What is Swishing?
Swishing is a type of organised clothes-swapping event where people bring good-quality clothing, accessories or shoes they no longer wear and exchange them for new-to-them pieces. Swishing is similar to a clothes swap, but it is usually more structured and has a more festive, party-like atmosphere.
Swishing Meaning
Swishing means: a fun, social event where participants swap their unwanted clothes for someone else’s pre-loved items using a token- or credit-based system.
It is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe without buying new.
How Swishing Works
Although every organiser runs their event slightly differently, most swishing parties follow three clear steps:
Drop off your items: Participants arrive with clean, good-condition clothing or accessories. Items are checked to ensure quality.
Receive tokens or credits: Each item earns a certain number of tokens depending on its type or quality. These tokens act as currency for the event.
The Swish opens: Clothing is sorted, displayed and hung on rails. Participants browse the selection and "shop" using their tokens to claim items they like.
This system keeps the swap fair and fun for everyone involved.
What Makes Swishing Different from a Standard Clothes Swap
Swishing events are often:
more structured
curated by organisers
held in community halls, studios or event venues
accompanied by music and refreshments
styled as mini parties or social gatherings
run with quality guidelines to ensure better items
Some events even include styling advice, photo corners or beauty services.
The goal is to create a social, enjoyable atmosphere where people can connect over fashion and sustainability.
What You Can Bring to a Swishing Event
Most swishing events accept:
tops, shirts and blouses
dresses
skirts and trousers
jackets and coats
shoes
bags and accessories
jewellery (non-fine)
Items must be clean, wearable and in good condition. Fast-fashion basics and damaged items are usually not allowed.
Why Swishing Is Popular
Swishing has become a go-to sustainable fashion activity because it offers:
A free or low-cost way to refresh your wardrobe: Swap instead of shop.
Social connection: Events are lively and community-driven.
Sustainable fashion in action: Swishing keeps clothes in circulation and reduces waste.
Discovery and creativity: Participants find unique pieces and experiment with new styles.
A guilt-free alternative to shopping: You get new items without buying new.
Swishing appeals to eco-conscious shoppers, minimalists, students and fashion lovers alike.
Tips for Enjoying a Swishing Event
Bring quality items: The better the items you bring, the more tokens you get.
Arrive early: Popular pieces go quickly once the Swish opens.
Keep an open mind: You may find unexpected gems or new styles.
Respect the rules: Each organiser has guidelines on what can and cannot be swapped.
Bring a bag: You will need something to take your new pieces home.
Related Terms
Find swishing events, clothing swaps and second-hand fashion events near you with the Ganddee app.