Seven Principles for the Plus Size Thrifter

Charity Agomuo, TSC Correspondent, style maven and owner of Navah’s Closet, an online shop for plus-size fashions, returns with great tips for the plus size thrifter navigating the world of second-hand stores. As much as I do enjoy thrift hauls, it can be difficult for the plus size shopper. All thrift stores are not created equal.  Some stores organize items by size, some stores do not. Other stores may even separate their plus size items for easier convince, and while some may not even carry plus size items at all.  Below are some tips to make your thrift store experience easy and enjoyable.

Seven Principles for the Plus Size Thrifter

1. Find your look: Before I go to a Thrift store I hunt for some ideas from fashion blog, stores, and designers that I already like. I peruse their websites to see what is in and how they put outfits together. This step may also help you to stay focus while shopping. Also look at your closet to see what items you may need to complete a look. For example you might have the awesome skirt, and have been looking for a top to go with it.  You might just find that missing piece to make your ensemble great.
2. Expect the unexpected: Do not go in with an expectation of finding a certain item. ‘Why’ you might ask? Doing this can limit your outfit creativity and make the search frustrating.
3. A Size is nothing but a Number (or letter): Remember that all designers do not use the same cuts for all clothing. So something that may say L-Large may fit like a 1X or vice versa. If it looks like it fits, try it on! It might just
4. Inspect the Goods: When searching for goods make sure you check seams, zippers, buttons, cleanliness, etc. Remember: many thrift stores do not allow you to return or exchange items.
5. Keep the faith: Trying to find plus size items in a thrift store that does not organize items by size may be hard, but keep the faith, you will find something.
6. Be Creative: Remember to think out-of-the box and remember the styles you like and how the unique items you are finding can be used to create a fabulous outfit.
7. Try it on for size: Referencing the principles #2, #3 & #4. It may be your size but the measurements may be different and many store all sales are final so take the time to try on your items so you can  see what they look like.

Want more? Check out Charity’s article “Shopping Thrift Stores for Plus Size Fashions”

Charity Agomuo is a California native, residing in New Jersey.  In addition to being the owner of Navahsloset.com, a plus size online thrift store, I currently work in higher education. When I am not thrifitng, I am repurposing other items such as furniture and dabbling in hand crafts. I enjoy watching movies and have recently become obsessed with ZUMBA… I am wild for ZUMBA!!!! I spend a lot of time contemplating the issues of the world while watching HGTV.