We've wanted to do a plus-size swap for a while, and after hearing from lots of people who left our regular swaps empty-handed because there just weren't enough clothes in their size, we thought it was time.
The idea is simple: if more people who wear larger sizes come together to swap, there's a much better chance of everyone finding something that actually fits. We also hope it encourages people to bring along the clothes they've been hanging onto because they know how hard it can be to find good plus-size options second-hand. Hopefully this is the first of many, and it'll help us grow the amount of larger-size clothing at all of our swaps too. Bring clothes you no longer wear, have a browse, and hopefully leave with something you'll love and some new friends.
There is free tea/coffee at QueerSwap Studio and outside food/drink is permitted.
❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🖤 WHAT TO BRING 🖤💜💙💚💛🧡❤️
As a rough sizing guide, this swap is for people who wear clothing equivalent to or above:
- UK women's: Size 16+ or L/XL+
- UK men's: Size L+
- Waist: 32" (81 cm) and above
- Chest: 40" (102 cm) and above
These are just guidelines to give people an idea of the kinds of sizes we're looking for. Clothing sizes vary between brands, so if you're unsure, don't worry too much!
We will not accept any dirty items, or items that are stained, torn (unless “distressed” intentionally), missing buttons, have broken zips, etc. We also will not accept underwear(pants), socks, tights/hosiery, or earrings/piercings unless new in packaging. Shoes and coats must be in great condition or better, and clean!
We do allow hats, scarves, belts, bracelets, necklaces, binders, corsets, bodysuits, and bags.
We will NOT accept children’s/youth clothing at this swap.
If you have more than 10 items you may bring the excess as a donation. You will still be capped at 10 swapping tickets in order to help ensure everyone can find items.
There are toilets and showers you can change in to try items on.
❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🖤 HOW IT WORKS 🖤💜💙💚💛🧡❤️
Swap participants are welcome to bring up to 10 items of gently-used clothing and exchange them for new-to-you items that suit their current style. When you arrive you will exchange your swappable items for tokens. You can then browse items brought by others, and “check out” at the end by “cashing in” your tokens for those items.
1 item = 1 token to exchange 🔄
Once the items are traded for tokens they go straight onto the floor, so make sure you are 100% sure before you pass them over.
Then you can look at all the items brought by other people, take a break to check out the market or grab a bite, do another lap to see if anything else you like has been added, and “check-out” with your chosen items whenever you are finished. We encourage people to arrive earlier so they can get the most out of the event and see more items that come into the swap before they are snagged by someone else.
❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🖤 TICKETS & DONATIONS 🖤💜💙💚💛🧡❤️
Tickets are PWYC to make sure this space stays financially accessible to all. If you're able to pitch in more to help cover our costs, we always appreciate it. With the current economic climate, it is getting harder and harder to find venues that are willing or able offer us free space, and we may have to start paying hire fees to continue running.
❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🖤 ACCESSIBILITY 🖤💜💙💚💛🧡❤️
The venue is step-free and wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet on a different floor, accessible by lift. Clothing will be hung on industrial rails, which will be about 1.65m high, and some items will be on normal height tables. If you are a wheelchair user you may need assistance accessing the free coffee/tea cabinets; please ask one of our volunteers, we are happy to help. At times it may be busy and harder to maneuver; we will do our best to manage the flow of people and crowding.