A monthly clothes-swap market is coming to Manchester’s Northern Quarter

A new monthly clothes-swap market is coming to Manchester’s Northern Quarter, with the first event taking place on Sunday 1st March at Northern Monk Refectory.

Called Swish Swap Clothes Swap, it’s a Manchester-based pop-up that launched at the beginning of the year with the aim of encouraging fashion fans to grow their wardrobes more sustainably.

Rather than buying more new clothes on top of what you already have, the idea is that you instead bring along items you no longer wear and swap them with others attending the event.

This way, you get to take home a completely new wardrobe AND flex your green credentials.

It’s also a great way to revolt against the fast fashion industry, which is becoming a serious blight on the planet.

Predominantly aimed at ladies, for now, the rules are as follows: make sure the items you bring are in good nick – no bobbles, rips, tears or holes will be accepted.

Attendees are encouraged to bring ten items with them, which they can then exchange for tokens to ‘swap’ with.

The cost of cheap and disposable clothing on the planet’s health is more significant than many are aware, with the fashion industry being cited as one of the world’s worst polluters.

Some brands, like Nike, Burberry, H&M and Urban Outfitters, have even gone so far as to burn billions worth of their own unsold merch in order to preserve its market value.

“I launched Swish Swap because I was a victim of fast fashion, and I wanted to make a change,” said founder Holly O’Rourke.

“I had over 150 items in my wardrobe that I’d either worn once or never worn at all, because I decided I didn’t like them, or hadn’t got around to wearing them. I was an emotional shopper; when I felt down, I bought clothes to cheer me up, and when I felt good, I bought them to celebrate.”

“I rounded up over 300 items for our first Swish Swap and attracted over 50 women to join me at Banyan, Spinningfields. From high street brands like Zara, H&M, and Topshop, to designers such as Miu Miu and Michael Kors, guests brought some incredibly beautiful items and I was overwhelmed with the response.”

Entry to the clothes-swap market Sunday 1st March at Northern Monk Refectory costs £10, which includes a cocktail on arrival.