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 3,000 much-loved pieces.
Our clothes swapping initiative launched in 2019 and has evolved into a series of swapping events taking place in 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 Exchange Swapping Events
More swapping events will be announced shortly.
Throughout 2023 so far, TOAST Exchange has enabled more than 470 swaps across 17 shop locations.
At one of our recent events, Julie found a handful of items to refresh her summer wardrobe. “Swapping has made me love my items more,” Julie explained. “Some pieces have been languishing in my wardrobe for some time but I have recently been encouraged to think more often about what I want to wear and why, selecting colours and styles I wouldn’t normally go for”.
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.