“Can I Borrow This Top?”
“Can I borrow this top?” is a question most college girls have asked or been asked at least once. For me, it began my freshman year, when my new friends and I started sharing clothes. Those early months of swapping outfits strengthened our friendships and became one of the most memorable parts of college life.
Coming from a private school where I wore a uniform every day, I entered college with little sense of personal style. As I started discovering who I was and what I liked, my wardrobe didn’t reflect that growth. Choosing outfits for special occasions often felt overwhelming. My friends shared the same struggle, and one day, we decided to try each other’s clothes.
At first, lending and borrowing felt strange. I’d never shared clothes with my friends back home, and trusting someone with my favorite pieces wasn’t easy. But over time, it became second nature, and that’s what I call the college closet phenomenon.
This phenomenon isn’t just about convenience. It’s a social, economic, and sustainable practice that shapes friendships, personal style, and even future opportunities.
One Big Happy Closet
Instead of separate wardrobes, my friends and I had one big shared closet. Everyone contributed unique pieces, creating endless outfit possibilities. Sharing clothes built a sense of trust and community. While I initially worried about my clothes being returned damaged or not at all, I learned that trust grows naturally when you share with the right people.
To make it fun, we started playing a game called Closet Roulette. Each person would bring a few clothing items to a basket, then we’d take turns randomly selecting pieces until everyone had a complete outfit. We’d try them on and laugh about how we’d styled each other’s clothes, it was a creative way to bond and explore new styles together.
The Practical Benefits: Saving Money, Space, and Waste
Beyond friendship, the shared closet saves money, space, and reduces waste. Borrowing clothes means fewer shopping trips and less pressure to buy something new for every event. Wearing a “new” borrowed outfit still gave me the same confidence boost without draining my bank account.
It also encouraged mindful consumption. I started buying fewer clothes, freeing up closet space and cutting down on waste. Sharing made me a smarter, more sustainable consumer, something many college students can benefit from adopting.
Psychological Motives
Sharing clothes also fulfills deeper emotional needs. Research shows that people often share clothing to feel a sense of belonging. Wearing a friend’s top isn’t just about fashion, it’s about feeling connected, confident, and part of a community. Clothing becomes a way to express shared identity and support among friends.
Why this Phenomenon is Important to Partake In
A simple question,“Can I borrow this top?,” can define a college experience. Sharing clothes goes beyond style, it’s about friendship, creativity, and sustainability. In the end, the college closet phenomenon is a celebration of connection, resourcefulness, and self-expression.