About this Event
Join Chicago Fair Trade’s Conscious Closet Club for a weekend-long clothing swap at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum- the first and only fair trade museum in the world. Taking place during Chicago Fashion Week, we welcome swappers of all ages, sizes, and genders to this ever-popular event.
What is a Clothing Swap? Have you ever had a piece of clothing lingering at the back of your closet that is perfectly good, but you never wear? So do most of us -- in fact, there's already enough clothing on the planet to clothe the next six generations.
At a Clothing Swap, participants can select up to 10 items. If you have clothing you would like to donate, you can bring it along or drop it off at a drop-off location in advance (scroll down for drop-off information). It's the perfect way to keep clothing waste out of the landfill and upgrade your closet with new-to-you treasures you will actually wear! If you don't have anything to donate, no worries -- there are always loads.
We have two ticket options: get first dibs at our Exclusive Cocktail Party Preview Night ($39) or thrift for less with our General Admission ticket ($10). Space is limited, so tickets will be good for a 3-hour time slot.
EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW NIGHT: Friday, October 16 from 6-9 PM
Get first dibs! Opening-night tickets are $39 ($29 for CFT members) and include:
- Take home up to 10 swap items; get first dibs!
- Free readmission to one slot on Saturday or Sunday
- Cocktails and heavy appetizers
- Get styling tips and shopping help
- Mingle with your fellow conscious consumers!
GENERAL ADMISSION: Saturday, October 17 & October 18, from 11 AM -54PM
Admission these days is $10 (free for CFT members). Your ticket includes:
- Take home up to 10 swap items
- Get styling tips and shopping help
Please bring your own bag to carry away your clothes!
Clothing Donations
Acceptable items: Clean clothing in good condition for all ages, sizes, and genders. A little wear and tear is fine, but please don’t bring anything that’s already reached the end of its useful life or something that no one else is going to want. We will accept all types of clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
You can bring donations with you to the event, or drop them off in advance at participating locations starting on October 1, 2026. Drop-off points so far include:
- The Chicago Fair Trade Museum, 4704 N Broadway Street, Chicago. Drop-off hours: Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5 pm.
- Mata Traders, 5112 N Ravenswood, Chicago. Drop-off hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-4 pm
- The Unwaste Shop, 1108 W Madison St, Chicago. Drop-off hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 am-6 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11 am- 5 pm.
- Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange at Envision Unlimited Frick Center, 2124 W 82nd Pl, Chicago, IL 60620. Drop-off hours: Wednesday and Thursday 10 am- 5 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm.
- Gather, 1509 Chicago Ave, Evanston. Drop-off hours: Mondays through Fridays 11 am to 6 pm; Saturdays 10 am -6 pm, Sundays 12 - 4 pm.
Scroll down to see photos from epic swaps in past years!
Event venue & nearby stays
Chicago Fair Trade Museum & Store, 4704 North Broadway, Chicago, United States
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