Host a Clothing Swap

Have you ever heard of a clothing swap? Well let me tell you that it is a way to get a new wardrobe for FREE! I recently hosted one and here is what I did.

You want to pick a date and send out invites about 2 to 3 weeks before the actual swap. This gives the guests plenty of time to clean out their closet. I did evites and fliers to friends that I did not have their email address. Be sure to include several friends with different sizes so there is something for everyone. I also included candles and bath products and some housewares too.

What to put on the evite: 

 What better way to improve your wardrobe. Let's face it, we are all on a budget these days. Come join the fun and get the opinion of other women on what looks good on you. Bring a min. of 5 items. These items can be any type clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry. Please make sure the items are clean pressed and in good wearing condition. Please bring a friend or two.  Please be ready to enjoy what girls do the best: FASHION AND FELLOWSHIP!!  Did someone say SHOES!  Refreshments will be provided along with a lot of laughter. Be sure to put the time, date, place and who is hosting it.

I cleaned out my closet, a time or two, and on the night of the swap I had food and wine ready when the guest arrived. I set up places to hang and place clothing, shoes, etc with signs so everyone knew where to put their goodies. When they came in everyone put their clothing in the proper piles and started socializing and eating. This went on for about 45 min to an hour which gave everyone a chance to look over the clothing selection and try on what they might like. (the shopping experience) I had a couple of full length mirrors and spare bedrooms/bath for people to change in. Opinions were shared and we helped each other pick out things that would look good on each other.

Now the fun began. I had everyone draw a number from a hat to see who got to pick first. This eliminated any disagreements there might have been over someone wanting the same outfit. Each one of us picked one item. After each choosing of clothing, we put the numbers back in the hat and drew again. That way everyone had a fair chance to get a few of their first pics. After a few rounds and all the good stuff was gone then it was a free for all to take anything that might be left over.  Actually this was a good thing because as everyone went through the racks and piles again they saw things that they did not see the first time around and they got more good stuff.

Friends went home with large bags of FREE clothing that night and what was left went to the Goodwill or Women's Shelter.  It sure has been fun seeing friends enjoying their new outfits that once hung in your closet, never worn. 

I hope you have success with your own clothing swap. My next clothing swap is scheduled for March. Be there for tons of fun and free stuff!