Swap, Don’t Shop: The Power of Clothing Swaps
ReMode Toronto, 2025 Clothing Swap. Image by Shane D'Costa
Have you ever stood in front of your closet, seemingly jammed full of clothes, but feeling like you have “nothing to wear”? You’re not alone. The average person wears only 20% of their clothes, 80% of the time. That means the majority of our wardrobe just sits there, unworn.
The good news? Someone else might be dreaming of the very pieces in your closet. And you might find your next favourite outfit in theirs.
Enter the clothing swap: a joyful, affordable, and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe, reduce waste, and connect with your community.
What Is a Clothing Swap?
A clothing swap is a community fashion event where people bring gently worn clothes they no longer wear and exchange them for “new-to-you” pieces. Think of it as shopping, but without the price tag or the environmental footprint.
Swapping is a key part of the circular fashion economy, helping us get more life out of the clothes already in circulation while keeping textiles out of landfills.
At swaps, you can trade just about anything: winter coats, scarves, jeans, dresses, skirts, shoes, and even accessories. The only rule? Bring items that are clean, gently worn, and in good condition (no rips, stains, or heavy wear).
Psst - we happen to have a step-by-step guide available HERE.
Why Clothing Swaps Are Great for you and the Planet
Why should I join a clothing swap?
Because it’s good for your style, your wallet, and the planet:
✔ Refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime
✔ Reduce textile waste and extend the life of clothes
✔ Give forgotten pieces a second chance
✔ Connect with like-minded people in your community
Did you know? Extending the life of a garment by just nine months reduces its carbon, water, and waste footprint by 20–30% (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
Because really, the most sustainable piece of clothing is the one already in your closet, or in someone else’s.
How to Host a Clothing Swap
It’s easier than you think! A clothing swap can be a big community event, but you can also host something smaller with a close-knit circle of friends. Here’s what you’ll need:
Clothing racks and hangers
Tables for accessories, shoes, and folded items
Tickets (one per item contributed, to use as swap currency)
How It Works:
Select up to 10 gently worn items you’re ready to part with.
Donate them to the swap. For every item you contribute, you’ll get a ticket.
Use your tickets to “shop the swap” and take home your new-to-you pieces.
It’s that simple, and a lot of fun.
Join Us at ReMode Montreal
At Fashion Takes Action, we love swaps so much that we host them as part of our annual ReMode events. Our next clothing swap in Montreal will take place on September 28, 2025.
Bring your gently worn clothes, join the swap, and leave with pieces you’ll love, all while reducing waste and supporting the future of circular fashion.
Learn more and register here.