When Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Marie Kondo method, what do you get? I daresay this is one of those things where you get to have your cake and eat it too. I’m talking about cleaning out your closet and simultaneously getting new items for the newly-created space in your wardrobe. I introduce you to: clothes swapping parties with your friends.

As we all know, sharing is caring. So why not share clothes with your friends? Not only is it extremely sustainable to the environment, but you’re expanding your closet among your network of friends. This way you can never get bored with your clothes, and can swap in and out when you need to update essentials. Plus, you get to examine everything you own with a critical eye and get rid of things that no longer fit well or bring you joy. And of course, the best part is that it’s free!

I’m not sure how or when I began doing this, but slowly and surely my close friends and I would offer each other clothes that we no longer wore, for one reason or another. For instance, think of an item of clothing that is near and dear to you, but you notice that you haven’t worn it in over a year - it’s too sad to think about giving it away or throwing it out, but you know in your heart you won’t wear it again. Or what about the item you just “had to” buy on sale, but every time you try it on, whether the fit or occasion never seems right…? You know the type, those pieces that just make their way to the back of your closet, biding their time to make it to the spotlight, only to be seemingly stuck in perpetual wardrobe purgatory. These are perfect examples of clothes-swap worthy items. You make an offering to your group, everyone takes a turn sifting, “shopping “ and trying on things, and whoever likes it best/looks best in it gets to bring it home! This way you know for sure that someone will be happy to wear your beloved item, the item gets a repurposing, and your closet is a bit freer for other items that “spark joy” - as Marie Kondo would put it. It’s a win-win-win situation all around.

At first, a couple of my girlfriends would bring me some bags of their clothes, or I’d bring mine to them. Then one of my girlfriends invited me to a “Clothing Swap Party.” I was floored to find out that many other girls were doing exactly what I’d been doing. Since then, it’s become a ritual that my network of friends host every few months - the perfect way to close out a season and ring in a new one. We gather at a “host’s” home and bring in our much-loved but out-of-favor clothing. We dump it all out in the center of the room and organize it by type - pants, shirts, dresses, accessories. Then we chat, have some refreshments, and try on clothes, giving each other feedback on the fit and a backstory about the item. We also have a group chat going afterwards where we post photos of us wearing the items snagged at the swaps. It’s so exciting and rewarding to see your clothes getting their “second wind” as part of your friends’ fashion.

In this way, we truly are creating a sisterhood, much like in the movie, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Plus, we are honoring the clothes and saying thank you, by allowing another life and service in the wardrobe of the following wearer. This is the very basis for sustainability and thriftiness. Whatever clothing does not get picked up is donated right after the party, often to a nearby clothing drop-bin now widespread across New York City (or check your local charities such as GoodWill for possible tax write-off benefits). And it doesn’t have to stop at clothing - add houseware and whatever else you’d like to swap or donate!

Of course, there are many other ways to be sustainable. You can be conscious of eco-friendliness by researching the company and the material of each item of clothing you purchase. You can also shop at thrift stores such as “Beacon’s Closet” or “Out of the Closet,” or find a local one here. In addition, you may buy and sell used clothing at online hubs such as Tradesy (hint: they also specialize in wedding gear), Poshmark, or even hop onto Facebook Marketplace and trade goods with users in your area. However, clothing swaps offer some added benefits. The best part, is that the clothing is freely given by the previous owner, and you know the story and the source of the item. Also, it’s a great time to spend connecting with friends and “shopping” for the upcoming season. Who said retail therapy needs to have a monetary transaction?

Clothes Swap Parties for Fashion and Sustainability By Marina Buksov