When discussing sustainability in fashion, it often feels like there’s an invisible velvet rope—and if you’re plus size, you’re stuck waving on the other side. It’s frustrating, right? How can we talk about building a greener wardrobe when the “eco-friendly” options barely make it past a size 12? That’s why Harlem’s Fashion Row’s 4th Annual Sustainability event was such a breath of fresh air.
This event is the first of its kind, featuring several notable fashion speakers and experts. The event’s purpose is to educate and provide tools on sustainable practices in the apparel industry, in addition to serving as a sounding board for Designers of Color who have proven success in the fashion space. For those of us who feel left out of the sustainability movement, this event was a reminder: we deserve better and to be part of the change.
The Sustainability Snub
Let’s be real: plus-size folks are often left out of the sustainability convo because the industry has some significant blind spots. Sustainable brands? Most of them stop at size L. Eco-influencers? Rarely do we see bodies that look like ours. Even thrifting can feel tricky when the “curated vintage rack” offers exactly one dusty pair of stretchy jeans. So yeah—it’s not just you. It’s the system.
Harlem’s Fashion Row took that on headfirst. This year’s panel featured a smart, stylish lineup of designers, stylists, and sustainability experts who didn’t shy away from these realities. They discussed how upcycling, thrifting, and even DIY fashion are not just Earth-saving moves—they’re powerful tools that plus size people can utilize to express style and creativity outside the limited retail options we usually get.
Thrifting and Upcycling: The Ultimate Power Moves
Panelists emphasized that thrifting isn’t just about scoring a bargain—it’s about finding unique pieces you can tweak, twist, and tailor into your dream wardrobe. It’s a sustainable rebellion against a system that pretends we don’t exist. Upcycling? Same vibe. Taking an oversized shirt or a vintage dress and making it your own is like saying, “Your tiny eco-sizes aren’t my limit. Watch me work.”
How to Slay the Sustainability Game
For me, as a plus size attendee, the big takeaway was this: sustainability isn’t about fitting into some tiny mold. It’s about expanding the conversation—and carving out your own space. Even if brands aren’t offering eco-friendly options in your size yet, you can still participate by thrifting, swapping, customizing, and supporting makers who prioritize inclusivity.
Here’s how you can start:
- Thrift creatively. Hit thrift stores and hunt for gems you can alter or style your way.
- Upcycle old pieces. Are you bored with a jacket? Add studs, dye it, crop it—make it new again!
- Support indie brands. Many small designers offer custom sizing and prioritize slow fashion.
- Host swap parties. Get your crew together and refresh your wardrobe sustainably (and for free).
- Invest in quality. Buy fewer pieces that last longer, and tailor them to fit you perfectly.
The 4th Annual Sustainability Event by Harlem’s Fashion Row was a loud, proud reminder for me that plus size people belong in every part of the fashion conversation—including sustainability. It’s about time we stopped treating plus size bodies as an afterthought in eco-friendly fashion and started seeing them as essential voices leading the charge.
So the next time someone says “sustainable fashion” and you don’t see yourself reflected, don’t get discouraged. Be the force that redefines it. Thrift it, flip it, DIY it, and strut it. Sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is style.
What sustainable practices have you adopted as a curvy fashionista? Let us know in the comments!
