It is a well know)n fact in 2026 that America is overweight still. We are a nation that loves our Hamburgers. And now new science is discovering that genetics play a role in how easy it is for one person to gain weight versus another person. But if we are a nation of people with an average size of 14 in women's sizes then why are the thrift store plus size clothes on this one rack way in the back of the store still?
I put this question to the test. I am now a store owner who specializes in plus-sized clothing. I have looked far and wide and across the globe for pre-owned plus size clothing that is as affordable as the non-plus-sized clothing ( referred to herein after as nps or ps). I priced sourcing used clothing from China. But yeh, that's a real gamble when we all know too well that China does not have plus size people, right? Actually they do. JK. But their largest plus size is about a size 18 in US sizes. Thats the beginning of the extended plus sizes in the US.
I looked into sourcing new plus size clothes from China. There is an additional charge for the special sizing and a minimum order quantity plus additional shipping because of size and weight freight. I am still in the process of finding the right resource in China that does not want to sell me spandex or tiered dresses. We want all the styles, all the fads and trends that the regular sizes enjoy. We are tired of wearing Granny pants, ok. Although I do love Alfred Dunner, bc Im a little old though. So back on topic.
It costs more, Its harder to source to get the clothes. But bigger girls do wear clothes, right? Where do they go?
Some charity organizations do take these clothes out and send them to their boutique sections because they can bring in a few dollars more. It is a common theme with charity organizations that plus sized clothes can sell at higher prices. Secondly they get bought up in Facebook sales. The owner is selling them online, instead of donating them. Hey we paid more for them, so we have better resell value, right? Lastly, they tend to get used because of the price we pay for the plus sized clothes and how hard it is to find items we like. We wear them longer and wear them out to the point they are now in the rag box. All of these factors contribute to the shortage of plus size clothes. Through my experiences of talking to customers and other sellers this is my summary.
We are paying more to begin with and getting our money's worth out of our clothing. We are crafty and reselling them before we donate them. And the charity organizations are also capitalizing on this unfulfilled market.
Im hoping to fill the gap and begin offering a line of clothing that is comfortable for the plus size women of America while being trendy and up to date. Stay tuned Ya'll.