I attended my first ever clothing swap yesterday. It was a community effort organized by a woman in my local Buy Nothing group, held at a public library in one of the meeting rooms. They provided racks, tables, hangers, and mirrors. I’d say about 20-25 of us brought in bags and boxes of clothes, shoes, accessories, and beauty products (unopened). I took in eight bags of stuff! Jeans, pants, tops, jackets, athletic wear, shoes, bags, and a lighted makeup mirror.

All in all, I’d estimate that around 50-60 people attended in just a couple of hours. They provided a little snack table as well, and had music playing. It was a nice vibe.

It was interesting to see what people chose to take. Tops and jackets were much more popular than bottoms (harder to try on is one factor), especially denim. And I had a lot of denim to give away! Apparently my shoe size is also a bit smaller than average around here too, LOL. But a nice new home was found for lots of things.

I think a swap is most effective when enough people participate that you get a variety of styles and sizes. It just so happened that one woman in particular took a bunch of my items — they happened to be the right size and vibe for her. I am now realizing too that I was the oldest person there (that feels really weird to acknowledge), and had more “designer”-ish things than most. I heard one young woman debating whether she could wear silk, LOL.

I brought home one item — a pair of turquoise madras plaid shorts that are a size too big but might work as a lightweight easy casual thing to wear around home in the summer, since I prefer shorts to fit loosely anyway. I also retrieved a couple of my own items that were not claimed but are nice/designer enough that I can consign them, and I kept one sweater I decided to reevaluate before I even put it up on the rack, LOL.

Otherwise, all the unclaimed pieces got packed up for donation to two local organizations who focus on putting the pieces directly into the hands of those who need them (not a reseller like Goodwill). Attendees were also encouraged to sign a petition supporting textile producer responsibility in our state, which I appreciate.

All in all, an interesting and productive experience! I’m glad I went and would definitely attend another one. I told the organizer I’d be happy to help with the next one.

Anyone else here ever attend a clothing swap? What was your experience like?