The Purge and Swap event at the Hi-Dive Bar in Denver on Saturday showcased three of my guilty pleasures; clothing, music and alcohol. Amazingly, these indulgences were justified by the charitable and eco-minded undercurrents of the occasion. Open to the female public, guests were urged to purge their closets of unwanted clothing and accessories and haul them down to the popular music venue for a swap. All of the leftover items were then donated a few doors down at the Goodwill.
Inspired by similar gatherings in San Francisco, organizer Sam Sutton wondered why clothing swaps weren’t happening in her neighborhood and decided to do something about it, thus the Purge and Swap came to be. Under the watchful eye of a thong-clad Artist Formerly Known As Prince poster, women scavenged for treasures among the piles of clothing that lined the bar, pool table, stage and chairs of the venue. Wardrobes were refreshed and duds recycled while guests sipped cocktails to an eclectic mix of musical wonderfulness. Prada, Steve Madden and Banana Republic were just a few of the numerous designer labels mingling amongst vintage gems of various shapes and sizes, all free and all for the taking. 
Two hours after entering the swap in jeans and a button-up, I emerged wearing a mod cape jacket over a Donna Reed style silk dress, a friend donned several layers of new-to-her apparel while another boasted a classically tacky “T&A Patrol” cut-off tee. Whether you are after business apparel or a strapless velour jumpsuit (like the one I deftly plucked from the exquisite selection), clothing swaps have something for everyone.
Events like the Purge and Swap are catching on across the country as a unique way to re-vamp wardrobes in an affordable and sustainable manner. Although this particular function only catered to females, clothing swaps can include fashions for men, children and babies as well. If you can’t find a swap near you, organize one! While the Hi-Dive was kind enough to donate their space and open their bar for us, transforming the Purge and Swap into a hip mixer-type bash, all you really need to host a clothing swap is an area for guests to layout their garments and some willing participants. If mingling isn’t your bag or you live out in the sticks or simply want a wider selection of items to choose from, Dig N’ Swap, an internet-based swap previously covered by greenUpgrader, may be just your style.
Read more about clothing swaps here
Read more about DigN'Swap on greenUpgrader here
Find a clothing swap near you on Meetup.com
photos courtesy of Alissa Wilson Williams
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I love clothing swaps. I’ve been to two in the past weeks and made out so well! Thanks for writing this up..I never thought of the Green aspect
I’m a bargain hunter to the core, and I do appreciate the green aspect. I visit a consignment store regularly, both to drop clothes off and to shop. But doing it with friends and cocktails is way more fun!!
This swap was so much fun. I definitely went home with more than I came with and it was neat to see others walk out with things that I brought. I love thrift stores and finding used treasures, and it’s even better with friends, great music and delicious drinks. Hope there will be another in a few months.
Thanks so much
I pretty much grew up in a thrift shop when it came to clothes. I’m happy to see concepts like this transpire.
You would be really surprised some of the finds you can stumble across. I’ve seen very expensive materials and labels before, not often but it does happen!
It would be fun participating in some thing like this. But I hope it doesn’t cause any stampede.
I’m a bargain hunter to the core, and I do appreciate the green aspect. I visit a consignment store regularly, both to drop clothes off and to shop. But doing it with friends and cocktails is way more fun!!
I pretty much grew up in a cloth shop. I’m happy to see concepts like this worls.
clocking swap are failed
I really like the idea, will definitely look aroud in my city for something like this. I just love rummaging for new stuff!