Like many, I would like to update my wardrobe more often than my budget would allow. I do check out op shops to help add some extra flair to the wardrobe, but more recently I have been enjoying attending the Clothing Exchange at Federation Square in Melbourne.
The Clothing Exchange was developed by Kate Pears for her Masters of Fashion (by thesis) in 2004 at RMIT University:
The Clothing Exchange is a professional swapping service that promotes the simple notion of swapping instead of shopping for a better wardrobe and better world. The Clothing Exchange mediates the exchange of clothing donated by patrons in the form of a clothes swapping event.
There are now Clothing Exchange events in:
How the Clothing Exchange Works
You take along garments that are in very good condition, but that you no longer want. I took 4 items along the last time I went.
There is always a chance that you won’t find as many items as you like. I only found 3 that I really liked, but I took one more garment that I sort of liked as well. I have now stored that item to take and swap at the next Clothing Exchange I attend.
Quality Control at the Clothing Exchange
The team do carefully inspect all the clothes you take to swap. They pride themselves on keeping the quality of the items to exchange high.
For every item that passes quality control you receive a button – they are the currency for the evening. To take an item of clothing home with you, you need to exchange it for a button. Buttons are only valid for the night of the exchange.
Then it is the fun part – trying on clothes and finding something you love to take home. My favourite swap from last time were a pair of Superfine Jeans. They are not what I would ordinarily have bought, but every time I wear them people ask me about them. It is nice to have a fun story behind how I own them!
Have you participated in a Clothing Exchange before?
6 comments...read them below or add one
Love this idea. I’m going to check out Brisbane next time it’s on.
After I lost about 20kg, the girls that I had been walking with and weighing in with – we all has lost at least a couple of dress sizes – we ranged from size 10 to size 20, so we all did a big exchange – it was great!
This sounds fantastic. Is is sad that as a crafter I can only look at those buttons as awesome cardmaking potential?!
I’ve not done this before but it sounds like a ridiculous amount of good fun and right up my alley.
Will have to check it out!
I did this a couple of years ago on two occasions. One time was at an event in Fremantle (WA) at the town hall, Vintage Vixens and Vamps Vintage Fair in 2009. I have to say I was very disappointed with this event as the organisers allowed other people, members of the general public who had paid entry to the hall but were not participating in the actual exchange part of the Fair, into the exchange area (a small room) prior to the exchange. Anyone was allowed to purchase items prior to the exchange!! There were still items to be exchanged (at the set exchange time) but as you can imagine most of the really great stuff had already been purchased by people with enough spare cash!! Fair enough to sell off items after the exchange but I thought it very unfair (and strange) to do that prior to the exchange. I was going to contact the organisers with a complaint, can’t recall if I ever did or not. (I noticed the following year they didn’t advertise a clothing exchange!) The second event was a much smaller (and cheaper) affair at my local community hall and worked much the way you described in your post. It was great fun and most of us knew each other so we were helping each other find items. It was held in the evening too so we had nibblies and wine/champers. Great night away from kiddies.
I also regularly swap clothes with other friends when we catch up with a cuppa (for mums and kids). I think it is a great way to refresh and add some really unique items to your wardrobe.
What a fantastic idea. I’ve suggested to friends to organise a night, where we bring a few items we no longer wear (and too good for the op shop) and see if we can exchange clothes items and have a fun night. Hasn’t happened yet. We live in country SA, so no chance of going to a city doing this, but great idea!