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Who said updating your closet has to be expensive? In this economy? We share our best tips for attending your first clothing swap so you can exchange with ease
We’ve all been there: Standing in front of a closet overflowing with bits and bobs of different garments, our wilting sweaters slouching off hangers because the rods are just so packed.
What’s worse? The dreaded feeling washing over you: I have nothing to wear.
Overconsumption has become something of a buzzword online in recent months, and we certainly would all do well to consider the number of new things we bring into our wardrobes.
Further, a growing cost of living has put pressure on many to consider creative ways to do more with less.
Still, sometimes we feel uninspired by the things we own. We don’t want to contribute to the issue of global overconsumption, put a strain on our bank account or on those overpacked closet rods.
What are we to do?
Enter the clothing swap, an event where you can freshen up your wardrobe without buying more.
“Fast fashion fosters a culture of competition to keep up with the latest trends. They keep making too much clothing, and we keep buying it,” says Lisa Amerongen, founder of T.O. The Good Swap, a Toronto organization that since 2022 has hosted public clothing swaps to facilitate free clothing exchange in the community.
“Swapping encourages a shift toward mindful consumption, where people appreciate clothing for its longevity and story rather than for fleeting trends,” she says.
“It builds a culture of sharing, reducing waste and making fashion more accessible for everyone.”
If these events are the solution to the “add-to-cart-to-donation-box” pipeline, where can we sign up?
A clothing swap is an event where participants freely donate clothes and other items to exchange for items brought by other participants. Swappable items include, of course, clothing — but also home goods, books, textiles or other items.
Since time immemorial, people have intentionally shared resources during tough times.
Clothing Swaps founder Suzanne Agasi is credited as formally launching the concept of a clothing swap event in 1994, primarily for the same purpose that clothing swaps exist today: save money, connect with your community and reduce consumption/textile waste.
The concept of a clothing swap is simple: Bring your pre-loved clothing, drop it in the pile (or give it to volunteers), and then peruse what others have brought.
If you find something you love, throw it in your bag and keep browsing. Because you’ve freely donated everything you’ve brought, the items you take are also free. Win-win!
Some clothing swap events are run on a one-in-one-out model, meaning if you bring five items, you take up to five items. Other swap events don’t count donated items — they just want people to participate with whatever they have.
Regardless of the model, these events encourage a circular economy based on a system of free exchange, and an improved sense of community.
The result can be a feel-good effect, new friendships and, ultimately, more dollars in your pocket when you consume donated secondhand items instead of browsing online for new things.
First, consider what you’ll bring. Do you own garments you no longer wear, but are still in great condition?
Ensure the items are washed before donating them to the swap.
Aim to bring a single bag of swappable items; these events are often run by volunteers, and they’re doing their best to parse through many donations. The less junk, the better.
Visit the swap with an open mind. You might find gems you’re not expecting!
The overall principle when it comes to attending an organized clothing swap is to check their community guidelines. Organizers have likely written these guidelines based on lived experience, so take a moment to familiarize yourself with them.
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Here are a few basics:
A note for resellers: Whether you resell a few things here and there, or if you own a vintage/resale business, it’s generally good etiquette to attend with the intention to find things primarily for your personal use or for someone you know (unless otherwise indicated by the swap hosts).
Lisa at T.O. The Good Swap offers her top tips on swapping:
“Relax! The thrill of the hunt is real, but remember it’s a community event, not a shopping mall.”
“Don’t be afraid to step out of your fashion comfort zone — swaps are a great opportunity to experiment without financial risk,” Lisa says. “It’s the perfect time to try a bold colour or a style you wouldn’t normally choose.”
“Try on items as you go to let others have a chance. This also helps ensure that what you take fits well and suits your personal style, reducing the likelihood of items sitting unworn in your closet,” says Lisa.
Better yet, know your measurements and bring a fabric measuring tape. One quick flick of the measuring tape will let you know if the item is worth trying on.
“Lastly, have fun! Swapping is about the joy of discovery, sharing and sustainable fashion,” says Lisa. “Keep an open mind, and you’ll likely walk away with something wonderful.”
Each clothing swap is different.
Some are free to attend as long as you bring items to swap.
Some encourage a small donation to mitigate costs incurred, such as renting the swap space and storing donated goods.
If providing a donation is not feasible financially, let the swap hosts know; generally speaking, a social commitment toward accessibility and community drives these events, not profit.
Other clothing swaps may be ticketed events, depending on the quality of items expected at the swap and if there is programming in addition to the swap itself.
Check costs online before attending any clothing swap event and, if you’re not sure, ask!
Try Googling “clothing swap” + [your city].” You can also search local listings on places like Eventbrite or Facebook.
Alternatively, following thrifty folks or clothing swap organizers on social media can point towards like-minded initiatives locally.
But what if you don’t live near a big city? You can be the change: Try hosting one in your local community, or with a group of friends.
As a result of her efforts, Lisa at T.O. The Good Swap has seen a community of swappers blossom around these events.
“It's wonderful to see [swappers] build friendships and connections,” she says. “It’s been truly heartening to see how swapping has grown!”
If any of the above has piqued your interest, check out a clothing swap near you, or try hosting one yourself.
Why live with an overfull, smushed-up closet that you don’t love when your closet could be full of someone else’s treasures?
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Holly LM is a Toronto-based freelance writer covering secondhand, vintage and sustainability.
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