Fashion, Product review

Swap Society – an Environmentally Friendly way to Update your Wardrobe

25 Comments

If you haven’t heard the phrase “clothes swapping” before, it refers to events that are similar to boot fairs (or swap meets) and became popular in San Francisco during the nineties.  People pick clothing they’d like to swap and then get together to exchange with other.  I recently came across Swap Society, a website which allows you to swap clothing online.  I’ve previously mentioned my love affair with second-hand clothing and I’m excited to share some information about my new favourite way to shop.

The Story behind Swap Society

Swap Society is an LA-based company and was formed by husband and wife duo, Nicole and Edward Robertson.  Nicole is a passionate environmentalist and, after learning about the fast fashion industry, she became interested in alternatives. SS is looking to encourage people to stop hoarding clothing that they don’t wear, whilst avoiding the hassle of selling items via consignment for a pittance.  SS hopes to get more people swapping and to extend the lifecycle of existing clothing.

How does Swap Society work

To join the site, you send clothing in good condition to SS and, in exchange, you receive points to shop on the site.  Points are allocated based on the quality and brand of each.  Currently, women’s, kid’s and baby clothing and kids/baby accessories are accepted.  Stock changes frequently and, at the moment, options range from a staple tee by GAP for six points to a wedding guest worthy dress by Max Mara for 252 points.

Membership

To use SS, you need to become a member and there are three different packages:

  1. Yearly subscription – $12 per month
  2. Quarterly subscription – $15 per month
  3. Monthl y subscription – $19 per month

Membership includes a monthly pre-paid mailer for sending clothing to SS in and is currently available throughout the US (including Alaska and Hawaii).   There is a $3.99 processing fee for each item and free shipping is provided in both directions.

My experience

I sent a few garments I hadn’t worn for a while and enjoyed looking at SS’s selection.  The first time I swapped, I chose to receive an American Rag top and Free People tunic.  My clothing taste has changed a lot since moving to California and both items I previously would’ve only worn a handful of times because of Blighty’s wet Summers (I’m in the UK now and it’s rained nearly every day I’ve been here).  I love that Swap Society enables me to easily and economically change my style in an environmentally friendly way.

Swap Society is currently running a promotion where new members get 24 bonus points when they join (usually you get seven).  To check out their selection now, click here.

Special thanks to Swap Society for sponsoring this post.  As always, all opinions are my own.

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25 Comments

  1. I’ve never done any swapping so this sounds like a more interesting way. Plus I suppose it would broaden your prospects more. Though the $19/month fee seems a little pricey for someone that doesn’t do much shopping. I suppose this is more for those that would end up spending much more a month shopping and this is a way to do it more sustainably.

    1. Yes I think you probably have access to more variation this way. I haven’t been to a clothes swap event yet so I’m not sure. I see what you mean about the fee, If you shop often though you could end up spending that on shipping for assorted items from different companies. Depends on how you use it I suppose!

  2. This company sounds fantastic! I’m always wishing I brought more clothes secondhand but often don’t find the time or don’t have the patience to look throughly. But now I can shop secondhand from home I have no excuse! Thank you for sharing Jess. X

    1. I’m so pleased you think so! I know what you mean, really big second hand stores can be a confusing and overwhelming. The online aspect of SS makes it a much more pleasant experience. xx

  3. The idea of swapping clothing is so fun!!! I’ve always wanted a sister partly for this reason — so we could share/swap clothes with her lol. It’s great to hear that there’s a place I can do that! Swap Society sounds like a great way to get rid of clothing you no longer wear and get some new items into our wardrobes in a sustainable manner. I absolutely love that tunic you picked out! Great choice Jess 😉 xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/sporty-chic-style-baby-g-watch/

    1. Ah yes, having a sister a similar size to you is great for that. While I was in the UK I borrowed all sorts of bits and bobs from mine. I totally agree, it will definitely increase the life of a lot of items already made. Hehe thank you! I’m pleased you like it! xxx

  5. Swap Society sounds like a great option. I have a lot of clothes that I don’t use and would love to do the exchange. I have never done swapping, but I have a friend that invited me to a swap party in the past where girls get together to do the exchange. I couldn’t go to the event, but she told me is a lot of fun. Definitely, I will check this amazing company. Thank you for introducing me to Swap Society.

    Happy Weekend! xx. Gina

    1. Yay I’m so happy to hear you’re into the idea Gina! I gave away a lot of clothing before moving over here but I know what it’s like to have plenty of items you don’t use and could swap. Happy Weekend to you 🙂 xxx

  6. Wow! We need this in Germany. That is exactly what I was waiting for in forever. I hope there will be something like that in Germany soon…
    I love to swap clothes and to go to swap parties. It is so much fun! But sometimes it is just so much easier when doing stuff online. Anyway, it was really cool to read that you have been into bach flowers since you are child! Your dad must be really awesome 🙂
    Thank you a lot for your last comment on my blog 🙂
    Sending much love!
    Xx
    Rosa Larissa Klara

    1. I hope so too! When you have little one like you do, I can definitely see doing this from home at your laptop being easier!

      Aw, thank you – yes I think my dad is pretty awesome 🙂 Sending you much love! xxx

  9. I really like the idea of clothes swapping! I always seem to shift in sizes, so I don’t typically like to invest too much money into clothes. So this idea is really cool, I would love to check it out. I also think that the outfits you picked out are super lovely. 🙂 xoxo

    Kay
    http://shoesandglitter.com

  11. Wow, this is really an interesting concept. Really, never heard before but sounds cool. I definitely want to give it a try. 🙂

  12. I’ve gone to clothing swap parties (frock swaps), but never sent in clothes to swap society. Looks pretty awesome and I’ll have to check it out.

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