An idea: clothing libraries.

[More Fire for the People]

Growing up, I always felt bad about myself because all of my clothes came from wal-mart or thrift stores. I had a real negative self-esteem because my clothes always looked a decade old. Now that I’ve got the money and I know how to hit up the sales and find top-dollar thrift stores I feel expressive and positive. I think we should help out kids and people of all ages by starting up clothing libraries. You can check out nikes, converse, polos, hoodies, pants, etc. from a library. Leave a $5 dollar deposit and pay a $1 for each month your items are checked out. When you bring your clothes back, you get your $5 back.

[Jude]

Or we could combat consumerism so we don't have to have people without a decent wardrobe...

But seriously. We should just start an DIY advertising campaign that shows kids how to make crappy clothes look really sick...

[Marsella]

Sounds interesting Hopscotch, but I wouldn't really want to wear clothes from some stranger regardless of how fashionable or 'hip' they were - I wear friends clothes and clothes of siblings, but the idea of wearing clothes previously worn by someone else...

But I think its a good idea regardless of personal taste.

Would this be economically viable?

[blackstone]

Not to knock your program brother, but i don't wanna be wearing anybody funk Nike's after they used them for basketball tryouts for a week.

[More Fire for the People]

Originally posted by [email protected] 20, 2007 11:59 am
Not to knock your program brother, but i don't wanna be wearing anybody funk Nike's after they used them for basketball tryouts for a week.
:lol: I mean fashion nikes but alright. Yeah, it would take some effort on the part of the 'librarians' to wash and clean clothes.

[Everyday Anarchy]

Originally posted by [email protected] 20, 2007 11:44 am
Sounds interesting Hopscotch, but I wouldn't really want to wear clothes from some stranger regardless of how fashionable or 'hip' they were - I wear friends clothes and clothes of siblings, but the idea of wearing clothes previously worn by someone else...

But I think its a good idea regardless of personal taste.

Would this be economically viable?
Ever tried on clothes at clothing store? Yeah so has everyone else.

It would require an awareness and participation on behalf of everyone in regards to hygiene to ensure that nobody gets ill from it. Also, you have to consider the fact that you're allowing complete strangers to "check out" Nikes for $5 where in the store they may cost $100. Be prepared to say goodbye to that pair of shoes.

Perhaps some kind of "membership" card (like Library cards) could be used so the "Librarians" would know the details of those who use their service.

[counterblast]

Here in Detroit we have clothing banks; where low income residents pay $20 annually, and for that $20 have access to what is essentially a "free store" where they can have any clothing they like. Several local stores, and citizens donate unsold/unwanted clothing items. The clothing banks are located in community centers, social centers, and churches who've donated a free space to set up shop.

[Y Chwyldro Comiwnyddol Cymraeg]

Originally posted by [email protected] 20, 2007 05:40 pm
But seriously. We should just start an DIY advertising campaign that shows kids how to make crappy clothes look really sick...
How do you make crappy clothes look sick?

[Dr Mindbender]

too many hygiene implications. You'd need a shitload of washing machines to clean them all at such short notice. So an 'underwear' library would be out of the question! :lol:

I could see it being quite popular with the TV/TG community though.

[rocker935]

Originally posted by Hopscotch [email protected] 20, 2007 05:23 pm
Growing up, I always felt bad about myself because all of my clothes came from wal-mart or thrift stores. I had a real negative self-esteem because my clothes always looked a decade old.
huh? I have never worn "fancy clothing". Not because I had to but by choice. All of my clothing is faded and shit. I think it would be better for people to learn not to care about their clothing as much. I think that it is important that people choose clothing that they is comfortable and THEY like, not was society likes.

