Klesdeling

Klesdeling is a Norwegian term that translates to "clothing sharing" or "clothes swapping." It refers to the practice of exchanging clothing items, often among friends, family, or through organized events. The core idea is to give pre-owned garments a new life, reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption.

The concept of klesdeling is driven by several motivations. Environmentally conscious individuals embrace it as a way to combat the fast fashion industry's significant environmental footprint, which includes excessive water usage, chemical pollution, and landfill waste. Economically, it offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new clothes, allowing people to refresh their wardrobes without significant expense. Socially, klesdeling can foster community bonds, with organized swaps bringing people together for a shared activity.

Klesdeling can take various forms. It might involve informal exchanges between individuals who have similar clothing sizes and styles. More formally, it can manifest as organized klesdeling events, often hosted by community groups, schools, or environmental organizations. These events typically involve individuals bringing in clean, wearable clothing they no longer need and browsing through items brought by others, taking home what they find useful. The emphasis is on circularity and maximizing the utility of existing clothing.