Carly Robinson Crafts

Last night I attended my first clothing swap. If you've never been to one, it's quite a novel idea for cleaning out those clothes you hardly wear and swapping them out for something new. You may be thinking, "Oh, but no one would want my things. They aren't anything special." Ah, but that's just what everyone is probably thinking! I know several girls last night had those same sentiments, but everyone left with great items and everyone had someone else take home something they brought. Here are some tips for hosting a clothing swap of your own...

The Clothing:

• Ask everyone to wash and fold their clothes nicely
• Make sure everyone knows if a shirt has a hole or needs some mending
• Ask everyone to bring along hangers or mirrors to keep the swap organized.
• Divide up where particular items go (shirts in the living room, accessories in the hall, etc.)
• Limit the type of clothing that could make your party awkward; lingerie could be the hit of the party or leave everyone feeling uncomfortable

The Etiquette:

• Establish ground rules from the start to guard against upsets later on
• Decide what will happen if more than one person wants the same thing; you could rock/paper/scissors for it or use a system of play money and bid on the item
• Be willing to give something up if you wouldn't wear it that often or you don't love it
• Take your own clothes home (to donate, perhaps?) if no one else picked them

The People:

• Invite people of different sizes and styles
• Ask everyone to bring a snack or drink
• Ask for help if you need it
• Don't let clothing get between you and a friend; it's just clothing
• Don't feel badly if no one else picked your clothing; it is not a reflection of your style or friendship

P.S. Use this same idea for anything you'd swap with some friends. How about craft supplies, children's clothing, toys, or plants.