What is a Clothes Swap?
A clothes swap put quite simply is any event where clothes are swapped. Although these events run in a variety of different ways and locations, they will generally work around the premise that those attending bring up to a set number of items of clothing and / or accessories in return for the right to take home up to the same number of items from those available.
Clothes Swaps often raise money for charity, either through charging for admission or through donations. The number of items swappers can bring varies considerably, from up to 20 – or even unrestricted – to just a couple per person. Whilst some swaps are ticketed and include refreshments and / or a talk, others are run on a turn-up-at-any-time basis. Depending on the venue, there may be an opportunity to try on items. Whatever the expectations from the organisers, there are likely to be points to note for those attending, so if the event you want to attend is on Eventbrite, check to see if there are FAQs, or if unsure, contact the organiser. Information is likely to include expectations around the quality and type of garments. As a guide, organisers are likely to request clean, undamaged garments of a quality you might see on an app like Vinted or in a charity shop. Some Swaps will accept clothing for all genders, whilst others may be women-only events. Children’s clothing and sleepwear may be against the rules and undies are a definite ‘no no’ – so no knickers please!
Why Should I Attend a Clothes Swap?
Although Clothes Swaps have more formally been around since the 1990s, with the rise in the cost of living and the impact of the fast fashion industry on climate change, Clothes Swaps are an affordable and environmentally friendly choice for the 21st-century fashionista.
The impact of the fashion industry on the planet, its people and animals is far from a heartwarming story. The fashion industry has grown exponentially, fuelling consumer demand for ever-new collections and throw-away habits. The United Nations names and shames the fashion sector as the third greatest polluter globally. A clothing fashion brand will typically over-manufacture by a shocking 30%, in the knowledge that these garments will remain unsold and end up in landfill.
Building our wardrobe from others’ cast-offs on the other hand is a sustainable, future-friendly fashion approach, whether this is buying preloved online, browsing the charity-shop rails or attending a clothes swap. Nothing new is created so there is no impact on planet, people or wildlife; unwanted clothing is reused or repurposed; often support for a charity is involved, and items are usually cheaper. In addition, the beauty of the not-so-new market is that we can create a more individual look, no longer reliant on the limited colours and styles in a particular season or collection. In addition, a Clothes Swap is a social event, often with refreshments included or on sale, and it is likely to be pocket-friendly, with only the admission charge or donation to a charity.
5 Top Tips for Clothes Swappers
1. Accessorise. Bring a mixture of clothes and accessories (bags, scarves, jewellery, hats – depending on what’s permitted at the swap you attend). This provides swappers with options that don’t depend on size.
2. Size doesn’t (always) matter. Sizing varies considerably from one brand to another. A brand’s sizing may well have increased over time – so-called vanity sizing – so you can’t always go by the label. On the other hand, washing and tumble drying by the original owner may have caused an item to shrink. Hold it up to view or try on if able to.
3. Don’t ‘genderise’. If your event is open to all genders, you’ll find items that will work well whatever your gender: t-shirts, belts, hats, trainers, jackets, even trousers – brands even market some items as ‘boyfriend’ style.
4. Think outside the box. If something you like in terms of fabric or pattern isn’t quite right for you in style or size, ask yourself if you could customise or repurpose it. No sewing skills? These aren’t always needed, and dresses can be trimmed into skirts or tops, jeans can be cut for the raw-hem look and the sleeves of a jumper can be removed to make a fashion-forward tank top or sweater vest as we often hear them called these days.
5. It’s not all about you! If you are struggling to find something you like or that fits, widen your search to take in options for friends and family: would Tina like the tee, Shona the shoes or Jenny the jeans?
And finally, come prepared – whether that’s with an open mind to finding some preloved gems, the chance to chat with other swappers or some extra bags in case the items you take home are bigger than those brought. For charity events, come armed with cash or the means to make a bank transfer.
My Charity Clothes Swap Event
My Charity Clothes Swap event comes at the end of Second-Hand September and is a fund raiser for Hull Help for Refugees. It’s at Zion Church on Hallgate in Cottingham, East Yorkshire, from 7 to 9 pm on Thursday 26th September 2024. Bring up to six items to swap (adult clothing for any gender) between 7 and 7:15 pm. You’ll be treated to a non-alcoholic drink and nibbles while we set out the rails and tables, and a representative from the charity and I will both give a short talk before we start swapping. This is a ticketed event, so please click here to book on Eventbrite or contact me.
And finally, for those in the Hull area, HU5 with Friends run a well-run and well-attended Clothes Swap every couple of months. Click here to follow them on Instagram to keep posted about the next one.
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