The Girl’s Guide To Plus Size Vintage Shopping

As I’ve made my move into more sustainable slow fashion, one area that I was a little nervous to explore was buying vintage. Let’s face it, I’m a bigger size; there aren’t always going to be options for me! A lot of the stuff I see is for very slim bodies. It’s hard not to feel discouraged at times. I’m dreaming of finding a Laura Ashley dress with prairie vibes, but I’m not gonna be holding my breath. That being said, I have found some success shopping for plus size vintage pieces so I thought I’d share a few pointers!

Now, there’s a caveat here: I’ve been doing all of my vintage shopping online. I guess lockdown is going to do that, but I’ve still picked up a trick or two! Places like Instagram are a great place to find vintage sellers and it’s helped me in turn find some great pieces in a bigger size. Now on to the pointers!

1. Focus On Measurements: We all know that sizing can vary depending on the brand or the fabric, and vintage is no different. Of course, you have to take into account that sizing has changed over the years. So I’d recommend paying closer attention to measurements. Most listings I’ve seen will have additional measurements. If it doesn’t, feel free to ask! I have a tape measure (like this cute one that measures in inches and centimeters) so whenever I’m not sure, I grab it and do a quick check.

2. Be Vocal With Sellers and Other Vintage Buyers: When I discover new vintage sellers who’s general aesthetic I like, I message them and ask if they normally carry stock that would fit a bigger body. I get a range of answers, but the ones who come back with a resounding yes, well I keep an eye out for them. Being vocal amongst friends who also love vintage means that when they see things I might like, they send them my way!

3. Be Patient in Your Search for Plus Size Vintage Pieces: What’s that saying? Rome wasn’t built in a day. I don’t find the perfect piece every time I have a look. It takes a bit of trial and error! Once you get a bit more comfortable navigating the space though, you’ll hopefully start finding more pieces. I know that’s probably not exactly what you want to hear, but it’s something you should definitely take into consideration!

BLOUSE, LYDIA C CRIMP ON ETSY / SKIRT, HERVINTAGE ON ETSY / SHOES, DEPOP / BAG, CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL CO (OLD) / HAIR SCARF, ROCK’N’ROSE

So where exactly am I doing all this plus size vintage shopping you might ask? Well Instagram has been a great tool in that regard! I started following A Virtual Vintage Market and found lots of sellers through that! A few accounts I follow that have had plus size vintage pieces: Sooki Sooki Vintage, Mary’s Vintage, Viva Soul, Saluto London, Peony Vintage, and Finds By Foxes to name a few!

Etsy, Depop and eBay are also great places to look as well! I’ve found some great things on all of them! I haven’t quite managed to It might just take a little bit more legwork. I also don’t pretend that I fully understand being plus sized, given that as a size 18, I’m only on the cusp. So I’ve had a bit more success than others might. Still though, I hope this at least encourages you to give it a go!

Photos by Alex Grace Jones