and tights that you'll want to wear for the rest of your life. You can also find pieces by indie plus designers like Candy Strike and Chubby Cartwheels; there are also a few options for those who skew a bit more masc as well. 2. Housing Works
Housing Works is one of New York City's hidden shopping gems. Plus-size-clothing rental site Gwynnie Bee generously donated thousands of items to Housing Works in 2014, and in 2015 Fashion to Figure, Rue 107, NYDJ, and Mynt 1792 also joined in and contributed heaps of stylish designs. Besides plus-size finds from your favorite brands, you can also bid on high-end designer pieces (like Gucci bags, Christian Louboutin shoes, and Hermès scarves), pick up cool vintage furniture, and score crazy deals during its “buy the bag” shopping events.
As one of the few plus-size sites to actually offer vintage above a size 14, Re/Dress continues to amaze with its other options, especially thanks to its cult-status Teggings — a luxuriously soft blend of leggings and tights that you'll want to wear for the rest of your life. You can also find pieces by indie plus designers like Candy Strike and Chubby Cartwheels; there are also a few options for those who skew a bit more masc as well. 2. Housing Works
Housing Works is one of New York City's hidden shopping gems. Plus-size-clothing rental site Gwynnie Bee generously donated thousands of items to Housing Works in 2014, and in 2015 Fashion to Figure, Rue 107, NYDJ, and Mynt 1792 also joined in and contributed heaps of stylish designs. Besides plus-size finds from your favorite brands, you can also bid on high-end designer pieces (like Gucci bags, Christian Louboutin shoes, and Hermès scarves), pick up cool vintage furniture, and score crazy deals during its “buy the bag” shopping events.
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3. Facebook
Although most people consider Facebook a way to creep on high school classmates, see a constant stream of baby pictures, or field friend requests from obscure family members, it actually has a lot of helpful uses. Not only are there groups for things like nail art and industry networking, but you can also find beneficial groups where you can buy and sell used and new plus-size clothing. One of the most numerous, FatToo, boasts more than 14,200 members and offers a platform for sizes 20+. There are also multiple spinoffs of FatToo, including FatToo Grand, for sizes 28+, and FatToo Lite, for sizes 12-18. 4. #NYCurvyCloset
Ever want to shop the closets of some of your favorite plus bloggers? Well, if you're in New York City on July 9th, you'll have the opportunity to do just that! All items will be under $50 (most way less than that), and there will be giveaways, cocktails, and more! And it's free to attend — just sign up to reserve your spot, in case tickets run out. 5. The Plus Bus
On the West Coast? Then you're in luck! The Plus Bus, created by stylist Marcy Guevara and designer Jen Wilder, is driving around California bringing plus fashion right to your door. Not only do the pair buy and sell clothing, they will also curate your closet, provide styling advice, and they're considerate of the environment and your wallet, as they strongly encourage swapping items to support a more sustainable system. Check them out next on July 12th at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.
Although most people consider Facebook a way to creep on high school classmates, see a constant stream of baby pictures, or field friend requests from obscure family members, it actually has a lot of helpful uses. Not only are there groups for things like nail art and industry networking, but you can also find beneficial groups where you can buy and sell used and new plus-size clothing. One of the most numerous, FatToo, boasts more than 14,200 members and offers a platform for sizes 20+. There are also multiple spinoffs of FatToo, including FatToo Grand, for sizes 28+, and FatToo Lite, for sizes 12-18. 4. #NYCurvyCloset
Ever want to shop the closets of some of your favorite plus bloggers? Well, if you're in New York City on July 9th, you'll have the opportunity to do just that! All items will be under $50 (most way less than that), and there will be giveaways, cocktails, and more! And it's free to attend — just sign up to reserve your spot, in case tickets run out. 5. The Plus Bus
On the West Coast? Then you're in luck! The Plus Bus, created by stylist Marcy Guevara and designer Jen Wilder, is driving around California bringing plus fashion right to your door. Not only do the pair buy and sell clothing, they will also curate your closet, provide styling advice, and they're considerate of the environment and your wallet, as they strongly encourage swapping items to support a more sustainable system. Check them out next on July 12th at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.
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