By Aiden Howie

Plus-size women represent nearly 70 percent of shoppers, but the majority of retail brands don’t offer sizes above a women’s size 14. That makes finding fashion that fits a challenge for many women—especially environmentally and budget-conscious plus-size shoppers who’d rather not spend their hard-earned dollars on fast fashion. But there are several plus-size resale stores that are working to disrupt the industry, like Cake Plus-Size Resale, founded by Cat Polivoda.

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cake welcomes all genders. Not only is the founder committed to lessening the fashion industry’s impact on the planet, she and her team also aim to foster an inclusive environment focused on size acceptance and radical self-love.

Cat’s vision is shared by other women founders and owners of plus-size resale shops throughout the country. Here are a few:

BERRIEZ: A Brooklyn, New York-based shop offering unique, funky and sexy vintage clothing that accentuates larger bodies, plus reworked vintage pieces from independent designers; founded by Emma Zack. ShopBerriez.com

CURV EXCHANGE: A resale shop located in greater Tampa, Florida, offering clothing sizes 14 and up and shoe sizes 8 and up in a body positive and comfortable environment; founded by Estella Myers. CurvExchange.com

JUST HER SIZE CONSIGNMENT: A Fairfield, Ohio-based resale shop offering exclusively plus-size fashions and consignment by mail, pick up and drop off; founded by Crystal Wanek. JustHerSizeConsignment.com

MORE THAN YOUR AVERAGE: A Washington, DC-based vintage boutique featuring bold, bright and fun one-of-a-kind finds for women size 12 and up; founded by Mya Price. MoreThanYourAverage.com

PLUS BKLYN: A plus-size boutique in Brooklyn, New York featuring a collection of new, vintage and resale clothing in bold, trendy, downtown styles, sizes large and up; founded by Alexis Kris. PlusBKLYN.com

THE PLUS BUS BOUTIQUE: A Los Angeles, California-based plus-size sustainable fashion boutique taking the shame out of shopping and offering an unparalleled experience; founded by Jen Wilder and Marcy Guevara-Prete. ThePlusBus.com

THE PLUS CLOSET: Award-winning plus-size resale store in Nashville, Tennessee, offering pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories; founded by Julie Hollis and Shannon Clemons. ThePlusClosetNashville.MyShopify.com

PROUD MARY FASHION: A Los Angeles, California-based plus-size shop featuring vintage clothing and accessories and original eco-friendly designs; founded by Jessica Hinkle. ProudMaryFashion.com

TWO BIG BLONDES: A plus-size consignment shop located in Seattle, Washington, offering a warm and comfortable space to embrace the beauty of bigger bodies, with quality clothing at great prices; founded by two big blondes in the ’90s (Judy and Winnie) and now owned by a big brunette, Lisa Michaud. TwoBigBlondes.com

Photo: Eva Hagel/Boudoir by Eve for Cat Polivoda

About the Author

Aiden Howie is an elementary school educator who is passionate about fighting for equality and the rights of BIPOC and LGBTQ communities, as well as ending hunger.

About Publish Her

Publish Her is a female-founded publisher dedicated to educating authors and elevating the words, writing and stories of women. We are passionate about amplifying the voices of women of color, women with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to make publishing an attainable, exciting and collaborative process for all.