Oversized women...

**peanut** · 09-24-2006, 10:29 PM

Any 'big' women out there having difficulty finding clothes to fit at the thrift stores?

I had a larger lady at church approach me about sewing clothes for her. I no way have the time or skill to do this. I just haven't designed clothes for someone that large and wouldn't have a clue how to go about it.

Are there any tips I can give her for finding cheap nice clothes? They just moved and don't have much money at all. Her dh has cancer and is in treatment.

**Cele** · 09-24-2006, 10:48 PM

I know there are "supersize" patterns that go up to size 32. Hope this helps...

**Early Bird** · 09-25-2006, 12:28 AM

For me (Size 1x-2x), the secret is to shop frequently.

Today, to church, I wore:

* Rockport shoes (thrift store)
* Talbot's ss sweater (thrift store)
* Sag Harbor rayon skirt (thrift store)

At most, I paid $10 for all of it.

BUT

* These were pieces I bought over the last 6 months.
* Sometimes I buy things that don't work out.

If I were a Size 8, I could waltz into the thrift store a few days before I needed a new dress. As a larger size, I definitely have to plan ahead.

**Early Bird** · 09-25-2006, 12:37 AM

Another tip might be for her to figure out a 'capsule' wardrobe. For me, as a SAHM, I don't need the typical recommended items -- blazers, wool skirts. Instead, my capsules are things like knit pants and skirts. I think Canadian Gardener wrote extensively about her capsule a while back.

**Daisygirl** · 09-25-2006, 07:55 AM

Where I live there is a consignment store specifically for larger sized women. I am a 14, which is the smaller end of larger sizes so I have had incredible luck there. If there is city nearby it might be worth looking into. Go into the Yellow Pages under Consignment to find the ads.

Good luck to your friend.

**Missy** · 09-25-2006, 11:00 AM

I am in a 20. I am 4'11, i look like and egg...that's another thread all together I think.

I found quite abit on clearance at Walmart that fits great. A churchwide yard sale provided lots of opportunity for clothes that fit too. Fashion bug has clearance stuff too that generally fit me pretty well too. I find that alot of the clothes marked plus size at thrift stores are probably there because they shrunk when their first owners washed em.

**Katybird** · 09-25-2006, 12:13 PM

I second going frequently to thrift stores and searching for plus sizes. There are also really good buys to be found on eBay. Even with the shipping fees, good quality clothing is usually pretty reasonable, especially if you can lots with several items in them.

**babetteq** · 09-25-2006, 12:18 PM

I'm 6' tall and 260lbs - a size 3x. I sometimes find things in the thriftstore, but rarely. The deal is that you have to go very regularly.... because there are other women of substance that will buy that piece of clothing before you!! ....Sometimes you luck out.... I got about 8 beautiful, high quality sundresses one day..... sometimes it's a lesson in frustration.

As far as sewing stuff goes, there are lots of larger patterns. However, if she doesn't have much money, it's going to be more expensive to get you to sew stuff than it is getting stuff at the thrift stores... sewing isn't cheap anymore.

**peanut** · 09-25-2006, 05:56 PM

Thanks everyone. I'll direct her to Walmart and the thrift stores...though I think they've found the thrift stores. But I don't know...from a conversation I had with her last week it sounded as if she thought $10 was too much to pay for a winter coat! She had signed up on some special list for a winter coat for $1-2 at one of the thrift stores.

She's easily double a size 16. I'm a size 16 and she's at least twice as big around as me.

Jean

**Goodwin17** · 09-26-2006, 12:10 AM

I'm pretty large and have had some luck finding clothes at the local thrift store. Sometimes I think you have to just get lucky. I have had a little bit of luck at Wal-Mart, Lane Byrant Online outlet, Ebay, Fashion Bug online sales. It seems like even the thrift store items are a little higher for us larger ladies. Sending her good luck vibes!

**Mamaw** · 09-26-2006, 09:03 PM

I vary from a size 20 to a 24 and I find the local Goodwill and St Vincent DePauls store often has many plus sizes on their racks. The trick is to shop often and if you find something nice, that you like which fits...buy it. you may not have an occassion to wear it right away, but usually one magically appears!