The Clothing Exchange was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2004 by Kate Luckins, with a simple but powerful idea: giving great clothes a second life through swapping. What started as a local initiative has grown significantly over the years, especially after a collaboration with the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2006. Today, The Clothing Exchange runs regular events in a range of beautiful and unique venues across Australia, bringing together a growing community of people who love fashion, sustainability, and a good swap.

At its heart, The Clothing Exchange is about rethinking the way we consume fashion. We believe looking good shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. Unfortunately, the traditional fashion industry has a heavy environmental footprint and can have serious social impacts on workers throughout the supply chain. Swapping offers a refreshing alternative: it keeps quality clothing in circulation, reduces waste, and helps ease the demand for new production.

It’s also a fun and practical way to refresh your wardrobe. Instead of spending money on new pieces or adding to your credit card bill, you can bring along your pre-loved garments and exchange them for something “new-to-you.” It’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and surprisingly exciting—you never know what hidden gems you might find.

Over time, The Clothing Exchange has grown from a small, passionate community of swappers into a national network of events known for being welcoming, lively, and easy to enjoy whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned swapper. The atmosphere is always friendly, with professionally hosted events designed to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

We currently run regular swaps in Melbourne and Sydney, and our work extends beyond public events. We also partner with corporations and councils, run school programs, and support charity fundraisers. From intimate community gatherings to large-scale national tours with five major events, we’ve hosted swaps in all kinds of spaces—from bars and galleries to iconic skyscrapers like those used for Australia Post and Telstra, and even outdoor venues.

No matter the setting, we love bringing people together around a shared idea: that fashion can be circular, social, and a whole lot more sustainable. If you’ve got a swapping idea in mind, we’d love to hear it.

READ WHAT OUR SWAPPERS HAVE TO SAY

“The Clothing Exchange brought a valuable dimension to the All About Women Festival at the Sydney Opera House. They were professional to work with and genuinely engaging for our audience members.”
Christine Erskine, Acting Marketing Manager, Sydney Opera House

“The swaps were run extremely well on the ground and enjoyed by hundreds of consumers.” Eleven PR

“Partnering with The Clothing Exchange was a major factor in the success of the Telstra clothes swap event. The excitement generated amongst our patrons during the event and the positive feedback afterwards are a testament to TCE’s ability to provide a service that was both fun and sophisticated.”
Diana Vidovic, Telstra project manager

“I have been swapping for over 10 years now it’s the best feeling in the world! I adore seeing my clothes find new homes. The swaps let you see the joy that an old skirt or top that has been lying at the bottom of your wardrobe can bring to someone else. When I see swappers picking up my items and loving them as much as I did it makes me feel brilliant.” Joanna Willatts

“Swapping aligns with my values to reduce unnecessary consumption. However, I love to be creative with clothing as well, so swapping enables me to get new ideas. I also like to upcycle clothing and reinvent it in new ways and the swaps are an excellent way to do this. Keep up the good work ladies!” Joy Barrett

CONTACT US

Kate Luckins, Founder

@kateluckins @sustainablelife.style
kateluckins@gmail.com

Kirsten Fredericks, Sydney Host and National Coordinator

sydney@clothingexchange.com.au

Jenna Flood, Melbourne Host

melbourne@clothingexchange.com.au