Local women revolutionise pre-loved fashion with clothes swap launch

Two local women on a mission to make pre-loved fashion stylish and accessible have set up a new venture, the Swap Society.

Friends Meagan Powell and Gracie May, who share a love of thrifting, sustainable fashion and vintage treasures, created the Swap Society to host clothing swaps in independent venues such as coffee shops, farm shops, industrial warehouses and festivals.

Their first event will be held in Melksham later this month, marking the official launch of their project.

“At its core, Swap Society is about making pre-loved fashion trendy and a talking point,” explained Meagan. “We believe that vintage finds, charity shop treasures and pre-owned pieces all tell a story and deserve a second chance. We are proving that sustainable, slow fashion doesn’t have to be boring – it can be edgy, on-trend and full of personality.”

“By hosting swaps in independent venues, Swap Society supports local businesses and creates footfall in places that matter. Whether it’s a florist studio, pizza place or pop-up at a local festival, the event always brings something fresh to the town.”

The idea was born at the Dorothy House charity shop in Westbury, where Gracie is store manager and Meagan, a marketing manager, is a regular customer. Conversations between the rails soon led to the discovery of their shared passion for sustainable fashion and community connection.

Meagan said, “After attending a few clothing swaps together, we spotted a gap: why not make swap events trendier, more dynamic, and rooted in community and connection?”

Gracie, who lives in Westbury, has a lifelong love of second-hand clothes, having grown up shopping in charity shops and at jumble sales. She views pre-loved fashion as not only a sustainable choice but a powerful way to express individuality.

Meagan’s love of thrifting began after she moved from South Africa to the UK five years ago. “Arriving with just one suitcase, I used charity shops to rebuild my wardrobe, connect with people, and feel at home in a new country,” she said.

Together, Gracie and Meagan – whose wardrobes are now 98% pre-loved – are determined to shift the narrative away from fast fashion.

“We have lived in a world where it’s normal to buy 20 items in one online shopping spree,” says Meagan. “Now, we’re flipping that narrative. We want people to know that shopping second-hand isn’t just affordable – it’s empowering.”

The Swap Society’s first clothes swap will take place at Doubles at Avonside in Melksham on Saturday 10th May from 10am. Entry is £5 cash on the door and people can bring up to 20 quality clothing items to swap.

“For every item of clothing you bring, you will receive a token to swap in exchange for clothing,” explained Meagan. “Swaps offer a low-cost, sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe while keeping clothes out of landfill – where, sadly, 85% of textiles still end up.”

For more details about the movement, visit the Swap Society’s Instagram page.

Pictured: L-R Gracie May and Meagan Powell