Hosting a Clothing Swap

By Rebecca

Have you ever attended or hosted a clothing swap party? Now that spring cleaning season is here, it's a great way to declutter your closet of unwanted clothing, while also spending time with friends and finding some "new" items from their castoffs. Everybody wins here, is what I'm saying.

Clothing swaps can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make them, but here are the basics. Each person comes with a bag of clothing. You can lay your items out or you can hang them up if you have the space. Then, each person draws a number to determine the order. Starting with number 1, you go around the order until everything has been picked or passed over. Then, the unwanted items can be donated to Goodwill, Dress for Success, or another local charity of your choosing.

That's really it! Having attended and hosted a few of these over the years, here are a few tips to help your swap go off without a hitch.

• Don't take it too seriously. Of course, these are your good friends, so they aren't going to be mean, but be prepared for some good-humored running commentary about some items that may be, how shall I say, formerly trendy? You could even offer small prizes for the oldest or funniest items.
• Don't be offended if all your clothing isn't selected. This is supposed to be fun, and of course everything isn't going to be top of the heap for everyone - they're castoffs!
• That being said, however, it is helpful to invite people whose taste in clothing is somewhat similar to yours. But it really doesn't matter, because sometimes you'll end up with something you never would have picked out of a store, but you really love!
• Along with their clothing, have each person bring an appetizer or beverage. Champagne increases giggling. It's science.
• This may go without saying, but ask your friends to only bring items that have been laundered or dry-cleaned.
• Wear a camisole or tank top so you can try on items quickly and modestly. If you're the host, it's a good idea to have a designated place (restroom, extra bedroom, etc.) for people to try things on.
• Open it up to accessories also. Sometimes you might not have many spare clothes to bring, but you might have a necklace or scarf that you never wear that is perfect for your friend. 

TLC has a great guide with tips for successful swaps. My favorite from this article was to do this with baby and kids' clothes. (Um, I think I know the theme of my own next swap!)

{Photo courtesy of Digital Vision/Getty, found via TLC Style}