A revolutionary new app is shaking up Britain’s fashion scene by replacing fast shopping with fast swapping. CLOSWAP, a student-led platform often called the “Tinder for Clothes,” is making it easier than ever to refresh wardrobes without spending money.
Picture yourself walking through a busy high street when someone offers to swap outfits with you. That’s essentially how CLOSWAP was born—an idea sparked by three university students looking for a more affordable way to keep up with fashion.
What started as an experimental campus swap event—where hundreds of students exchanged clothes—has since become a national movement. CLOSWAP is now the UK’s leading fashion swapping platform, helping users match and trade clothing with a simple swipe.
Seeing the enthusiasm for their first event, the three founders, who were struggling to afford new clothes themselves, realised their idea had serious potential. They turned CLOSWAP into a business, and today, the app boasts over 20,000 active swappers, with plans for major expansion.
“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!”
CLOSWAP is expanding its presence across the UK, with swap events planned in cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Birmingham. These events, featuring live music and engaging side activities, bring the swapping experience to life, while the app’s Karma Points system encourages users to continue trading.
With Britons wearing an item just seven times before discarding it, CLOSWAP is working to extend the lifespan of clothing. By seamlessly connecting wardrobes across the country, the app is proving that sustainable fashion is both stylish and accessible.
After securing the 2024 Mayor of London’s Entrepreneurship Award for Creative Industries, CLOSWAP has established itself as a leader in circular fashion. Now a Resolution Fellow and backed by multiple startup accelerators, the team is preparing for further growth while raising their seed round under the SEIS advanced assurance scheme.
