Fat Fashion, Real Joy
Edmonton’s plus-size thrift store celebrates with community clothing event
VICTORIA STEVENS
Fny, shopping for clothes should feel like a fun form of self-expression. But for plus-size shoppers, it’s often a discouraging scavenger hunt — where stylish options are rare, price tags are steep, and sustainability is frequently sidelined.
Back in 2020, London Blackwood found themselves feeling that same frustration. After entering the world of thrifting through their partner, they found they were even more frustrated. That changed after watching a YouTube video of a plus-size traveler struggling to find clothing that fit her body across different countries. After watching one episode where the youtuber went to a plus size thrift store, Blackwood wondered why there wasn't one in Edmonton.
Enter Chubby Fem Thrift — Blackwood’s answer to that gap. Now, nearly five years later, the shop is thriving and preparing to celebrate its anniversary with a special event that promises not just accessible fashion, but community connection.
“The thing I really love about what we do is that once people find us, they usually become lifetime customers,” Blackwood shares. “There’s nothing like us, especially locally. We need clothes because it’s illegal to be naked, so I never understood why they didn’t make clothes that we actually want.”
The need is undeniable. Over 50 per cent of Canadians wear plus sizes, yet far fewer than half of retail stores — both online and brick-and-mortar — carry clothing above size 14. When those sizes are available, they’re often hidden at the back, off-trend, or priced well above average. Thrifting, a more affordable and sustainable option, comes with its own set of obstacles. With oversized styles dominating mainstream fashion, straight-size shoppers have been snapping up plus-size garments for the trendy "baggy" look, further shrinking an already limited pool.
Blackwood, who operates Chubby Fem Thrift primarily online, understands that not everyone can gauge fit from a screen. Fabric sensitivities, sizing inconsistencies, and the desire to touch and try before buying are all barriers that are not uncommon. That’s why, to mark the shop’s fifth birthday, they’re hosting a two-day “Pay-What-You-Can” big bin event at Pe Metawe on Alberta Avenue.
On June 14 and 15, from 11 am to 5 pm, shoppers can explore bins full of plus-size thrift finds. No algorithms, no guesswork: just the joy of discovering clothing that fits and feels right. While items won’t be displayed individually as on the website, attendees can inspect tags, check textures and find gems at prices that work for every budget.
“Fat people deserve clothes. Fat people deserve awesome clothes,” Blackwood emphasizes. “Our community has blessed us so much, and we really really want to pass that on. Serving those in need is part of our values.”
Blackwood also offers some practical tips for event-goers: bring a favorite item from your closet as a reference for fit, and remember that sizing can vary wildly (even within the same brand). And of course, give your new clothes a wash before wearing them.
The event is more than just a sale — it’s a celebration of body positivity, fashion inclusivity, and grassroots community care.
“We’re excited to let people know that we’re here,” says Blackwood. “And we’re not going anywhere.”
Chubby Femme Thrift’s Big Bin Event
June 14 & 15, 2025
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pe Metawe, 11805 94 St NW (Entrance along 94 St)
Pay-What-You-Can | Everyone Welcome |
Great article!