Alexis Hope Krase & Plus-Size Secondhand

“I opened Plus BKLYN in 2017 because I was so tired of how limited the options were for plus-size people like me! Especially in secondhand spaces. As a plus-size person, I found that options were so limited for brick-and-mortar businesses, and finding my size was nearly impossible. So I created the kind of shop I wished existed, where fat folks can feel celebrated, seen, and stylish.

We specialize in secondhand and vintage clothing exclusively in sizes 12 and up (or 1X–6X). We’re all about serving the plus-size community with cute, trendy, accessible pieces, the kind of stuff we as plus-size people always wished we could find in our size. Our vibe is fun, cheeky, and colorful. We carry a mix of modern resale, vintage gems, and standout statement jewelry pieces.

I’m a sucker for anything maximalist and loud. Give me animal print, pattern clashing, puff sleeves, fringe; I love pieces that feel like conversation starters. In terms of contemporary brands, options can be limited in my size, but I love Osei Duro, Fashion Brand Company, Wray (RIP), Tamara Malas, and other fun indie labels. I’m always on the hunt for plus-size vintage, especially anything with extra drama or those rare, unicorn-level pieces that feel one-of-a-kind.

If you want to make the secondhand space and industry better for plus-sized persons, start by including us!

That means buying, selling, and displaying plus sizes, not just a single token piece hidden in the back. Plus-sized people have style, taste, and money to spend. Shops and sellers can intentionally source plus-size inventory, learn what we want (hint: it’s the same cute styles our straight-sized friends wear), and show plus-size models wearing the clothes.

It takes patience and strategy to find plus-size secondhand.

I always say know your measurements and bring a measuring tape, because tags can lie (measurements don’t)! Don’t overlook the menswear section or oversized fits in straight sizes. Get familiar with brands that run large. Follow plus-focused resale accounts and boutiques (like us!) and search by measurements or keywords online. And don’t be afraid to ask stores if they have plus stuff tucked away...the more we demand it, the more likely stores will be to prioritize.

Fat people have existed since the beginning of time. And spoiler alert – we’ve had to be clothed just like everyone else. Finding great plus vintage takes more digging, and it often isn’t labeled or displayed correctly.

The challenge is access and visibility, not absence.

I do sometimes buy new, but I really try to prioritize secondhand whenever possible. Most of the pieces I wore in the shoot were either thrifted by me or came through our shop, Plus BKLYN is a buy-sell-trade boutique, so we get a ton of gems straight from our community. While I usually try to put the best pieces out on the floor to give everyone a shot at them first… sometimes I just can’t help myself when something amazing comes in. (Perks of the job, right?)

What I love most is that each of my outfits photographed for this article is getting a second life. There’s something really special about giving clothes a new story and about wearing pieces that already hold a little history and personality.

My style philosophy is simple: just f*cking wear it if you like it! Rules are silly. Screw all the nonsense about what fat people “should” wear — crop tops, bold prints, bodycon — it’s all fair game.

Being plus-size and expressing yourself through fashion is political, personal, and powerful.

We deserve to take up space and look good doing it.”

Plus Bklyn
671 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
@plusbklyn