When I was a teenager, I was extremely self-conscious about my plus-size body. I shopped with my dad for oversized men’s clothing to cover what I didn’t like about myself. I wore oversized polo shirts to hide my breasts and stomach and baggy jeans to conceal my jiggly thighs. It was my norm to wear men’s clothing.
I was a tomboy throughout middle and high school. However, as I practiced self-love, I grew to understand, appreciate and care for my body. Now I’m a lot more comfortable with my curves, which has made shopping a lot easier and more enjoyable.
However, thrifting as a plus-size woman can be challenging because clothing above a size 14 can be limited at many stores unless you shop in the men’s department. Why? The men’s section has a lot more size options available that fit us.
Here’s How You can Look Sexy AF in Thrift Shop Guy Clothes
In the men’s department, I am able to find staple pieces, such as an oversized T-shirt, blazer and button-up shirt. With these three items, there are so many adorable ways to manipulate clothing to best fit a plus-size body.
Here are a few examples of some no-sew tricks to quickly switch up an outfit found in the thrift shop guy clothes.
The Oversized T-Shirt
When it comes to searching for an oversized T-shirt, the material is more important than size. Look for loose and stretchy fabric. With thicker fabric, knotting or folding the shirt would be more difficult.
One way to change up a T-shirt is to tie a knot. The placement of the knot can be in the front, back or side for a different look. If you are unable to tie a knot, use a ponytail holder or a bright scrunchie for a more creative and fun outfit. After tying a knot, you can also tuck it under your bra and cuff the sleeves to create another cropped look. With just a few changes, you can have a different outfit with the same T-shirt. Throw on a blazer or jacket for even more options.
Blazers
Speaking of blazers, here are a few ways to dress up or dress down this more structured piece. Blazers are my favorite thing to shop for. On my last trip alone, I walked out with three.
Here, size matters. If I have a loose-fitting item of clothing on, I can wear a more structured blazer to give more of an hourglass shape. If I wear a tight skirt or bodycon dress, a loose blazer can make a simple outfit edgier.
Here are some examples of this:
Oversized Button-Up Shirt
Lastly, let’s take a look at the different ways to wear a button-up top. I love blazers and wear button-up shirts most of the time.
As I mentioned in 10 Tips and Tricks for Thrifting as a Plus-Size Woman, you don’t need a shirt to close all the way. If your shirt doesn’t fit, wear it open with a tank top or sports bra underneath. If the top portion won’t close, button halfway and add a belt to highlight your waist. If the bottom buttons don’t close, wear overalls or high-waist pants to cover them up.
For an oversized button-up, the ideas are endless. Just like the T-shirt, by tying a knot and tucking it into your bra, you create another version of a cropped top. You can also tuck in the collar, cross over the sides of the shirt, secure it with a brooch, and BAM, you have a completely different look.
These are just a few ways I quickly switch up an outfit using thrifted menswear. As you can see, the possibilities are limitless. If you have any more ideas, please share them over on my Instagram @thrifty.tiana.
Talk to you next month!
Side note: Next time you want to “pop some tags” ala Macklemore, keep these tips in mind.
Do you have any great thrifting finds? Share your picture and story with Curvicality friends in the comments!
