My Favourite Swapped Clothes

This post is written as part of the #MulaiDariLemari campaign from Tukar Baju

Lately, with the raised awareness of problems within the fashion industry, the popularity and demand for less-polluting secondhand clothing has also risen. Activities like thrifting and swapping have become all the rage. While thrifting has become more common amongst fashion enthusiasts, swapping has been met still with a shred of doubt.

How do we do it? Will we get great items through this method? Is it safe? Personally, I have joined a few swap parties myself and, frankly, would do it again in a heartbeat. Not only does it cost you nothing, swapping also allows you to declutter unused items in your wardrobe at the same time. It’s a win-win solution for everyone involved, and may spark social interactions among the participants.

Today I thought I’d share a few swapped items of mine that I absolutely love to this day.

This post is written as part of the #MulaiDariLemari campaign from Tukar Baju

Lately, with the raised awareness of problems within the fashion industry, the popularity and demand for less-polluting secondhand clothing has also risen. Activities like thrifting and swapping have become all the rage. While thrifting has become more common amongst fashion enthusiasts, swapping has been met still with a shred of doubt.

How do we do it? Will we get great items through this method? Is it safe? Personally, I have joined a few swap parties myself and, frankly, would do it again in a heartbeat. Not only does it cost you nothing, swapping also allows you to declutter unused items in your wardrobe at the same time. It’s a win-win solution for everyone involved, and may spark social interactions among the participants.

Today I thought I’d share a few swapped items of mine that I absolutely love to this day.

When: 2013

Where: Kassel Universität, Germany

This was the first swap party I’ve ever attended. Held by my then-university, this event was open to public—not only the students and faculty staff. The student council held the event with a pretty chill vibe. Everyone could weave in and out of the venue freely, putting down the items they bring and picking out whatever is already available at the time of their arrival. I remember putting down a pair of my denim wedges—and one other item I forgot—then picked up this hand-knitted wool cardigan. Later on, as I took photos of the scene and watched hubbub below, one of my classmates Camilla told me the cardigan used to belong to her—her grandma knitted it. That was the most wholesome “shopping” experience I’ve ever had.

When: 2013

Where: Kassel Universität, Germany

This was the first swap party I’ve ever attended. Held by my then-university, this event was open to public—not only the students and faculty staff. The student council held the event with a pretty chill vibe. Everyone could weave in and out of the venue freely, putting down the items they bring and picking out whatever is already available at the time of their arrival. I remember putting down a pair of my denim wedges—and one other item I forgot—then picked up this hand-knitted wool cardigan. Later on, as I took photos of the scene and watched hubbub below, one of my classmates Camilla told me the cardigan used to belong to her—her grandma knitted it. That was the most wholesome “shopping” experience I’ve ever had.

When: 2016

Where: With my friend Divina

Around the time she started wearing hijab, my friend Divina sold a bunch of her clothes which she could no longer wear. That includes several short dresses. Obviously, I jumped at the chance to purchase one of them. Timing has it that she saw one of my books on social media as well—one I didn’t particularly like. I decided to sell it to her, as she was selling her dress to me. She then came up with the brilliant idea of simply swapping these items, so none of us had to pay. Since then, it’s become one of my favourite dresses ever—and it’s a pinafore!

When: 2016

Where: With my friend Divina

Around the time she started wearing hijab, my friend Divina sold a bunch of her clothes which she could no longer wear. That includes several short dresses. Obviously, I jumped at the chance to purchase one of them. Timing has it that she saw one of my books on social media as well—one I didn’t particularly like. I decided to sell it to her, as she was selling her dress to me. She then came up with the brilliant idea of simply swapping these items, so none of us had to pay. Since then, it’s become one of my favourite dresses ever—and it’s a pinafore!

When: 2019

Where: #TukarBaju event

The last swap party I attended—and, by far, the best. It was the first event they held and I scored some really memorable items there. Let’s start with this minty top. It was a clear love at first sight. The rounded collar with scalloped edges. The chiffon fabric. The Victorian-styled sleeves. Gosh, what’s not to love? Truth be told, I never found out who owned it before me, but I’ve been loving it ever since. The chest area is rather roomy, but the back is rather tight, but it’s so cute to wear with anything. Personally, wearing it makes me feel a lot like Mary Poppins.

