Swap, don’t shop: Find fun ways to refresh your festive wardrobe the sustainable way

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by Bex Bastable.

Christmas is a time of joy but also a time of overspending and overconsumption. But this year could be different, starting with your wardrobe. What if this festive season, you bought nothing new to wear?
 

Before you panic about party season, hear me out. The fashion industry produces 100 billion garments annually, yet we wear items an average of just seven times before discarding them according to The Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Meanwhile, recycling that glittery party dress isn’t the solution we imagine – mixed fabrics are virtually impossible to separate and recycle effectively.
 

The good news? Creating a festive wardrobe without stepping into a high street store or filling up that virtual basket is easier than you think.
 

Clothes swapping events are popping up everywhere and you can even start your own. Gather friends, colleagues or neighbours to bring quality items they no longer wear. That velvet blazer gathering dust in your wardrobe could be someone else’s Christmas party showstopper. You’ll leave with ‘new’ pieces and a decluttered wardrobe without spending a penny.
 

Can’t organise your own? Check local community centres, churches or social media groups for upcoming swaps. St Mark’s Church in Holbrook holds regular events and look out for festive specials on your local community Facebook groups..
 

Another treasure trove for party outfits are charity shops, and they’ll usually have their windows dressed with festive fashion to get you inspired. Spend an afternoon browsing through the rails for hidden gems like vintage sequins and barely-worn designer pieces. Plus you’ll be supporting good causes.
 

If you’re time-poor, platforms like Vinted, Depop and eBay bring the charity shop experience to your phone. Search specifically for what you need, filter by size, and have items delivered to your door. I’ve found this great for festive outfits for my children each year – I’ll post last year’s Christmas jumpers and buy a new set, so it’s almost like a virtual clothes swap.
 

For damaged favourites, seek out repair cafés where volunteers can help mend, alter or embellish clothing. That jumper with the pulled thread doesn’t need replacing; it needs 20 minutes and someone who knows their way around a needle. You can find your closest repair cafes on the Sussex Green Living website – or pop into the Horsham Repair Cafe at the Sussex Green Hub,  United Reformed Church, 45 Springfield Rd, Horsham, on the last Saturday of each month from 10am to 2.30pm. 

This December, set yourself a challenge and commit yourself to a Christmas where you swap instead of shop. Your wardrobe, wallet and the planet will thank you.