Words by Grace Kinter
Somewhere down the line, I became labeled in my friend group as the one who hates shopping. I never wanted to make my friends uncomfortable, so I always had watered-down excuses on deck: it’s frustrating when you don’t find what you’re looking for, I have better things to do, it’s not in the budget, etc. But the truth was always bubbling at the surface, waiting to be expelled like steam from a kettle: most stores don’t carry clothes in my size, and if they do, it’s a micro percentage.
Feeling like you’re an afterthought or an unwanted customer stings. I’ve had some dark moments in dressing rooms, which led me to avoid them altogether. But I’m not alone, and I’m not even that micro percentage I’ve been made to feel like. There’s a sweeping population of plus-sized people in the world, and we deserve to have spaces that don’t make us feel othered or like we need to squeeze into anything (literally and figuratively).
LA’s first plus-sized flea market, Thick Thrift, happens once a month on every third Saturday. The wildly successful market started as small monthly yard sales, which led friends Aya, Dove, and Mia to dream up a larger-scale event for people like them. Apparently, they didn’t dream quite big enough because, to their surprise, 1,000 people showed up to their very first flea market. In addition to clothing, Thick Thrift features vendors offering accessories, art, homegoods, food, drink, and more.
Thick Thrift is more than just a market for plus-sized folks. It’s a movement based on years of systemic disappointment and the dismissal of plus-sized people in fashion/retail spaces. It’s a breath of fresh air for the plus-sized people who have always known their worth and now have a cute, fun place to flaunt it, but it’s also a safe, inclusive space for people who may not be as far along on their journey. One of the founders, Aya, says it’s rewarding to see people get the experience they deserve. “There was a girl who brought her family to Thick Thrift for her 16th birthday. Instead of having a traditional birthday, she just wanted to shop and have all the options in her size. I also love when people bring their parents who definitely didn’t have this as an option then, and see their personal style develop,” Aya shares. Having the resources and encouragement to adapt and craft your personal style should not be conditional. As we wait for brands and major stores to catch up on what plus-sized people deserve, Thick Thrift offers a glimmer of hope.
At the most, Thick Thrift is a spiritually uplifting experience. At the least, it’s a fabulous and empowering way to spend your afternoon. No more bitter frustration of leaving empty-handed, and there’s a good chance your heart will be even fuller than your reusable shopping bags on your way out.
