Search for decent plus-size denim

I screwed up.

I’ve been trying to do a cute little illustration for the upcoming name change. As soon as I get the visuals down and finish rewriting bits and pieces for the blog (like the about page etc), I’ll be switching Ethical Fat Fashion to ポッチャリSTYLE (POCCHARI STYLE). This is probably going to cut off in your email because of the photos, so please read in-browser or in-app.

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Last week I wrote about the importance of denim in fat fashion—essentially, here’s this one item that is lauded as a staple in a wardrobe, but do we have access to the same level of quality?

This week I’m going to go into my denim journey—one pair I already own and the six pairs I thrifted or bought new.

I definitely feel a wave of shame typing that out, because yeah, I didn’t want or need six whole pairs of jeans.

What I really wanted was a wide-leg light wash for the summer and a more tailored option in a richer colour for the winter. And no embellishments or anything ‘extra’—just basic denim that fit well. Simple, right?

Unfortunately—in our search for the ‘good stuff’—that fits us well, we often end up consuming things that don’t work out.

I started to feel desperate and bought from an emotional place.

I was quite naive in the beginning. I thought that if I kept an eye out as often as possible on Mercari, I was bound to find what I wanted.

I started with a search filter, 5L/US20 and above, and there’s a category specifically for denim. I checked obsessively over the course of several weeks, keeping an eye out for fabrication (cotton) and measurements.

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Let’s get into the 6 pairs I bought + the one I already own:

1/7: Thrifted pair of light wash jeans (5L)

Positives: lightweight and very easy to throw on. The length feels good.
Negatives: slightly too big, crotch too low/rise too long, fabric doesn’t feel like ‘true denim’ and is too thin, not good for summer because thighs will rub in the gap where the fabric doesn’t meet, elasticated waist.
Action: integrating into home wardrobe and late night grocery trips

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2/7: Thrifted pair of denim-like pants (5L)

Positives: despite not being denim, the fabric feels nice; it’s a tencel and cotton blend, really good for summer
Negatives: too long, too tight around the thighs, elasticated waist.
Action: save for a plus-size clothing swap or take to a secondhand store

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Now at this point in the journey, I went to the La Larfa spring event, and I was hopeful I’d find something. I did end up buying two dresses on pre-order but didn’t manage to find jeans. So I branched out to US brands in the hopes they could ship to me…