As summer weather begins to wane, you may be ready to go through your closet yet again and get rid of unworn or ill-fitting clothes (whatever the reason!). Updating your wardrobe while (mostly) staying at home can help lift your spirits, especially if you score an unusual piece and find joy in sharing and decluttering.
Host a virtual clothing swap
If you have a group of friends who prefer to maintain physical distance, a virtual clothing swap may be an option for you.
Here’s how the idea works:
Gather a bunch of friends and email this printable clothing swap wishlist to them. Everyone will fill out their name and clothing preferences. People can ask for clothes that are modern, nautical, vintage, futuristic or really any theme.
They also can specify their color, favorite decade and size information. Then, everyone sends their wishlists back to you, and you distribute them out randomly among the group (sort of like a Secret Santa game but for clothes).
Finally, everyone looks for clothes in their closets that match the wishlist they receive and ship out the clothes to their wishlist recipient. If this is a local group of friends, deliveries could be part of the swap. This is a fun take on a classic clothes swap and allows you to learn more about the clothing preference of your loved ones!
Download this resource and other printable resources for old clothes provided by the team at Wikibuy.
Find other clothing options
Similar to a virtual clothing swap, Swap Positive usually posts about all the swap options happening around Portland. With indoor swap activities on hold, they recently shared a post about an outdoor swap. Free boxes are mentioned as well. These are informal swap options that seem to be popping up with more frequency, with people at home and taking walks around the neighborhood.
Buy Nothing and Rooster are local efforts where neighbors share resources at no cost. Members post anything they’d like to give away, lend or share for free through these neighborhood-based options, including clothes.
Shwop, a membership-based swap boutique for the whole family, is open. And like a lot of options, you can also shop online or book an appointment.
Most thrift stores are open again, with safety protocols in place. Some are open for donation drop off only and some for both drop off and in-store shopping. Check online or visit the Resourceful PDX map for various options around town.