Libraries for clothes

Treehugger takes a look at clothes libraries.

We love libraries here at TreeHugger. They’re a perfect example of a Product Service System (PSS) where you get the service of an item without having to own it and all the cost and upkeep time that requires. In the past we’ve discussed Toy Libraries and Tool Libraries. But it seems we’ve forgotten to mention Clothing Libraries.

The ones I’m familiar with are like the Belmont Clothes Library in Western Australia. A volunteer run organisation with over 1,500 fashion garments on its books it loans out, for free, male and female apparel to unemployed people, so they can look smart for crucial job interviews.

Link

[#1 posted by Antinous , March 31, 2008 12:15 PM]

In the 70s, there were huge freeboxes in Boston and Campbridge. We'd jump into one every afternoon, strip down and switch into new drag. Nothing makes you feel pretty like a new frock every day of the year.

[#2 posted by Dav , March 31, 2008 1:28 PM]

What a great idea.

[#3 posted by TootsNYC , March 31, 2008 2:19 PM]

As the mom of 2 kids, I have visions of a clothing library of suits for little kids. Of course, there'd be a run on the inventory for Easter and Christmas.

So, maybe a club, made of up kids in descending sizes.

[#4 posted by SeamusAndrewMurphy , March 31, 2008 4:56 PM]

Oh man, this is an awesome idea. I just wish I could think these things up and implement them.

Say, you know what I need for my teenage kids? Oh, how about...a kid library...um, you know, to loan them out?