Heard about closet swapping?

You set out to revamp your wardrobe, but your heart breaks seeing a lovely pair of palazzo pants you never wore or that brocade jacket which you wore just once.
They no longer fit you, but you don’t have the heart to throw something that’s not been used too often. Giving them away in charity is also an option. However, you are not keen on that right now.Instead, you are in a mood to revamp your wardrobe, but without splurging in a big way. How about closet swapping with your friends? It’s a trend that’s catching on in a big way. Sounds interesting? Read to know more about this trend and few tips to organise your own closet swapping!
What’ closet swapping is all about
Closet swapping, which is quite popular abroad, is a name given to a gathering, mostly friends who get together to exchange their unused clothes. “It is basically like a barter system, where you pick up an outfit from your friend and give her one of yours,” says a software engineer Sayali Desai, who’s gotten hooked on to the concept ever since she was recently introduced to it.
One person’s trash is another’s treasure
People like Sayali swear by closet swapping for its utility value. They say that if you are not using something and you know a friend would love to use it, why not give it to her? Dr Saili Tawde, who read about the concept in a blog, is a regular closet swapper. She says, “My friend Aparna comes over to my house with a bag of her unused or unwanted clothes, and I sort out a similar heap from my closet. She is from Dubai, so our wardrobes are completely different. This way, we both get to try clothes we love.”
What you should avoid
Wearing the hand-me-downs of your elder sister is one thing, but wearing clothes of someone from outside your family can be slightly dicey. Entrepreneur Neha Harhare has been organising closet swap parties since her college days, but she’s particular about certain things. “Sweat-stained clothes are a big no-no. Also, organise all the clothes according to their price. You can’t expect someone to exchange their expensive designer dress for a street-side shrug,” states Neha.
Tips to hold a closet swapping party
- Decide on the minimum and maximum number of clothes that will be entertained during an exchange.
- Specify clothings that will not be allowed (socks, lingerie, stained clothes among other things) at the exchange.
- Have your friends bring over the clothes a day in advance and sort them according to their price.
- Install a full-length mirror. And if it’s possible, convert a spare room into a trial room.