It's finally spring — the season associated with cleaning, fresh starts and warmer temperatures. And what better way to honour all of those things at once than by attending a Montreal clothing swap like the "Spring Mega Swap!" which is taking place in April.
Not familiar with the concept of a clothing swap? It's when people bring unwanted clothes and accessories to a meet-up where they can exchange their items for stuff that other participants bring. It's kind of like shopping at your fave thrift store but instead of money, the currency consists of all the clothes you no longer want — from your ex's sweatshirt to those too-tight jeans to the plaid button-up from your Lumberjack phase (hey, one person's trash is another person's treasure).
You can walk away with a whole new wardrobe — or at least a new outfit — while decluttering your closet, saving money and being environmentally responsible.
"People love clothes and swaps give anyone the freedom to get basic items or switch it up for a new season. It allows us to be less attached if something no longer fits or inspires," organizer Sheena Swirlz told MTL Blog. "I like to call it the clothing continuum — try an item out and if it doesn't work out, then bring it back to the next swap."
Swirlz is president of the The Montreal Swap Club/ Le Collectif d'Échange de Montréal, a local club and Facebook group that arranges two to six swaps per year in different neighbourhoods around the city. Swirlz, who described herself as an environmentalist, said the swaps help to reduce fast fashion waste in addition to being fun social opportunities that bring community members together.
Her events generally garner up to 100 participants with thousands of items swapped per event. The remaining items are donated to shelters or thrift stores — usually between 10 and 30 garbage bags, she said.
"We try to create an optimized experience in spacious rooms with lots of theme tables (shoes, swimsuits, pants, etcetera), changing areas and volunteers to sort out bad items and arrange items by category," said Swirlz.
In order to participate in the upcoming swap, just bring as many bags of clothes, shoes and accessories as your heart desires. After you pay the $5 entry fee, you're entitled to fill up your bags with as much stuff as you can fit in them.
If you have nothing to donate, you can pay $10 per bag to participate.
Organizers ask that you only bring clean and undamaged items, and avoid bringing any kids items.
Advanced registration is not required and all gender identities are welcome.
Spring Mega Swap!
A previous 'Montreal Swap Club' clothing swap event.
Courtesy of Sheena Swirlz
Price:
- If you bring donations, $5 entry + fill your bags with items
- if you don't bring donations, $10 per bag of items you take home
When: Saturday, April 13
Address: Coop ECTO, 936, av. du Mont-Royal E.
Why You Need To Go: Walk away with a new wardrobe while helping the planet.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
