Plus-size clothing swap in Vancouver will offer free clothes and community

A new plus-sizeclothing swap will offer Vancouverites free second-hand clothing size 14 and up, but organizers say itwill also offermore thanthat.

Organizers of YVR Fat Clothing Swapsay they want to create a welcoming community for those who have historically been excluded from the fashion industry.

"In Vancouver it can be hard to find inclusive spaces as a fat person," said clothing swap co-organizer Andrina Fawcett.

Fawcett and others have been collecting donations over the past month for their first swap, which will take place Sunday from 10a.m. to 1 p.m.at Celebrities Nightclub on Davie Street.

They estimate they have amassed between 600 and 900 plus-sizegarments.

Fawcett says there are few clothingoptions in bigger sizes in Vancouver, and the limited selection often comes with a high price tag.

"We found ourselves really frustrated by how expensive and sparse options for fashionable fat clothing are in this city," Fawcett said.

"We wanted to do something about it."

Co-organizer Isobel Bemrose-Fetterhopes the eventwill keep clothing out of landfills while fostering body positivity.

"There is a broad range in body types, and that's pretty beautiful," she said.

Bemrose-Fetter says the eventwill give plus-size people the opportunity to shop and meet others in a safe and comfortable space.

"You're around other people who look like you. And so it can be a really great way to try and engage with your community and get opinions," she said.

Entry is by donationwith a suggested donation of $10. Organizers recommend each person take around five items.

Organizers say they hope to host more similar swaps in the future.

Community spaces

Vancouver-based model and writer Lydia Okello says the city lacks community spaces for plus-sizepeople.

"Events like this make me feel positive and excited that there will be more for us in the future," Okello said.

"I think it's very much needed."

For those over size 14, there are not manyoptions for an in-person shopping experience,Okello says.For those looking to purchase pre-ownedclothes, plus-size optionsare even more limited.

"It definitely ties into fashion's long history of fatphobia and anti-fat bias," they said. "I think that that's extremely prevalent even today."