Looking for a way to update your wardrobe without spending money? Dive into someone else's wardrobe! Borrowing and lending clothes is not only a fun and sociable activity, it's also good for the planet - and your wallet! In this article, we share five tips for a successful and fun borrowing or swapping session.
Borrowing and lending clothes
Borrowing and lending clothes, what's so special about that? You probably did it in high school... And yet we do it less (often) as we get older. Too bad! Because it's an awesome way to always look nice without having to buy new clothes all the time. And it's better for the planet if we start doing this en masse more, because all those clothes purchases put a considerable strain on the planet and it really needs to be reduced. Phew! For example, the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global CO2 emissions and about 93 billion cubic metres of water are needed annually to make all those ‘nice’ garments. 93 billion cubic metres? That's equivalent to 37.2 million Olympic swimming pools! And we haven't even mentioned all that environmental pollution and exploitation, because often (very) many chemicals are used in the production of clothing fabrics and dumped into nature. Take for instance bamboo dust which has been much talked about recently. Seemed sustainable, but wasn't exactly because of those toxic discharges. And at many fashion brands, they don't take the work situation of the makers very seriously. Because otherwise all those cute clothes could not be so cheap.
Conclusion: borrow and swap more clothes with each other, then. We have shared tips for a clothing swap party before. But with clothing borrowing and lending, we haven't stopped yet. To keep that on track, we have some handy tips so that borrowing stays fun and all the borrowers and swappers will ignite even more people to have an open wardrobe day too!
Check the garment for holes and stains beforehand
Just like renting a car, it is important to agree on the condition of the garment beforehand. It would be very annoying if a nice borrowing period with a friend turns into a discussion about an open seam or a stubborn stain. After all, was this already there when you went to borrow the garment or not? Look at the garment together and agree how you will deal with it if the borrower accidentally causes a persistent stain or damage. As far as we are concerned, the borrower will arrange and pay for the repair. But before you take these steps, check first our stain tips and Our DIY to fix an open seam, shop hook or tear in clothes with a ladder stitch.
Agree on a loan period
To avoid impatience and irritation, agree on a loan period in advance and put in your diary when the clothes have to be returned. Bonus tip for an avid (out)borrower: keep a record in an Excel of what you have (out)borrowed from whom, what the arrangements are and when the garment is due back.
Washing instructions
With good washing habits, a garment will stay beautiful for a long time. Discuss in advance how the garment is always treated. If there are any special points of attention, you can prevent a garment from shrinking or losing its beautiful colour. Because shrinking cannot be repaired, so what does that mean? Compensate? Or... Exactly, you don't want to get into this with a friend or your mother. Tips to keep clothes fresher for longer without washing, we also have for you!
Treating clothes: some fabrics have very specific requirements. For example, wool-silk will shrink in regular washing. You can read a washing tip for wool-silk here!
Borrowing and lending clothes, that's how to keep it cosy
Finally, only borrow clothes from friends you know are easygoing. Types that you know, even in the event of a mishap, won't give you a hard time. And the same goes for you: only borrow other people's clothes if you yourself are also willing to lend clothes and don't get easily upset by a stain more or less. We hope so! Because borrowing and lending clothes is a great way to expand your wardrobe and give second life to garments that remain in your closet. So what are you waiting for? Start borrowing and lending clothes and share your experiences with us! Share it on Instagram in stories and tag @thegreenlist.nl so we can share it too! Do you have a question or a good tip? Let us know! You can get in touch with the editors via the follow and contact buttons at the bottom of this page.
Get started with a no buy clothing style
Need more inspiration to share more outfits? We'll get you started with the No Buy Fashion Guide. Over a hundred pages of cool ideas on how to look nice without even buying anything. Nothing. Nope. Nada. Not even second-hand! For 9.50 euros you will have it delivered straight to your inbox and thus on your tablet or mobile phone!
Will you also join this fun community? Read this guide too and discover lots of original ideas. Because so many cool clothes are already out there! Order the No Buy Fashion Guide from our webshop!
Sources: europarl.europa.eu. Photo credits: main image: Angela de Vlaming (left) & Pexels (right), other: thegreenlist.nl & Pexels.
