TOAST Exchange
Finding new paths for much-loved pieces
TOAST Exchange explores a garment’s life beyond its first wearer. To date we have found new paths for more than 2,600 much-loved pieces.
Our clothes swapping initiative, formerly called TOAST Circle, launched in 2019 and has evolved into a bi-monthly series of swapping events taking place in all TOAST Shops. During these events, there will be an opportunity to meet with some of our community and connect over stories of your garments.
TOAST Circle, as it was, will no longer be available year-round in our Bath, Edinburgh, London Mayfair, London Notting Hill or Oxford shops. If you still have existing tokens, these will remain valid at all TOAST Exchange events.
TOAST Exchange Swapping Events
Swap a TOAST item you’ve cherished for another at your local clothes swapping event on selected days throughout the year. Bring up to five worn TOAST garments which will be assessed by our shop teams and traded for tokens. Browse the pre-worn rails and exchange your tokens for pieces to cherish and take home. Each item features a story label detailing its history from the previous wearer.
June
Thu 8 June, 12pm - 5pm, TOAST Llandeilo and TOAST Bath
Sun 11 June, 12pm - 5pm, all TOAST Shops (except Bath, Llandeilo, London Islington and London Marylebone)
How does it work?
- Bring your pre-worn TOAST garments (up to 5 per visit) into a TOAST Shop. This should be something you once valued that you think could be valued by someone else. Would you give this item to someone?
- Complete a story label detailing how and where you wore your garment.
- Receive a token in exchange for each of your garments. The token will reflect the original value of your TOAST garment, as decided by the store team. There are three tiers: up to £150, £151-£250 and over £250.
- Explore the curated rails of pre-worn TOAST garments and trade your token to find new garments of the same tier.
- Any garments that remain after a period of 6 months will be processed through one of three streams: donating the items to a charity of our choice; TOAST upcycling scheme; fibre recycling. This will not impact your ability to use your tokens to select another garment.
What can you swap?
- You can swap up to 5 pre-worn garments that have been well cared for (free of faults or minor repairs such as rips, holes and stains). All items will be assessed using the TOAST Exchange Swapping Guide.
- We will not be able to accept any clothes that are damaged. The TOAST team can refuse any items brought to the event that do not meet the Exchange criteria.
- Garments must be clean and ironed.
TOAST Exchange Terms & Conditions
Talks On-Demand
Our series of thought-provoking conversations and clothes swapping events in our shops are now available to watch on-demand.
The Circular Economy with Katie Treggiden
Join founder and director of Making Design Circular, Katie Treggiden, to hear about the role that taking part in the circular economy can play in personal wellbeing and building community.
The Role of Styling & Community with Alice Wilby and Katelyn Toth-Fejel
Join creative consultant, educator and activist Alice Wilby and designer, artist and PhD researcher Katelyn Toth-Fejel as they discuss the role of styling and community to tackle the climate crisis.
The Craft of Use with Kate Fletcher
Join Kate Fletcher, Professor at the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, for a talk exploring ideas and practices of durability including from outside the global north, clothing volumes and the usership of garments.
Social Conscience
We are keenly aware of our impact on people and the planet. By looking at our impact areas, we have set out a roadmap to enrich and educate, contribute through collaboration, cherish our materials and minimise our waste.
TOAST Exchange is one of the ways we foster longevity and support you to do the same.