When: 2019

Where: #TukarBaju event

The last swap party I attended—and, by far, the best. It was the first event they held and I scored some really memorable items there. Let’s start with this minty top. It was a clear love at first sight. The rounded collar with scalloped edges. The chiffon fabric. The Victorian-styled sleeves. Gosh, what’s not to love? Truth be told, I never found out who owned it before me, but I’ve been loving it ever since. The chest area is rather roomy, but the back is rather tight, but it’s so cute to wear with anything. Personally, wearing it makes me feel a lot like Mary Poppins.

When: 2019

Where: #TukarBaju event

Still from the same swap party, here is another cute top that I absolutely love. I’m a sucker for polkadots—and, again, a somewhat Victorian silhouette. This one feels a whole lot more roomy than the previous top, also way less sheer, which I love. When I picked it up, though, I didn’t realise that the pit area was ripped—I think on both sides actually—but it’s such a minor detail. I’ll fix it at some point. I love wearing it under pinafore dresses as it doesn’t ride up and stay put—also, it adds a pretty, preppy detail to every outfit.

When: 2019

Where: #TukarBaju event

Still from the same swap party, here is another cute top that I absolutely love. I’m a sucker for polkadots—and, again, a somewhat Victorian silhouette. This one feels a whole lot more roomy than the previous top, also way less sheer, which I love. When I picked it up, though, I didn’t realise that the pit area was ripped—I think on both sides actually—but it’s such a minor detail. I’ll fix it at some point. I love wearing it under pinafore dresses as it doesn’t ride up and stay put—also, it adds a pretty, preppy detail to every outfit.

When: 2019

Where: #TukarBaju event

Lastly, here is the only bottom I’ve got on this list and it’s an absolute gem. When I saw it on the table at this swap party, my eyes shone and I quickly grabbed at it. I love the style very much, with the decorative buttons and side zipper. Frankly, it should probably be worn as a high-waisted piece, but my perfectly huge butt just won’t let it happen, so it’s more drop waist for me than anything. They go perfectly well with oversized shirts and/or mini dresses and boots—though I actually don’t have even a pair at the moment. It’s pretty skinny, so it’s great as a substitute for tights.

When: 2019

Where: #TukarBaju event

Lastly, here is the only bottom I’ve got on this list and it’s an absolute gem. When I saw it on the table at this swap party, my eyes shone and I quickly grabbed at it. I love the style very much, with the decorative buttons and side zipper. Frankly, it should probably be worn as a high-waisted piece, but my perfectly huge butt just won’t let it happen, so it’s more drop waist for me than anything. They go perfectly well with oversized shirts and/or mini dresses and boots—though I actually don’t have even a pair at the moment. It’s pretty skinny, so it’s great as a substitute for tights.

In my whole life, I’ve been to three swap parties—and one off-event swap—but I haven’t loved ALL the experiences and items. Other than these, there are a couple others that I’ve given away on my last decluttering session. Truth be told, with a swap, it’s always a hit or miss situation, where you don’t really know if a certain item will work.

A lot of the time it’s either impossible or really tricky to try things on. All in all, I would highly recommend you try swapping clothes—either with your friends or with strangers. You can share more than just clothes; you can share stories, experiences and good vibes. Create a private swapping event and exchange clothes with people you know and trust. Of course, make it a really small, physically-distant event or wait until after this pandemic blows over.

Have you swapped before? Which ones are your favourite items?

In my whole life, I’ve been to three swap parties—and one off-event swap—but I haven’t loved ALL the experiences and items. Other than these, there are a couple others that I’ve given away on my last decluttering session. Truth be told, with a swap, it’s always a hit or miss situation, where you don’t really know if a certain item will work.

A lot of the time it’s either impossible or really tricky to try things on. All in all, I would highly recommend you try swapping clothes—either with your friends or with strangers. You can share more than just clothes; you can share stories, experiences and good vibes. Create a private swapping event and exchange clothes with people you know and trust. Of course, make it a really small, physically-distant event or wait until after this pandemic blows over.

Have you swapped before? Which ones are your favourite items?