https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 02:15:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285745 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:32:37 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 285745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha, high five, QM...my thoughts exactly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285744 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:28:50 +0000 Queen Mum 285744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think if I saw something and was tempted to ask "WHY are you giving that away?" I'd bite my tongue and snatch it up hoping you didn't change your mind </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285743 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:09:31 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 285743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Huh. What am I missing? That doesn't sound like an embarrassing question. If someone made the comment, "well, I can see why you're giving THAT away," now that's embarrassing. lol</p> <p>It also sounds like once all the items are grouped accordingly, no one remembers who brought what, so there's no running tally of "wow, I can't believe she wasted $x." Not to mention that people don't only bring things that didn't work for them, people bring items that they are bored with or that no longer function in their wardrobe due to their own fashion evolution - not every item is a purchase mistake. It sounds like Angie purges items each year because of various reasons other than fit. </p> <p>The CT swap is too far for me to travel, but I know you girls will have so much fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285725 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:00:06 +0000 stringy 285725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hosted a swap for my friends last year, and no-one asked why anything was put forward. Sometimes people volunteered info - one girl was only giving a top away because it was too tight around the bustline, which was useful info for the rest of us who might be a similar size to her. Or sometimes it's just that the colour is better suited to someone else. </p> <p>But really, I think everyone was too busy keeping an eye out for good loot to judge anyone else's decisions </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285710 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:14:01 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 285710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny you ask this - I haven't been to a clothing swap yet, but I do get together with some other local sewers, and we talk about what we've been making and swap fabric and patterns. The last time we met, I got talked into taking a piece of fabric back with me, because everyone was so insistent that it suited me perfectly. It was kinda funny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285566 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:41:51 +0000 Lisa 285566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tee hee, over analyzing swap choices? Puleaze, do you realize how LONG it's taking me to purge my closet! Too much second and third and fourth guessing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285460 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:37:23 +0000 AJ 285460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL! April, I speak from experience...I overthink too! </p> <p>Since this was my first swap, many anxious thoughts were going through my head. For instance, since I'm a bargain shopper, I was nervous that my items were not "good enough." I probably brought an even ratio of accessories to clothing items. When all was said and done, I didn't have any accessories left on the table and half of my clothing was taken. So I felt good about what I brought.</p> <p>Plus I just can't repeat enough how awesome it was to see my castoffs working on others! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285450 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:19:09 +0000 April 285450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"April, don't overthink it."</p> <p>AJ, you've nailed my biggest problem, and we've never even met! Thank you. I shall try to cultivate more heedlessness where these self-doubts tend to creep in... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285448 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:16:10 +0000 AJ 285448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question! When I was trying on a blazer at the swap, the owner said to me, "I love that blazer." </p> <p>So it was automatic that I asked, "Why aren't you keeping it then?"</p> <p>She responded, "Because I couldn't find a way to make it work in my wardrobe." After that statement, I realized that the blazer was a bit trendy for this gal who has great classic clothing pieces. She buys killer shoes which gives her classic pieces modern edge. So I can see how the military blazer would seem off to her.</p> <p>I actually think you'll gain some new insight into why things don't work for you if you are posed this question. Maybe you will initially feel pangs of guilt over all the money spent but this give away will help get those guilt inducing items out of your life. In addition, as some have already posted in their swap experience, it is so FUN to see an orphan item of yours look STUNNING on someone else! You'll feel like you are absolutely blessing someone with an amazing gift!</p> <p>I'm sure you will not be asked "why" each and every time. I don't think I would of asked my question, if the owner hadn't said she loved it.</p> <p>April, don't overthink it. Just add to the swap pile if it's unloved. I didn't go around thinking anything negative about the owners of the items. I was too busy trying to grab while the going was good! LOL!</p> <p>This was my first swap and I'm totally addicted now! I'm going to try to organize one for my church! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285447 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:15:43 +0000 April 285447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm certainly glad to hear these responses.</p> <p>I guess that means I shouldn't keep fabulous items out of the swap pile just because I'm a bit shy about not wearing them... CT swappers, take note! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285442 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:03:32 +0000 MsMary 285442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't remember hearing that question at the Pasadena swap. I do remember people saying things like "That dress you're wearing came from me -- I could just never get it to work but it looks fab on you!" But nobody questioned why anybody brought what they brought, I don't think. We were all just so happy to see the fab offerings!</p> <p>I do remember a couple of people saying things like "Are you SURE you want to let this fab thing go?" LOL But everybody TOTALLY gets that we all have closet orphans and nobody felt the need to look a fantastic gift horse in the mouth! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285440 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:00:20 +0000 Kim 285440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your answer is perfect. I too am culling things I don't find myself wearing and they are simply being donated as there is no swap near me. I am using it as an opportunity to remind myself to purchase a little more wisely next time...I need to take a picture of the pile of things I'm sending away and post it inside my closet (or wallet) as a reminder! LOL</p> <p>I don't think anyone will question why you don't wear it, we all have our favorites and these just don't happen to be yours anymore. Better someone else get to love them now, rather than them just sitting in your closet taking up space. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-clothing-swap-etiquette#post-285435 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:54:46 +0000 April 285435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm hoping those of you who have (now) been to a swap can comment on this. </p> <p>I'm finding myself, as I assemble my growing swap pile, feeling sheepish about adding some items to the pile, for fear of having to answer the "But WHY aren't you keeping THIS?" question. Silly, I know. My only criterion for adding things to the swap pile is "I find myself not wearing it," but then I feel that I'm not shopping wisely if I'm buying things that I don't wear.</p> <p>So my question is, is "But WHY" a question that actually comes up at a swap, or are people just happy to see something they like and not so interested in why you're swapping it? </p>