Recommended Equipment for where to find vintage band t shirts for plus size men in los angeles thrift stores

Essential Shopping List for Plus Size Vintage Band Tees in LA Thrift Stores

• Measuring Tape – To check pit-to-pit and shirt length instantly.
• Vintage Band Tee Reference Book (e.g., “The Art of the Band T-Shirt”) – To identify authentic era-prints vs. modern reprints.
• Fabric Shaver / Lint Remover – To clean up pilled cotton on heavy-weight shirts.
• OxiClean Stain Remover Spray – For tackling armpit stains or mystery spots without ruining graphics.
• Foldable Canvas Tote Bag (Large) – To carry your finds while digging through bins.
• Blacklight Flashlight – To reveal invisible pet hair, urine marks, or faded screen print on dark tees.
• Digital Kitchen Scale (Pocket) – To weigh shirts and estimate fabric weight (heavier = older, better quality).
• Lightweight Cotton Tank Top (in Black or White) – To try on over your clothes (germ barrier) without messing up a thrift-store t-shirt.

Detailed Buying Guide

Why You Need a Measuring Tape (Not a Tailor’s Tape)

Most LA thrift stores (like the famous Out of the Closet on Santa Monica Blvd or Goodwill Boutique on Melrose) do not have fitting rooms for men, and many plus-size vintage tees are pre-shrunk or cut boxy. You cannot rely on tag sizes – a 2XL from the 80s might fit like a modern L, while a 4XL from the 90s might be a boxy one-size. Always measure pit-to-pit (armpit seam to armpit seam) and total length (center of collar to bottom hem). For a comfortable fit on a plus-size frame (chest 50–60 inches), look for at least 28–30 inches pit-to-pit and 30–32 inches length.

The Vintage Band Tee Reference Book Saves You Money

Fakes are rampant in LA thrift stores, especially for bands like Metallica, Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and The Ramones. A book like The Art of the Band T-Shirt shows you real 80s/90s tag styles (e.g., Broderick, Hanes Beefy-T, Fruit of the Loom Gold Label). Critical rule: if the tag is a modern Gilden or Bella+Canvas, it’s a reprint – skip it unless it’s a cool graphic. For plus sizes, old Hanes “X-Tra Heavy” or Fruit of the Loom Heavyweight tags (pre-2000) are gold – they hold shape better.

Fabric Shaver for Revival

Many thrifted band tees look awful due to pilling (fuzz balls) on the chest or shoulders. A fabric shaver instantly makes a $5 tee look like a $50 vintage score. Plus size tip: older tees in size 2XL+ often have pilling near the underarm area because of friction. Shave gently, then wash inside out – the graphic stays intact.

OxiClean Stain Remover Spray – The Band Tee Lifesaver

The worst enemy of a vintage band tee is yellow armpit stains from sweat. OxiClean spray works on protein stains without bleach (which destroys screen print). Spray, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse cold. For plus-size tees with heavy discoloration, pre-treat before washing – never put them in hot water or the dryer.

Foldable Canvas Tote – Because You’ll Dig Deep

LA thrift stores like Eco Thrift in Silver Lake or Buffalo Exchange (Hollywood) require you to sift through bins of unsorted clothing. A large, strong tote lets you grab 5–10 shirts quickly while you hunt. Pro move: bring two bags – one for “definitely buy,” one for “maybe” – to avoid checkout confusion.

Blacklight Flashlight – The Hidden Dirt Detector

Pet hair, urine, and even old deodorant residue glows under UV light. This is huge for thrift store finds because you can’t see yellow stains on dark fabrics. Shine it on the collar and underarms – if it glows green or blue, the stain won’t come out. Plus-size tees often have deodorant buildup near the neckline; a blacklight saves you from buying a ruined shirt.

Digital Pocket Scale for Weight Check

Old vintage band tees (pre-2000) are made with heavier cotton (7–8 oz. vs. modern 4–5 oz.). A heavier shirt drapes better on a plus-size body, doesn’t shrink as much, and feels premium. Weigh the tee – anything under 150 grams for a 2XL is likely a modern thin reprint. Over 200 grams? That’s a vintage heavyweight tee – buy it immediately.

Lightweight Cotton Tank Top – The Germ Barrier

You can’t try on thrift store clothes in LA due to hygiene laws. Wearing a lightweight tank top under your own clothes lets you pull the band tee over the tank top without touching the thrifted fabric to your skin. This prevents sweaty residue transfer and lets you check fit quickly. Plus size hack: bring one in a neutral color so it doesn’t show through the tee’s graphic.