Last week my sister and I attended another clothes-swapping event—the previous one happening in 2017. It was held by Zero Waste Indonesia in collaboration with several awesome organisations, including National Geographics, Living Loving and Sadari Sedari. I was so stoked! Even though I wasn’t on the lookout for new-to-me clothes, any non-landfill occasion to get rid of the clothes I no longer wear is a welcome concept for me. This is the third clothes-swapping party I’ve been to in total—the first one having been held in Kassel—and it’s yet a whole other experience from what I’ve gone through before.
This time the system goes like this: First, you’ve got to register by filling the digital form they provide on their Instagram. Second, you bring a maximum of 5 clothing items to the event. Your clothes will be checked thoroughly by the staff and you will be given tokens, depending on how many clothes are confirmed acceptable for the swap. These tokens are to be exchanged for ‘new’ pieces of clothing you’ll swap for yours. Easy, right?
Old jacket + dress (worn as top) // hand-me-down skirt + bag // thrifted loafers // outfit photos by my sis
For me, a swap party can be a hit or miss. Every time I go to one, I’m met with different experiences. The first one was held at a campus and it felt quite cozy, with music blaring, candles and DIY clothing racks. There were plenty of interactions and not very systematic, but it was an almost private setting, so it worked out rather nicely. The second one was held at a busy, hyped restaurant and it felt quite detached/cold, with no refreshments, no guidance and too many people. There were awkward interactions and confusing systems, and I honestly felt a little uncomfortable.
And then there’s this one. It feels so warm, with upbeat music, refreshments and some retro vibe. The staff were very friendly to us and the process was explained very well. There was barely any need for the old owner to meet a potential new one—although can happen if they want to—so there was less social pressure and awkwardness. It was held at a relatively private setting, so everyone who went there definitely had the same goal. Highly recommend following their Instagram, to get updates on future swap parties.
Last week my sister and I attended another clothes-swapping event—the previous one happening in 2017. It was held by Zero Waste Indonesia in collaboration with several awesome organisations, including National Geographics, Living Loving and Sadari Sedari. I was so stoked! Even though I wasn’t on the lookout for new-to-me clothes, any non-landfill occasion to get rid of the clothes I no longer wear is a welcome concept for me. This is the third clothes-swapping party I’ve been to in total—the first one having been held in Kassel—and it’s yet a whole other experience from what I’ve gone through before.
This time the system goes like this: First, you’ve got to register by filling the digital form they provide on their Instagram. Second, you bring a maximum of 5 clothing items to the event. Your clothes will be checked thoroughly by the staff and you will be given tokens, depending on how many clothes are confirmed acceptable for the swap. These tokens are to be exchanged for ‘new’ pieces of clothing you’ll swap for yours. Easy, right?
Old jacket + dress (worn as top) // hand-me-down skirt + bag // thrifted loafers // outfit photos by my sis
For me, a swap party can be a hit or miss. Every time I go to one, I’m met with different experiences. The first one was held at a campus and it felt quite cozy, with music blaring, candles and DIY clothing racks. There were plenty of interactions and not very systematic, but it was an almost private setting, so it worked out rather nicely. The second one was held at a busy, hyped restaurant and it felt quite detached/cold, with no refreshments, no guidance and too many people. There were awkward interactions and confusing systems, and I honestly felt a little uncomfortable.
And then there’s this one. It feels so warm, with upbeat music, refreshments and some retro vibe. The staff were very friendly to us and the process was explained very well. There was barely any need for the old owner to meet a potential new one—although can happen if they want to—so there was less social pressure and awkwardness. It was held at a relatively private setting, so everyone who went there definitely had the same goal. Highly recommend following their Instagram, to get updates on future swap parties.