Jacket Exchange: What It Means and How It Works in Ireland

When people talk about a jacket exchange, a community-driven practice where people trade used outerwear for practical, weather-ready gear. Also known as coat swap, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about making sense of Ireland’s unpredictable weather without buying new gear every season. In a country where rain can turn a summer day into a wind-swept mess, having the right jacket isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. And that’s why so many Irish families and outdoor lovers are turning to jacket exchanges instead of online stores or shopping centers.

These exchanges aren’t fancy events with booths and name tags. They’re often held in community halls, school gyms, or even local pubs after work. Someone brings a worn but still solid waterproof jacket they never use, picks out one that fits better, and walks away with something that actually works for their commute, dog walks, or weekend hikes. It’s simple. It’s local. And it’s growing fast. The real magic? You’re not just getting a jacket—you’re getting one that’s already broken in, tested in Irish rain, and proven to handle Galway winds or Dublin puddles. You don’t need to guess if it’ll leak or shrink. Someone else already did.

Related to this are second-hand jackets Ireland, a thriving informal market built on trust and practicality. Also known as used outerwear, these aren’t thrift store finds from decades ago—they’re recent, well-cared-for pieces from brands like Berghaus, Columbia, or even local Irish labels that never made it to big retail chains. People swap not because they’re broke, but because they’re smart. A £100 jacket bought new might last three years. A £20 jacket swapped from a neighbor who used it for two years of coastal walks might last another five. That’s the math. And it’s not just about jackets. Many exchanges now include waterproof trousers, insulated vests, and even hiking boots—all traded under the same rule: if it keeps you dry and warm, it’s welcome.

What you won’t find in these exchanges are trendy, fashion-first pieces. No glossy faux-leather coats. No thin windbreakers that blow open in a breeze. What you’ll find are functional, durable, and often unisex styles that Irish people actually wear every day. The same ones you’ll see on bus stops in Cork, on the DART in Dublin, or walking the cliffs in Wexford. These aren’t just clothes—they’re tools. And like any good tool, they’re meant to be passed on, not thrown away.

That’s why the posts below cover everything from how to pick a jacket that lasts in Irish weather, to why a 50-year-old woman might wear a denim jacket year-round, to what makes a suit jacket totally useless outside a boardroom. You’ll see how people repurpose old gear, how local brands design for rain and wind, and why calling something a "jacket" in Ireland means something very specific—it’s not just a layer, it’s your first line of defense.

Below, you’ll find real stories from Irish households, walkers, commuters, and families who’ve learned the hard way that buying new isn’t always better. Whether you’re looking to join a jacket exchange, understand what makes a good outerwear swap, or just want to know what to look for when you’re handed a used coat, this collection has you covered.