How to Start Swishing: Get Fabulous Free Clothes
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin 
on 07. 8.08
Face it: you love that chorus of "Oh that is so darling! Where did you get it?" But if you want to live the eco-chic lifestyle, consumerism is out. What to do? Start swapping instead of shopping with a new trend called Swishing. Swishing started in London. Now the push is on to bring Swishing to American shores.
Why "Swishing?"
The dictionary definition: To rustle, as silk.
Swishing has been redefined by London's Futerra Sustainability Communications.
Swishing: To rustle clothes from friends.
The Swishing Organization points out: "According to the EPA Office of Solid Waste, Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year, and clothing and other textiles represent about 4% of the municipal solid waste. " Of course, you already bring your hand-me-downs to the local clothing recycling bin so they can go to a good cause. But there are usually a few pieces that you would like to know have found a good home. These are perfect Swishing fodder. So how to get started?
Step 1: Invite your friends.
You can download a Swishing Invitation, or make up your own recycled invitations.
Step 2: Price of Admission
Each person must bring at least one piece of fine quality clothing or accessories pulled from that guilty corner of the closet where the unwanted detritus of a consumer lifestyle resides.
Step 3: Have a ball.
Everyone should relax with a drink and a bite for at least an hour before the swishing opens. All the donated booty should be on display during this time...but watch rule #2!
Step 4: Explain the rules
There are only three rules to Swishing:
- everyone must bring at least one item of clothing but people can leave with as many items as they wish;
- No one can claim items as their own before the Swish opens;
- No scratching, spitting or biting!
Step 5: Start Swishing!
If you are not up to starting the trend yourself, you could join in on upcoming events that have been scheduled as official Swishing events:
- Swishing NYC: 10 Jul 2008 at 17:30 at Vitra, 9th Avenue, New York, NY. RSVP required to attend.
- Swap 'til you drop: 13 Jul 2008 at 12:00 at 93 Feet East, London, UK.
- Style Elite presents SWAP TILL YOU DROP: 13 Aug 2008 at 18:00 at the Sway Club, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London, UK.
So that's it! Now you're Swishing!
More Clothing Swap Options
Swishing in Britain
Swopping in Sweden
Swapping is the New Shopping
Swapping Online
Swap-o-rama-rama
The Basics
How to Green your Wardrobe
Via Stephanie Corrado, Futerra Sustainability Communications, Swishing
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It's a great idea, just a pity it's bound to be limited to the female arena. Somehow I just can't imagine a group of guys getting together and swapping clothes. Still, you never know I guess.
This is an awesome idea- everyone gets tired of their stuff- even if it's beautiful and swishing is as eco friendly as it can get. I totally want to plan a swish party now.
Thanks so much for this post! I live in colorado and have friends here who have had swap parties, but i've never heard the term "swishing". Now we have a great name for it!
As a devoted re-sale shopper, I find this post particularly exciting because as our economy gets tight, I've noticed lots more people shopping the thrift stores, and as a result, the quality and quantity of clothing in thrift stores has been going steadily down. I hadn't thought about it until reading this post, but swishing is the replacement answer I'd been looking for.
I love this idea. It sounds like great fun and a good opportunity to get your friends opinion on what looks best. I have been studying the trends for the last few seasons and most of the same things keep coming back ie sixties, seventies, boho, nautical. So really most things don't go out of fashion.
Also great news for this year is that the latest trend is to have your own individual style. Swishing, swapping and buying second hand clothes is a great way to develop your own style and find clothes that really suit you and your personality.