Clothing Swaps Reimagined: Discover Lucky Sweater App

by Carley Lake | Last Updated:   June 15, 2023

Hi all! Carley here. Today, we’re exploring “clothing swaps” and their incredible impact on the fashion revolution. The notion, though not new, is a game-changer for sustainable fashion. Clothing swaps help breathe new life into garments, diminish textile waste, allow us to refine our styles without succumbing to the pitfalls of overconsumption—and they’re fun too! And today, I’m elated to share more about the startup I co-founded that evolves the concept of clothing swaps: Lucky Sweater App!

Carley in Nettle Studios before clothing swaps
Enjoying my Nettle Studios pants one last time before I list them to swap on Lucky Sweater!

Clothing Swaps in the Digital Age: The Lucky Sweater Approach

The phrase “clothing swaps” might bring to mind images of friends trading tired garments or community events where clothes are exchanged. While these traditional clothing swaps are fantastic for sustainability and community-building, their potential is somewhat restrained. But what if we could extend the community, make each clothing swap include only the items, brands, and styles you love, and infuse it with a dose of tech? That’s where Lucky Sweater steps in, transforming the clothing swap for the digital age.

Why Lucky Sweater Stands Out Among Secondhand Resale Apps

What makes Lucky Sweater unique among other secondhand platforms is its essence; it’s not just a place to trade clothes but connect and share advice and inspiration with your communities. As a co-founder, my dream was to create a global network of fashion enthusiasts who share a commitment to sustainability and can swap not just clothes, but also ideas, inspirations, and sustainable practices.

discussion section Lucky Sweater App
The discussion section has 1,000s of slow fashion and me-made advice!

The app currently houses two distinct communities. One celebrates slow, sustainable brands like Elizabeth Suzann, Ace & Jig, Ilana Kohn, Not Perfect Linen, and more. The other champions handmade pieces and surplus materials for crafters. But the fun doesn’t stop there; we’re soon expanding to include thrifted items, vintage treasures, children’s clothing, and more community spaces.

How Swapping Work on Lucky Sweater

Engaging in clothing swaps on Lucky Sweater is straightforward and enjoyable. You list the items you no longer need, find and select pieces you love, and propose a swap. It’s a low-risk trading model—you’re not shelling out money for new, untested pieces; instead, you’re giving a new home to items that no longer serve you and acquiring something you’ll love and use in return.

Slow Fashion item
Items in the Slow Fashion community are from a curated brand list.

Lucky Sweater takes clothing swaps beyond the traditional realm by helping you discover new brands, hone your personal style, and connect with like-minded individuals. You can identify “swap matches,” catalogue your outfits, and even derive inspiration from community members whose styles resonate with you.

Saves for slow fashion clothing swaps
Find your perfect patch with the Saves and Saves Match features.

Moreover, to make clothing swaps even more engaging, we’ve initiated the “Swap Drop,” a weekly gathering where the community comes together to share and trade. It’s a fun and exhilarating way to make clothing swaps a celebratory, communal experience.

Swap drop Lucky Sweater App screen
Items added throughout the week go live in the “Swap Drop” every Tuesday at 12pm PT.

Local Clothing Swaps: Bringing the Community Together

Lucky Sweater goes beyond the digital realm by facilitating local clothing swaps. Hosted by community members, these events provide Lucky Sweater members with the opportunity to meet, connect, and swap in person. We’ve hosted swaps in several cities, including Chicago, Vancouver, Seattle, DC, and Portland, and we’re continually expanding. If you’re interested in hosting your own local swap too (with our without the Lucky Sweater community), check out my guide on how to plan and host a clothing swap here!

Carley and Tanya at Lucky Sweater App clothing swaps
My co-founder Tanya and I at an in-person swap we hosted in DC for Lucky Sweater app members.

Lucky Sweater is at the forefront of the digital clothing swaps movement, offering a sustainable, fun, and community-oriented approach to refreshing your wardrobe. By opting to swap rather than buy new, we can collectively push back against the fast fashion industry and contribute to a cleaner planet. Through clothing swaps like the ones on Lucky Sweater, style and sustainability can coexist harmoniously.

Immerse yourself in our growing community today. Lucky Sweater is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store. You can use invite code “thoughtfulflamingo” for instant access too! Venture into the world of digital clothing swaps with us, and remember, being a conscious consumer never goes out of style!

Thanks so much for checking it out!
xo, Carley