Clothing Swaps are awesome. I’ve already been to two amazing ones this summer and am actually going to a third this afternoon.

For those of you who have never been to, or heard of, a clothes swap before, let me explain how they go down. A bunch of girls go through their closet and pull out everything they don’t wear/want/need/like or that doesn’t fit, meet up and exchange. You spend an fun afternoon with all your girlfriends drinking, eating, running around in your underwear* and trying on clothing.

Not only is it the perfect excuse to clean out your closet, but I also find it encourages me to get rid of things that I’ve been holding onto for forever but never actually wear. I tend to buy shoes that are amazing, but they hurt my feet (I have crazy messed up feet) so I never wear them but they are much too good to just throw out. Knowing that someone will absolutely love them and I’ll get to see her happily prancing around in them makes parting so much easier.

I had been to sample sales before I had ever been to a clothes swap and had expected the same sort of rabid, frantic atmosphere. However, it was quite the contrary and I was delighted with how gracious and kind all the ladies always are. Perhaps this is a testament to the type of company I keep. ;)

If you are thinking of hosting a clothes swap here are some helpful tips to help keep things running smoothly:

1. No boys! Especially straight ones! Girls should be free to run around in their underwear and try things on, because that’s half the fun!*
2. Only take as much as you bring. This keeps it fair. If you bring two bags, try to take only two bags.
3. Don’t bring used underwear or damaged clothing. If it is an amazing dress that is only missing a button that’s fine, but items that are beyond a basic repair shouldn’t be brought. Nylons and tights are acceptable as long as they don’t have holes.
4. Try to have as many mirrors as possible! It is no fun to have to crowd around one mirror or have to have girls running into the bathroom to see how things look.
5. Even though it should be a sort of first come first serve situation, a girl can ask to try something on even if you have already grabbed it. This keeps girls from snagging and hoarding everything and usually I find that girls will generously give the item to whoever it fits or looks best on.
6. If there is a dispute over an item you have a few options: A) Flip a coin (This is the best option, in my opinion). B) Have the other ladies decide who it fits/looks best on (this one can hurt feelings, though). C) Trade other items for it or D) Give it to whoever saw it first.
7. If you are uncomfortable running around in just your panties you can wear a slip or do what I do and wear a sports bra and some bootie shorts.
8. After the swapping is complete and all the girls have picked through everything you will probably still have a big pile of left overs. DONATE IT! There are so many thrift store that support good causes and a big piles of girls clothes are always appreciated.

All that being said, HAPPY SWAPPING!

*a note to guys: Yes, we really do get tipsy and run around in our underwear. We usually compare boob sizes, talk about sex and have pillow fights too.

(Source: timonysiobhan.blogspot.com)