Sharing my favorite thrift stores for plus sizes in Washington, DC and its surrounding area while simultaneously showing off the skirts purchased during the DMV Thrifting Bus Tour.
When heading to my favorite DC area thrift/consignment stores to look for skirts to fit my plus size waist, I tend to go for the following: elasticized waistband, midi length, and movement. Yes, sizing is a factor. But honestly, you can't go by the sizing label. I have a skirt right now that's a size 16 - and I'm currently no one's size 16 - but it fits me perfectly. I also have a skirt that reads a size 24 but fits very snug. The best advice I can give when thrifting plus size skirts is to eyeball the item: How's the fabric? Does it stretch? Is it lined? If lined, does it stretch? Keep these questions in mind because it determines how the skirt will fit your frame. Remember, a vintage size 20 is not the same as today's size 20.
These days, it's been a struggle to find printed skirts that falls into my requirements - in stores and online. However without fail, I always see printed skirts I'm looking for in thrift/consignment stores. Always.
Honestly, I threw away the receipts so not too sure on the prices of the skirts in this post. But if I'd guess, all were less than $10. Not too shabby, right? That's the beauty of thrifting/consigning. Even though some of these thrift/consignment stores have sneakily started raising their prices and I'm like, no. I'm watching you. Stop it.
Here's my list of favorite thrift/consignment stores for plus size shopping in the DC area:
- Curvy Girl Boutique (369 Montrose Ave., Laurel, MD 20707) - A consignment plus size boutique with a thriving online store.
- Georgia Avenue Thrift Store (6101 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011) - It's small and can get mighty cramped when busy. Also, while the sections are categorized, the sizes aren't. But with
a little bita lot of patience, you'll find plenty of plus size gems. - Fia's Fabulous Finds (806 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011) - Since my first visit to this consignment shop in 2014, Fia's Fabulous Finds has consistently maintained a fantastic selection of plus size items. The shop even has swimwear!
- Laurel Thrift Store Center (9880 Washington Blvd N., Laurel, MD 20723 - During the 4th of July holiday weekend, I got the chance to visit this store after so many years. And I can't even begin to tell you why I stopped going, either. Probably distance? Because this store is solid.
- Village Thrift Store (4960 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, MD 20710)
- Value Village (2277 University Blvd E., Chillum, MD 20782) - Been going here for almost ten years and I'm yet to be disappointed. I can count on one hand the number of times I've walked out of the store empty handed.
- Value Village (6611 Annapolis Rd., Landover Hills, MD 20784) - I'm so used to going to the Value Village above that I seem to forget this one exists. But it's always been good to me anytime I visit.
