Have We Lost Our Way with Clothing Swap?

+ Swap advice

Swaps are for community, not for things.

*If you don’t know what a swap is, scroll down to, “Clothes tell a story.“

Scenes from Reclypt Swaps

I don’t have the energy to dive into the history of ‘swaps’ - but how did we end up here?

“Here” being a place where discovering, going to, then leaving a clothing swap often fails to foster a sense of community. Swapping valued but unused items is ONLY possible with community, where did that get lost?

I’m not suggested we invite everyone we see at a swap over for dinner, but is it just me, or have swaps these days turned very individualistic?!

For swap do’s and don’t, keep scrolling.

The downfall starts when gathering items to bring to a swap.

Do people not consider others when they pack used underwear, leggings with the elastic long gone, or a shirt they wouldn’t wear themselves? Swaps aren’t a place to dump unusable clothes. Yes, it can be difficult to find somewhere to dump those unusables, but to essentially force a fellow swapper to riffle through that is kinda selfish, no?

While we’re here, a colleague just pointed out the elitist notions that people have when gathering swap items that they’d wouldn’t wear themselves. If you wouldn’t wear it, what makes you think someone else would? I’m talking about damaged, very used, wouldn’t wear clothes because they’re something wrong with it, NOT because of style.

The idea that someone would be so lucky to have that one sock or shirt covered in moth holes with a stretched out collar that you’d never, is quite snobbish, right? NOW, don’t get me wrong, someone would be delighted to find that and mend or upcycle it, but it’s privileged to assume someone else will do work (& have the time and/or money to do so) from something you carelessly dumped.

I said what I said.

My point is proven by the overwhelming amount of stuff that remains once the crowd has cleared. A clothing swap has turned into a dumping event. If you’ve ever hosted a clothing swap, you know this all too well.

I think I’ve ranted enough about the lack of community in swaps, but I’m sure they’ll be more in the future.

As discussed this past Wednesday during Reclypt’s Circular Salon at NYC Fair Trade Coalition’s new Sustainable Fashion Community Center in Harlem. We were at a swap shop, talking swaps, AND swapping! Swaps connect people.

NYCFTC does a lot of wonderful things, one of which is their swap shop. Here’s what they have to say about it: ‘you can pay with your time or your money.’ Sign up to volunteer and swap one for one. Example: bring 5 items, take 5 items. You can also become a member for $11 a month and swap one for one as well.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been to a swap. And I’d bet you have opinions on them too.

For those who haven’t been to a clothing swap, here’s Reclypt’s POV:

Clothes tell a story. At Reclypt’s clothing swaps, we love sharing those stories. From the cherished memories of a favorite sweater to the adventures of a well-traveled dress. These stories are meant to be shared. And the best part, those clothes are about to find a new narrator!

In an effort to make circular fashion accessible and support fair wages, there is a fee to enter our swaps. The items you swap, however, are free.

To provide a high quality swap, participants are encouraged to bring 5 of their best pieces. While everyone arrives and drops off their swappables to be organized, they’re encouraged to mingle and window shop the swap (check out which items are up for grabs and determine which you’d like to try on). Sometimes during this time, we’ll engage in a group discussion on a set topic. Then, participants will begin swapping! First come, first served, so be punctual if you can! The swap concludes when everyone has finished “shopping”, at which time all remaining items will be gathered for donation.

Swaps are an affordable, accessible, and fun way to connect with community and revamp your wardrobe.

Not to mention, a great way to keep textiles out of landfill! I’m sure since you’ve started reading you’ve thought of…

1. something in your closet that you need to get rid of, but want to make sure it’s going to a good home

2. your favorite swap item! Mine’s shiny black tuxedo shoes.

Swaps can be tricky though.

While it feels good to get rid of things, the imbalance of not finding something or unknown of what’s going to be at the swap can be unenjoyable. Swaps can be

• difficult to find

• lacking in size & “gender” selection

• another way to overconsume

• crowded

• chaotic

• messy

• & more

Here’s what we discussed to help the entire swapping experience!

Share yours in the comments!

Do:

• Emphasize community more than “things”

  • This starts from conception, continues through marketing, and comes to life at the swap, then truly flourishes afterwards.

• Only bring something you’d give to your good friend.

  • Damaged items are for mending club!

• Doubt means don’t - avoid overconsumption

  • If you’re doubting it, don’t take it. Brining it home won’t change the item, but now it’d your problem. (this goes for all shopping)

• Bring quality to expect quality.

• Embrace the diverse style that swaps attract.