A groundbreaking new app is shaking up the UK fashion scene, turning the thrill of impulse shopping into the excitement of swapping. CLOSWAP, often dubbed the “Tinder for Clothes,” is allowing people to upgrade their wardrobes without spending a penny.
Imagine strolling down a busy street and being invited to swap your outfit on the spot. That’s the unconventional idea that inspired CLOSWAP, a peer-to-peer clothing exchange platform founded by three university students looking for a more affordable way to refresh their style.
What started as an experimental swap event on campus—where hundreds of students eagerly exchanged clothes—has transformed into a growing national movement. CLOSWAP is now the UK’s leading fashion swapping app, making second-hand clothing exchanges as easy as swiping right.
The event’s overwhelming popularity led the founders, who themselves struggled to afford new clothes, to turn their concept into a business. Today, CLOSWAP boasts over 20,000 active users and has ambitious expansion plans in place.
“At CLOSWAP, we want the pace, price, and practicality of fast fashion to be matched by swapping,” says co-founder Maria Remy.
“That’s why we host events and built the app. It’s fast, engaging, and free, with the added bonus of building an IRL community. For students like us, it’s not just about fashion—it’s about giving everyone the opportunity to constantly upgrade their wardrobe without spending money, EVER. You already have the currency; it’s in your closet!”
The app is set to expand further, with swap events planned in Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Birmingham. These events, which include live music and interactive experiences, bring CLOSWAP’s community together in person. Meanwhile, the platform’s Karma Points system keeps users engaged by rewarding frequent swaps.
With Britons discarding clothing after just seven wears on average, CLOSWAP aims to extend the life cycle of fashion. By seamlessly connecting wardrobes across the UK, the app is proving that looking stylish doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
After winning the prestigious 2024 Mayor of London’s Entrepreneurship Award for Creative Industries, CLOSWAP has cemented itself as a frontrunner in the circular fashion movement. Now backed by multiple startup accelerators and recognised as a Resolution Fellow, the team is focused on expanding further while raising their seed round under the SEIS advanced assurance scheme.
