Why Finding Donated Big And Tall Clothes Is Nearly Impossible

If you’re a big and tall person trying to find secondhand clothes, good luck—you’ll need it. Walk into any thrift store, and you’ll see racks overflowing with smaller sizes, but try hunting down something in a plus-size fit? Yeah, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. People don’t donate big and tall clothing as often, and when they do, it’s either outdated, stretched out, or gone before you even get a chance to grab it.

If finding donated clothes was as easy as everyone seems to think, I must’ve really gotten screwed by fate, because that has never worked out for me like that.

Why the System Doesn’t Work for Big and Tall People

Here’s the issue: People donate clothes when they lose weight, change styles, or just clean out their closet. The average person doesn’t wear big and tall sizes, so naturally, there’s less of it in circulation. And when some decent items do show up? They disappear fast because other people in the same situation are also hunting for them.

So, waiting for the perfect big and tall jeans or a jacket that actually fits? Not gonna happen—not unless you have some serious luck.

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What You Can Do Instead

If regular donations aren’t cutting it, here are a few workarounds that might actually get you something decent:

1. Online Buy-Sell Groups

Forget thrift stores—check places like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even Reddit threads. There are big and tall clothing swaps where guys offload clothes they don’t need anymore. Some even offer free stuff for people who are struggling.

2. Community Help

Churches, shelters, or mutual aid groups might not have an official plus-size section, but that doesn’t mean they can’t connect you with someone who does. If you build relationships with the right people, you’re way more likely to get your hands on secondhand big and tall fashion that actually fits.

3. Warehouse and Clearance Sales

When donations fail, turn to big and tall discount retailers. Outlet malls, clearance warehouses, and discount chains regularly mark down larger sizes because fewer people buy them. If you hunt in the right places, you can score clothes for less than thrift store prices.

4. Tailoring and DIY Fixes

If you’ve got basic sewing skills (or know someone who does), thrifted clothes that are slightly off can be fixed. A quick waist adjustment or hemming turns an almost-right fit into something actually wearable.

Bottom Line

The harsh truth is that finding big and tall clothing through donations is pretty much a lost cause. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options—you just have to get creative. If thrift stores aren’t helping, try big and tall resale groups, local connections, or discount outlets for a better shot at clothes that actually fit.