Swap Up
Expand your closet without expanding your carbon footprint—or your wallet.
Introduction
Our team is working on a clothes-swapping marketplace that allows users to swap their clothes with others in their area. This solves a customer's need of buying new clothes to wear to different events without needing to pay for an expensive rental subscription, like Rent the Runway or Nuuly. Other clothes swapping platforms like Pickle are still very expensive, and deter users that are more price-conscious. The current proposed model allows users to swap asymmetrically, so that it doesn’t always need to be a 1:1 swap. A user could lend 4 pieces, worth $50 each one week, and four weeks later can request a dress with a value of $200.
Problem
We aim to solve the challenge faced by fashion- and sustainability-conscious women who want to refresh their wardrobe without contributing to the environmental harm caused by fast fashion. Many women accumulate clothes they no longer wear but struggle to donate them ethically or sustainably. At the same time, they seek high-quality, stylish clothing options that align with their values, but buying new often means choosing between expensive sustainable brands or fast-fashion items that lack longevity. This issue is particularly acute among young professionals and students who desire wardrobe variety without wasteful overconsumption or excessive spending. Our solution caters to this group, helping them reduce their environmental footprint while staying fashionable and meeting their lifestyle needs.
Opportunity
Our solution is a subscription-based clothes-swapping platform that allows members to trade gently used, high-quality clothing for a low monthly fee. The platform operates as a curated community, ensuring participants follow guidelines for quality, cleanliness, and style. Users can list items they no longer wear and browse options shared by others, promoting circular fashion. Additionally, we offer features such as seasonal style recommendations, community-based peer feedback, and events like clothing swaps to enhance engagement. By emphasizing affordability, sustainability, and style, this model provides an ethical and practical alternative to fast fashion, empowering women to reduce waste and access diverse wardrobe options while aligning with their values.