Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago’s Dignified Closets initiative is dedicated to providing Illinois residents in need with clothing to build a wardrobe full of dignity and hope for their new chapter.

How It Works:

SFW Chicago diverts clothing from landfills by repairing and reimagining items so our neighbors in need can re-wear them. 

1. Clothing Collection

We host year-round clothing swaps and donation events where freshly washed and gently used items can be donated.

2. Creating A Free Store

Then, we pack these garments up and work with our other charity partners to create a free private pop-up shopping experience for recipients to attend and select as many items as needed to build a wardrobe that they not only need but love. This is a closed-to-the-public event to protect the beneficiaries’ privacy and identity. 

SFW Chicago believes everyone deserves to shop with dignity and this pop-up shop allows those in need to select items that reflect their personality, style, and give them control over an aspect of their life that could or has caused immense stress. 

Our goal is for recipients to leave the free store with items for job interviews, day-to-day living, workouts, and other occasions. In addition to our own events, we partner with Fat Babes of Chicago, to ensure we provide more size-inclusive options so every body and every size can be included and benefit from this program.

3. Inspiration – Coming Soon

SFW Chicago is working on creating a free lookbook for attendees to view digitally that shows how they can make the most of their pieces, style basic items to create dozens of looks, and find style inspiration. If you’d like to contribute, please email us!

How You Can Help:

This program wouldn’t be possible without you and we need help to keep it running. Here’s what you and your community can do!

1. Attend SFW Chicago’s Clothing Donation Or Swap Events

Items from official SFW Chicago clothing donations are donated to the partnering organizations themselves and used in the free pop-up shops. The remaining items from swap events are also donated to this program.

2. Donate To The Program

If you’re able to financially contribute to keeping this program open, it would make all of the difference. 50% of each dollar supports our programming and events. Donate, here!

3. Host An SFW Chicago Clothing Swap

Share this program’s mission with friends, family, co-workers, and your community by hosting a clothing swap or donation event.