Everything You Need to Know About This Clothing Swap Party

Words Patricia Angela Moslares
Photos courtesy of Basically Borrowed
April 13, 2025

‘Basically Borrowed,’ in collaboration with South Trading Post, hosted a clothing swap party last April 5, 2025, at Leap Studios in Makati. This fashion-forward event was part of South Trading Post’s highly anticipated weekend flea market, featuring vintage clothing, hidden treasures, and fun activities that made for an exciting weekend.

Founded by Jessie Jiang, ‘Basically Borrowed’ has organized over 50 clothing swaps since 2021, helping nearly 10,000 items find new owners. Originally a fashion resale and rental service, the company has since shifted its focus to creating fact-based content and hosting events that educate and normalize sustainable daily practices. It has also partnered with brands like Levi’s, Uniqlo, and Canva on their sustainability journeys.

What’s a clothing swap party?

A clothing swap is a social event where individuals come together to exchange clothes, accessories, and other belongings. It offers a chance to discover new treasures by swapping items people no longer need. Clothing swaps promote the values of sharing and reusing, helping to reduce the demand for new purchases and encouraging more responsible consumerism. Some swaps also feature specific themes, catering to particular markets. 

For ‘Basically Borrowed,’ past themes have included vintage items, Uniqlo-only swaps, and mid-to-plus-sized events.

What happens at a swap party?

The mechanics of clothing swaps can vary based on what works best for the community. At a typical ‘Basically Borrowed’ swap party, each participant contributes three to ten items of clothing and takes home as many items as they bring. Attendees are encouraged to try on items, engage in conversations, and connect with like-minded people—potentially learning more about the pieces they’ll be taking home.

For the Summer Swap Session, there was also a roundtable discussion on mindful shopping, featuring insights from expert panelists. Participants rested easy knowing they wouldn't get the short end of the deal, as each item was inspected for condition and quality by the organizing team upon arrival. Additionally, any leftover items were donated to local communities in need.

At its core, clothing swap parties give preloved belongings a second chance while allowing participants to refresh their wardrobes. These events provide an opportunity to meet people who will become the next owners of our cherished items, passing on the memories woven into every fabric. In return, we hear the stories of the items they once loved.

Clothing swaps gradually shift our perception of permanent ownership. It encourages us to be more conscious and intentional about how we care for our possessions, ensuring they stay in excellent condition for future owners. So, take a look through your closet, find items you haven’t used in a while, and keep an eye out for upcoming clothing swap parties from ‘Basically Borrowed’!