Where to find vintage plus-size clothing in Melbourne and Sydney
image via @mutualmuse and @nadia.wattle
words by fashion journal
Size-inclusive vintage.
Secondhand shopping has come a long way in recent years. More and more consignment stores are popping up, pre-loved clothing is having its moment on the runway at Fashion Week and there’s a social cachet that comes with putting together a head-to-toe thrifted outfit.
Yet despite that, there’s still a major gap when it comes to finding size-inclusive vintage. As contributor Maeve Kerr-Crowley wrote for Fashion Journal back in 2020, “The truth of the industry as a whole is that fat and plus-size shoppers have to work harder than their straight-size counterparts to fill their wardrobes and develop a personal style. The bigger you are, the more work you have to put in. This is just as true of shopping secondhand.”
For more on the circular economy, head to our Pre-Loved section.
Goodbyes Head of Marketing, Julian Bettoli agrees. “We found that especially a few years back when we started out, plus size secondhand simply wasn’t prioritised,” he tells me.
It’s a deflating feeling walking into a store and realising it doesn’t cater for your body type. And though pre-loved stores are somewhat reflective of the broader fashion landscape, it’s still important to prioritise size-inclusivity at every touch point – from the selection process to advertising. Find our (non-exhaustive) round up of the best stores in Melbourne and Sydney to shop plus-size secondhand clothing.
Melbourne
Mutual Muse, Brunswick and Northcote
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Size inclusivity has long been a priority for secondhand marketplace, Mutual Muse. Though the stock on floor is highly dependent on sellers and what pieces are brought in, the team are quick to note that larger sizes are often the first to fly off the shelves. Because of that, the brand is always encouraging plus-size sellers to bring in their clothes.
All pieces in its Brunswick and Northcote stores are arranged by size and uploaded to the online store, and there is a specific newsletter send out on Wednesday highlighting plus-size pieces from the latest drop. Mutual Muse also recently had a stall at A Plus Market, an IRL event designed so plus size people can buy and sell preloved clothes and shop from local labels.
Bruce, Clifton Hill
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Bruce is a Melbourne consignment store known for its curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories. Size inclusivity has been a particularly strong focus for the brand this year, and its sourcing strategies have been adjusted to reflect this mission. While the nature of secondhand means stock will rotate regularly, you can expect to find a range of pre-loved treasures in its Clifton Hill store beyond a size 16.
PDA Shop, Fitzroy
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PDA Shop is a curated vintage design studio. Located on Johnston Street in Fitzroy, the boutique regularly carries a range of pre-loved unisex pieces. “We absolutely agree that size-inclusive secondhand shopping needs to be more visible,” founders Sarah and Belle agree.
“While our in-store selection varies week to week, we encourage anyone looking for a more tailored or size-specific experience to book in an appointment.” Free of charge, these sessions mean Belle and Sarah can hand-select a range of pieces from their larger archive to suit each person’s desired style, fit and size.
Savers, multiple locations
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If you’ve strolled down Brunswick’s Sydney Road, then you’re likely paid a visit to Savers. Fit out with a massive shop front, the store boasts a large collection of pre-loved clothes, with racks upon racks. With additional locations in Footscray, Preston and Greensborough (and more), Savers is all about championing reuse.
Sydney
Reunion
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Reunion’s mission is to inspire everyone to get involved in the circular economy. In practice, this means not only offering a dedicated section in-store that stocks both masc and fem clothing beyond a size 16, but Reunion also has an active strategy to encourage people to buy and sell plus-size clothing. “We find our 16+ section moves very quickly and we encourage customers to check regularly to try and score some quality on-trend pieces,” founder Beth Wicks tells me.
Uturn, multiple locations
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UTurn Vintage is guided by a mission that every shopper will be able to find pre-loved pieces they love, regardless of size, style or budget. It has long been a champion of size inclusion in its stores, with all 10 of its Sydney locations offering a dedicated plus-size range (the Rozelle Boutique and Campbelltown Outlet are the most popular destinations for this collection). And, with new arrivals landing in stores each week, there’s a high chance you’ll find something you love.
Australia-wide
Goodbyes
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Goodbyes is one of Australia’s largest consignment bricks-and-mortar brands. In-store, you can expect to find a wide variety of Australian, New Zealand and international labels, all in great condition.
“It’s worth noting that quality pieces in sizes 16+ can be harder to come by, especially those made to last,” head of marketing, Julian Bettoli tells me. “As I’m sure many of your readers have experienced, this is often a reflection of the broader fashion industry, which still needs to do a much better job of offering inclusive size ranges.” One way Goodbyes seek to remedy this is in the selection process. All staff are trained to consider every body when selecting pieces to stock in-store, ensuring there is a thoughtful and inclusive range of sizes and silhouettes available.
Salvos
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Run by the Salvation Army, Salvos is a non-profit that champions giving pre-loved clothes and homewares a second life. Though it might require some rummaging to find your unicorn piece, both its online store and bricks-and-mortar locations carry a wide range of pre-loved clothing that goes beyond a size 16.
Vinnies
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The St Vincent de Paul Society has been around for a long time in Melbourne – since 1854 to be exact. With stores all around Australia, you can donate and buy secondhand items in good condition, with all proceeds going back into the community to help people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. Though stock varies across stories, most stories carry a diverse size range, with a generous amount of clothing on the floor at any given time.
For more on pre-loved plus-size shopping, head here.
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