A consignment store buyer on op shopping when you’re mid-sized and above
IMAGE VIA @NADIA.WATTLE/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY JULIA KITTELTY
“Years of sifting through op shop racks have taught me not to put much stock in what’s written on the size tag.”
We all love op shopping but when you exist in a larger body (think mid-size or above), the experience can be more frustrating than inspiring. Sometimes I find myself in stores that seem to have nothing made to fit my body and some (most) plus-size sections leave a lot to be desired. On the hunt for advice, I picked the brain of Nadia Eldridge, a Melbourne-based model and consignment store buyer.
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Like me, Nadia covets a preloved find. “There is a comfort in shopping secondhand. It is more of a spontaneous opportunity that makes the experience feel unique…. [unfortunately,] often plus-size items have a lower number per unit which means availability won’t meet the demand,” Nadia explains. Luckily, her years of scouting preloved gems have made Nadia an expert on op shopping when you’re mid-sized and above. Read on for her advice.
Ignore the size tags
Years of sifting through op shop racks have taught me not to put much stock in what’s written on the size tag. As a size 14 to 18, my wardrobe is filled with pieces that range from a size eight to a size 24. Nadia’s experience is similar. “I would say that I’m a size 20 in contemporary clothing, however, I have clothes that are sizes six to 24 or labels that read ‘extra small’ and ‘small’ too which are in my frequent rotation.”
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If I see something on the rack and it looks like I’ll like the way it fits, I’ll try it on. Nadia agrees. “I value the way a garment fits me more than its designated size. Yes, there is a deep frustration that comes with shopping for [a particular number].” I often find that even pieces that are a size 16 to 18 don’t fit my body how I would like them to. I asked Nadia how she navigates this.
“I’ve learnt to value my clothes and in doing so, value myself. If it doesn’t fit, leave it. Comfortability and your happiness are more important.” It’s definitely better to wait for that piece that fits you perfectly than to buy something that’s not quite right. “I remind myself that sizes are not consistent; they change depending on when and where they were made.”
Manifest and moodboard your ideal wardrobe
I asked Nadia what sort of mindset works best for her when heading into a thrift store. “Manifestation is real and moodboards are a great way to handle shopping fatigue… have patience with it,” she says.
“I do believe in the powers of manifesting, and often going in with a ‘mission’ in mind is a great way to deal with shopping fatigue.” I wholeheartedly agree there is power in manifesting. Just a few weeks ago, I dropped by Savers to find some low-rise skirts. They’d been clogging up my TikTok feed for weeks. I walked out the doors with five (yes, five!) skirts, ranging in size from a 14 to a 24. “What will be yours will find its way to you,” Nadia notes.
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“Throw away any competitive nature when it comes to thrifting, as it will impact your experience.” Take your time and focus on yourself. “Treat these shopping adventures as spontaneous treasure hunting,” Nadia advises. If you walk through the doors with an open and relaxed mind, you are less likely to get frustrated, and perhaps more likely to find yourself a gem.
Where should I shop?
Nadia’s based in Melbourne, which is also where she’s gained most of her op shop experience. “City thrifting or popular (well-known) areas such as Brunswick’s Sydney Road and High Street (in Westgarth to Preston) will offer a different experience to outer suburbs shops and then again country thrift/op shops.” Having grown up in Ballarat, I know what she means. Every store is different. “Some of my favourites are up in the mountains towards Belgrave. Another great gem is Kew – I encourage you to take a friend and explore the treasures there.”
In terms of the actual shopping experience, Nadia prefers the stores that are well planned out. “Size ordering, colour coordination and categories make for an easier experience in-store.” I definitely agree on the size-ordering front. It’s helpful not only for efficiency but also for creativity. Say you’re looking for a tight-fitting baby tee – you can start by looking in the smaller sizes. But if you’re on the hunt for an oversized graphic tee or super baggy jeans, you can head straight to the larger section.
Be kind to yourself
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When I get down about clothes not fitting me in the changeroom, I try to remember that clothes are made to fit me – I’m not made to fit into the clothes. Nadia agrees. “Clothing is sentimental. We attach it to our physical appearance so it’s common to feel let down, frustrated and upset when it feels like nothing is fitting. When this happens, be kind to yourself. As bodies shift and change over time, so do the fashions we enjoy.”
For more on mid and plus-size thrifting, head here.
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