On the subject of swapping (see Monday’s article ‘Read it. Swap it. MagCycle it!‘) here’s another idea to save money and avoid sending stuff to landfill.
Big Wardrobe is the place to swap clothes you don’t wear – because you don’t like them or they don’t fit anymore – for something else. It’s really just like a big online swishing party!
“Like most women I love to shop, but now I love to swap!” Twiggy
When you sign up at Big Wardrobe you can list items you don’t want in your wardrobe, with a description and photo, and other members can make you an offer. You can do a straight swap, if they have something you like, accept cash, or a combination of both.
A whole new wardrobe!
Once you’ve signed-up you can browse other members’ wardrobes or use the categories to find stuff you want and get yourself a whole new wardrobe! There’s thousands of items listed; clothes, shoes, bags and accessories – and, because it’s free, you can try out things you wouldn’t usually buy.
“It’s friendly in every sense; eco, purse and socially” Lauren Lavern
But it’s not just about saving money and getting some (nearly) new stuff. By swapping your clothes at Big Wardrobe you’re doing something to save the planet too, by not dumping your unwanted clothes in landfill.
If you read the article ‘Throwaway fashion ends up in landfill‘ you’ll know that dumping clothes is becoming a big problem with so many thrown away after being worn just a few times.
Other things you can do
Big Wardrobe is a great place to swap stuff but there are other things you can do with clothes you don’t want anymore: have a swishing party (like Big Wardrobe but with a group of friends), repurpose them into something else, or donate them to a charity shop to raise money for a good cause (and you can pick up some bargains while you’re there!).
Whatever you do with your unwanted clothes, not throwing them away is what really matters. So do yourself a favour, check out Big Wardrobe and swap your clothes for a new outfit. Try it, you’ll like it!
Written by Katy Thomas of Katy Kool
Katy is a media student in the UK, who loves green and girly eco-chic (fashion with a conscience and concern for the environment). Keep up with Katy’s ethical and eco-friendly choices over at Katy Kool.
6 comments… read them below or add yours now
Twitter: @GlobalPatriot
What a great idea! While I usually wear my clothes till they’re ragged, I know a number of people who wear certain items just a few times before tiring of them, or they buy the latest fashion and last year’s clothes are no longer touched. This is a perfect way to keep clothes useful for a much longer time.
Big Wardrobe is fab! I got a gorgeous Monsoon “Borneo Print” dress, worth over £80, for a pair of jeans that had gone to small for me (I think they’d shrunk not that I’d put on weight! LOL). It’s so much better than throwing stuff out. I’m a regular there now :D
I usually take clothes I don’t want to my local Red Cross or Oxfam shop, or put them on Freecycle if they’re particularly special, but now I know about Big Wardrobe I’ll give it a go. Thanks for the tip.
I’ve been using Big Wardrobe for a while and recommend it to everyone who wants to save money and save the planet too!! Well done Katy, for spreading the word :)
Hey, thanks for all your comments here! It’s cool to know more people are finding out about Big Wardrobe and swapping clothes generally… think of all the stuff we’re saving from landfill :)
I LOVE Big Wardrobe! I’ve been swishing with friends for ages and now I’m a member of Big Wardrobe too which meands loads more choice!