If there’s one sustainable fashion initiative you should know about, it’s Change Clothes Dublin. Founded by Mary Fleming, this innovative social enterprise embodies the creativity, diversity, and fun of sustainable fashion. Change Clothes is a shining example of what sustainable fashion can and should be.
Change Clothes Dublin is a social enterprise committed to making sustainable fashion accessible to everyone. At its heart, it’s about transforming how we view and engage with clothing reuse. From its permanent swap shop and rental service to its hands-on workshops, Change Clothes offers practical, engaging ways for people to reconnect with fashion in a meaningful and sustainable way.
The journey of Change Clothes began just two years ago when Mary Fleming traveled to Kenya and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of fast fashion. Kenya has become a dumping ground for textile waste from around the world, creating an environmental crisis in a country known for its natural beauty.
Determined to make a difference, Mary returned to Ireland with a mission: to provide accessible second-hand fashion for all. What began as small swap shops and events in Crumlin, Dublin, quickly grew into a well-rounded social enterprise. Today, Change Clothes operates out of a vibrant space on Thomas Street, offering year-round clothing swaps, a rental service, and regular workshops that teach people how to repair, upcycle, and embrace second-hand fashion as a joyful and valuable part of their lives.
Mary’s philosophy is centered on encouragement rather than criticism. Change Clothes provides accessible, practical solutions for engaging with sustainable fashion, from skills workshops to community events. Mary explains:
“The reason we exist is to make clothing reuse the norm. We want to provide solutions that are easy to access in a very busy capitalist world. The challenge is working within the structures we exist in.”
This commitment to inclusivity and positivity is reflected in everything Change Clothes does, from making second-hand fashion affordable to ensuring their services are accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Change Clothes represents a fresh approach to business—one that prioritizes sufficiency, community, and creativity over relentless consumption. Instead of chasing trends, it invites people to reconnect with fashion in a way that values quality, care, and shared experiences.
This model breaks the stereotype that sustainable fashion is expensive or exclusive. Mary works tirelessly to challenge misconceptions and support behavioral change. She’s proud of the diverse community they’ve built, noting a range of participants in their workshops. However, she acknowledges there’s still work to do, particularly in engaging young people from working-class backgrounds and shifting perceptions of second-hand clothing among this demographic.
Mary Fleming’s leadership is as inspiring as her mission. In just two years, she has built a thriving enterprise that brings communities together and demonstrates how sustainable fashion can flourish within a challenging system. Her work exemplifies how entrepreneurship can drive systemic change, moving away from overconsumption and throwaway culture.
Mary’s passion for accessible, affordable fashion and her dedication to showcasing sustainable solutions make her a true trailblazer. Speaking with her is both uplifting and motivating—her vision offers a roadmap for anyone looking to build a business that embodies sustainability, community, and creativity.
Check out the interview we had with her on our social media platforms:
@voiceireland
Change Clothes Dublin is more than a social enterprise—it’s part of a movement. It challenges the status quo, celebrates the joy of fashion, and provides a practical, scalable model for making sustainability accessible to all. Mary Fleming’s work reminds us that sustainable fashion isn’t just possible—it’s transformative.
