Shopping resale can feel frustrating when sizing is inconsistent, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to find clothes that actually fit and feel like you.
Let’s be honest: secondhand shopping can feel like a minefield when you don’t fall into standard sized.
Whether you're plus-size, petite, tall, curvy, in-between sizes, or simply don’t see yourself reflected in the “average” inventory, it’s easy to get discouraged—especially when most resale platforms offer limited filters, vague sizing, and very little visual representation beyond sample sizes.
But the truth is, shopping secondhand can work for all bodies. It just takes some extra strategy and a willingness to push past a system that wasn’t originally built with everyone in mind.
This guide offers smart, supportive ways to navigate secondhand shopping when you're outside of traditional sizing norms. Let’s find pieces that fit you, not the other way around.
Step 1: Know Your Body
Before we move any further, let’s establish that “deviating” from a standard size is not a value judgement of you or your body, and there are very few people out there whose bodies don’t deviate at least somewhat. Most modern sizing systems were developed in the mid-20th century, modeled on limited military data and fit models that reflected a narrow range of body types. They weren’t designed to be inclusive or responsive; they were designed to standardize mass production.
This means that if your body doesn’t match the straight-size fit model— 5’5” to 5’7”, evenly proportioned, with a B-cup bust and standard hip-to-waist ratio—it’s the system that’s misaligned, not you.
So in order to find clothes that actually fit your body, you first need to understand how your body differs from standard sizing. It might seem obvious, but you can’t find clothes that fit your body if you don’t know your body.
First, take your body measurements. The most important to have are your height, bust, waist, and hip measurements. (There’s plenty of simple tutorials online to help you take these measurements.)
You can compare these measurements with size charts on retailer websites. They’ll often display the intended body measurements for each size of the item, which can be a helpful clue. Ex: if you wear size 29 jeans but your waist measurement is smaller than the intended model for size 29, that’s why your jeans often gape in the waist.
Measurements are just the start though.
Am I shorter or taller than average?
Do I have a longer torso or shorter rise than most garments allow?
Are my shoulders narrower or wider than most tops are built for?
Do I carry volume in my bust, hips, tummy, thighs, or arms that affects fit?
Are waistbands always gapping or are sleeves constantly too short?
Do I tend to feel restricted in one area, while another feels oversized?
If you have trouble answering these questions or identifying exactly why clothes don’t fit you quite right, it’s worth seeing a tailor. They can take accurate measurements of your body, which you’ll use constantly as a secondhand shopper, but they can also identify what makes your body unique.
This isn’t about criticizing your body. It’s about knowing your proportions so you can shop with intention. Once you name those differences, you can filter listings more accurately, spot potential fit issues in photos, and make smarter calls about what’s worth tailoring.
Understanding your body’s fit patterns is one of the most empowering things you can do as a secondhand shopper. It transforms the experience from hit-or-miss to truly strategic.
Tip: When you find a brand or cut that fits your body well, take note. Set alerts. Build your secondhand strategy around it.
Step 2: Expand How You Search
Most resale platforms don’t surface inclusive inventory well. Sizing filters are inconsistent, and search algorithms often favor certain brands or proportions.
Here’s how to work around it:
Use multiple size terms. Try both numerical and letter sizes (e.g., “1X” and “16” or “XL” and “14”). Some sellers use one, some use both, and they don’t always match.
Search by measurement. For vintage or one-off pieces, skip size altogether and search for inseam, bust, waist, or pit-to-pit dimensions.
Add the word “plus,” “tall,” “curvy,” or “petite.” It can uncover listings from brands with extended sizing that might not be labeled clearly.
Try searching by style or fit. Keywords like “oversized,” “boxy,” “relaxed,” “stretch,” or “cropped” can surface pieces that work with your shape, even if the official size doesn’t.
Tip: Saved searches with multiple variants help platforms "learn" what you're looking for over time. The more specific your terms, the better your results.
Step 3: Prioritize Fit-Adjustable Categories
Certain types of clothing naturally offer more flexibility across body types. These pieces are worth prioritizing:
Wrap dresses and skirts
Elastic waist or drawstring pants
Oversized button-downs or blazers
Stretch knits and jersey basics
Layering pieces like vests, cardigans, and dusters
A-line or fit-and-flare silhouettes
Start your search with these and build out, especially if you’re still learning which resale platforms tend to carry your size.
Step 4: Learn to Read Listings with a Tailor’s Eye
If you know what to look for, you can evaluate a piece beyond just what size the tag says.
Look for:
Garments with shaping seams like darts, princess seams, or back vents
Extra fabric in hems, seams, or pleats gives room for future alterations
Simple silhouettes are easier to tailor than structured or detailed pieces
Stretch blends or adjustable features like side ruching or wrap closures
Flat measurements if provided (or ask for them!)
A well-cut piece that’s slightly off in size is often worth tailoring, especially when the fabric and construction are solid. Remember, it’s usually easier to size up and have a tailor take it in than adjusting an item that’s already too small.
Step 5: Know the Brands That Serve Your Body
Not every brand carries extended sizing, but some do it better than others.
If you’re plus-size, look for resale from:
Universal Standard
Eloquii
Girlfriend Collective
Madewell (up to 4X in newer styles)
Torrid, ASOS Curve, Premme, Ganni (select lines), and some vintage labels
If you’re petite:
Look for dedicated petite lines (e.g., J.Crew Petite, Banana Republic Petite)
Vintage 50s–60s sizing often runs small
Cropped or kids’ sizing can work with the right styling
If you’re tall:
Menswear pieces can offer better length and proportion
Look for inseam/shoulder/sleeve details in listing photos
Brands like Long Tall Sally, American Tall, or Athleta Tall (if listed) are great search terms
Keep a shortlist of brands that work for your body and rotate through them regularly in your search.
Step 6: Expect Gaps and Set Yourself Up for Wins
The truth is, some gaps still exist in resale. Not every category is easy to find in extended sizes, especially for formalwear, tailored suiting, or vintage. If you hit a wall, it’s not you—it’s the market.
Instead of getting discouraged, make your secondhand strategy work smarter:
Set alerts or saved searches for pieces that tend to be harder to find
Shop off-season when competition is lower and prices drop
Pair secondhand with intentional new buys to fill in size-specific wardrobe gaps
Build a tailor relationship if you're reshaping pieces to fit you better
Follow resale accounts or sellers who specialize in inclusive sizing (there are more of them every year!)
You’re Not the Problem, and the Market is Catching Up
Secondhand shopping can be a sustainable and personalized way to dress, but it hasn’t always been inclusive. That’s slowly changing. More brands are expanding sizes. More platforms are improving filters. More sellers are labeling honestly.
But until the system works better, don’t let it make you feel like your body is the issue. You just need better tools, smarter filters, and a strategy built around what actually fits you.