[RedCommieBear]

Hmm.. What about just like a BPP-style survival program? One of the survival programs that were initiated included a free clothing (here's a list (http://www.stanford.edu/group/blackpanthers/programs.shtml) of pretty much all of the BPP's community programs)

[My Heart is a Molotov]

Originally posted by [email protected] 26, 2007 05:57 am
Here in Detroit we have clothing banks; where low income residents pay $20 annually, and for that $20 have access to what is essentially a "free store" where they can have any clothing they like. Several local stores, and citizens donate unsold/unwanted clothing items. The clothing banks are located in community centers, social centers, and churches who've donated a free space to set up shop.
I really like that idea.

[Vanguard1917]

Originally posted by My Heart is a Molotov+November 29, 2007 07:17 am--> (My Heart is a Molotov @ November 29, 2007 07:17 am)
[email protected] 26, 2007 05:57 am
Here in Detroit we have clothing banks; where low income residents pay $20 annually, and for that $20 have access to what is essentially a "free store" where they can have any clothing they like. Several local stores, and citizens donate unsold/unwanted clothing items. The clothing banks are located in community centers, social centers, and churches who've donated a free space to set up shop.
I really like that idea. [/b]
A second-hand clothes charity?

[Vanguard1917]

Originally posted by My Heart is a Molotov+November 29, 2007 07:17 am--> (My Heart is a Molotov @ November 29, 2007 07:17 am)
[email protected] 26, 2007 05:57 am
Here in Detroit we have clothing banks; where low income residents pay $20 annually, and for that $20 have access to what is essentially a "free store" where they can have any clothing they like. Several local stores, and citizens donate unsold/unwanted clothing items. The clothing banks are located in community centers, social centers, and churches who've donated a free space to set up shop.
I really like that idea. [/b]
A second-hand clothes charity?

No one should have to wear other people's unwanted shit in this day and age. Charity is an insult to the poor.

[Y Chwyldro Comiwnyddol Cymraeg]

Originally posted by [email protected] 29, 2007 01:36 am
Hmm.. What about just like a BPP-style survival program? One of the survival programs that were initiated included a free clothing (here's a list (http://www.stanford.edu/group/blackpanthers/programs.shtml) of pretty much all of the BPP's community programs)
Godd idea...the BPP's survival programs are esential for bettering the lives of workers and for showing then that the group/movement wants to help them

[crimsonzephyr]

Good idea, but i really cannot see it taking off at all. No one will participate...besides hobos

[Killer Enigma]

No one should have to wear other people's unwanted shit in this day and age. Charity is an insult to the poor.
One man's trash is another man's treasure. I almost exclusively shop at Goodwill and buy clothes online to avoid supporting the garment industry. There are a lot of good clothes to be had, and the fact that they are available at a low price is helpful to lower-income families.

[anarchista feminista]

In the leftist community alot of people would probably avoid wearing such brands due to the association with capitalism and sweat shops.

It's really easy to find clothes that suit personal taste and especially if you have that choice, rather than just what's there, it will fit you. Markets have really cool and original things and I think it's a cheap source for good clothes. I guess for those who don't have a problem stealing from the working class (which I have seen alot of people on here not even regard this as an issue) it's an easy place to shoplift.

But, trying not to generalise, I feel that most people on here who can afford internet access regularly can also afford the clothes that they want.

I've also seen lots of leftists with plenty of money create really cool diy pieces such as patched skirts or pants and screenprinted tops which I know cost next to nothing to make.

[Bilan]

Originally posted by Vanguard1917+November 30, 2007 04:53 am--> (Vanguard1917 @ November 30, 2007 04:53 am)
Originally posted by My Heart is a [email protected] 29, 2007 07:17 am

[email protected] 26, 2007 05:57 am
Here in Detroit we have clothing banks; where low income residents pay $20 annually, and for that $20 have access to what is essentially a "free store" where they can have any clothing they like. Several local stores, and citizens donate unsold/unwanted clothing items. The clothing banks are located in community centers, social centers, and churches who've donated a free space to set up shop.
I really like that idea.
A second-hand clothes charity?

No one should have to wear other people's unwanted shit in this day and age. Charity is an insult to the poor. [/b]
I wear it all the time.Infact, I am right now.