Shop for Free: How to Host a Clothes Swap

By Jane Comben

Back to work and feel like updating your work clothes, wanting something new for an interview or just want to boost your confidence with some snazzy new gear?

Call it a Clothes Swap, Swap Meet or Swishing, it's a great way to clear out and update your wardrobe... without spending a cent. 

How does it work?
You and your friends pool the clothes you no longer wear and take a new outfit home for free.

Why a Clothes Swap?

• It's fun.
• It's free.
• It's a good activity to bring your different groups of friends together.
• It caters for all shapes and sizes.
• Recycling is good for the planet.
• It's a brilliant excuse to clear out your wardrobe. (You know those things that don't quite fit or you never really liked but paid a fortune for?)
• You can try out new looks with no risk.
• It's completely guilt-free

How do they work?
I've heard of swaps where you trade your clothes for buttons which you "spend" on new clothes, and others where you divide clothes into three piles of different value. But that sounds quite complicated and this is all about having fun. So here are a few tips on what has worked for me and my swaps.

Preparing for the Swap

• Invite a wide range of shapes, sizes and tastes.
• Encourage your guests to bring a wide range of items; clothes, accessories, jewellery, shoes and even books work.
• Some friends may be nervous if they don't know how it works, are concerned they're "too fat/tall/small" or think they've got nothing to bring. I keep it low pressure, say they can come for a drink anyway and everyone can fit shoes, jewellery or a book. Often these are the guests who go home with the most stuff!
• Ask that clothing is clean.
• Be clear where the leftover items will go. (Charity shop, School Gala, clothing bin etc.)

On the day

• Offer nibbles to encourage guests to relax (bring a plate, bubbles, cocktails, afternoon tea...)
• Consider an icebreaker activity if guests don't know each other very well. The Chocolate Game is good for a laugh (You know that kids game where you take turns rolling a dice and the person who rolls a six puts on hat, gloves, scarf and attempts to eat a chocolate bar with knife and fork?)
• Provide changing rooms. Bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets work with as many mirrors as you can find. If there is only one full length mirror put it somewhere central, like the hall.
• Display your stock. Hangers are ideal but if space is tight try grouping into piles. Maybe by size or clothing type.

Some rules that help

• Have a safe place for bags and coats that aren't up for grabs!
• Remind guests to "play nice" and select only a couple of items to try at a time. Everyone wants to go home happy.
• Encourage guests to recommend items that don't fit them to others that might like them.

Host Perks
You get to rummage at leisure through all the leftovers before they hit the op shop. That, and your friends will thank you.

Check out our facebook page to see us wearing our favourite clothes swap clothes or leave a comment about your best second-hand bargain below.

Happy swapping!
(JC)