New preloved clothing market bringing inclusivity to Adelaide fashion

Attention curvy community! The state’s first inclusive preloved market is here, catering for sizes 14-30. Rummage through the racks and find one-off pieces – judgment not included.

Lauren Khabbaz is launching Adelaide's first preloved plus-size clothing market 'double' next month. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

For the first time, Adelaide’s plus-size community will be brought together to rummage through racks and share their sartorial style at the state’s first inclusive preloved market.

Double, a vintage event catering for sizes 14-30, is the brainchild of 34-year-old marriage celebrant Lauren Khabbaz, who realised there was a “huge gap in the market” for those in bigger bodies.

“I’ve seen so many beautiful preloved or recycled fashion markets that come through Adelaide or are a permanent fixture here, but I’ve personally never been able to shop at them,” Ms Khabbaz said.

“There are a large number of people in South Australia who are plus size, focused on sustainability and need accessibility to affordable, good quality fashion – but there was really nowhere to go.”

Ms Khabbaz said Double would champion inclusivity, giving shoppers the opportunity to try things on in person – some for the first time in years.

“There’s sometimes a feeling, as a person in a bigger body, that you aren’t welcome in stores because there’s nothing for you in there,” she said.

“Being able to physically try something on is something that people who are more regular-sized might take for granted.

“It will be quite invigorating to be sharing fashion ideas, interacting with people and meeting people that have similar experiences and enjoy similar clothes.”

Lauren Khabbaz is launching Adelaide's first preloved plus-size clothing market 'double' next month. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

While “99 per cent” of the clothes will be preloved from within Adelaide’s curvy community, Double will also feature sample pieces from local plus size brand Curvature.

Shoppers will also be given the opportunity to purchase one-off pieces created from recycled fabric.

“Local maker Louiza from Naked Pony is bringing calico pieces in her entire size range, so if anyone didn’t find something they like, they can try on a sample, choose the fabric and she will make it for them,” Ms Khabbaz said.

But Double’s ethos runs much deeper than just clothing.

“We really want to celebrate diversity in humankind. We are all so different – we look different, we come from different backgrounds but at the end of the way we are all people. We really value kindness above all else,” Ms Khabbaz said.

“People can just come for a chat, have a cuppa and a good time – even if they might not be shopping.

“It’s sometimes just nice to know that there’s a space you can go where there will be no judgment.”

Double’s first market will run from 1pm to 5pm on November 13 at 33 Cambridge Tce, Kingswood.