The most sustainable item of clothing is the one you already own.*
*Or the one you’re about to swap.
About
The Good Swap is Toronto’s monthly clothing exchange for all genders, all bodies, and all ages.
All the haul dopamine, none of the ethical dilemma!
Our Mission
Eliminate textile waste in Toronto and champion ethical and sustainable fashion practices globally by encouraging participation in the conscious fashion movement through swap events, advocacy, and education.
Our mission differs from service organizations such as clothing banks which provide access to free or low-cost clothing for those in need of it. This list of clothing banks in Toronto may be useful if you are looking for these services.
Our Vision
To be the community hub for ethical and sustainable fashion education and action in Toronto.
Our Values
T.O. the Good Swap is building a respectful, inclusive, and informed community, one that aims to create an accessible and joyful swapping experience for its members.
We celebrate fashion as a method of self-expression and do not subscribe to gender or sizing stereotypes. We believe in any clothing for any body. If it feels good, wear it!
When it comes to education and awareness-building we avoid using shame as a tactic for social change and prefer positive reinforcement!
Why Swap?
By swapping instead of shopping (or dumping your clothes in a donation bin), you’re participating in the circular economy, keeping clothing out of landfills, saving money, updating your wardrobe, avoiding unethical fast fashion and resource depletion, and sharing with a community of likeminded people… and sharing feels good.
Learn more about the fashion industry and how to care for clothing you truly no longer need on our Resources page.
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1. Be nice to each other.
2. Respect physical boundaries.
3. Don’t hoard. Try things on as you go so others can check them out if you decide not to keep them.
4. Don’t hover. Please keep the drop-off table clear and let volunteers place the items before looking through them.
5. Don’t use the swap as a dumping ground. The end-of-life care of your textiles is your responsibility. You bought it, you bury it.
6. Don’t resell. Please take items that you or someone you love will wear personally.
7. Don’t do stuff that makes us have to write any more community guidelines.
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The Good Swap is based in Toronto, on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.
Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and remains home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from across Turtle Island.
As a community project focused on reuse, care, and reducing waste, we recognize our responsibility to think critically about our relationship to land, consumption, and community. We are committed to continuing to learn, support Indigenous-led work, and approach our events with respect and accountability.
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We strive to partner with accessible venues whenever possible. Accessibility details will be shared on each individual event page, including information about entrances, washrooms, transit access, seating, and any other relevant venue details.
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Please read in a very serious voice:
*We don’t take responsibility for garments donated and swapped and accept no liability for any claim or loss resulting from any transaction taking place at the event.*
