Mobile Wardrobes are purpose-fitted vans stocked with excess clothing from fashion houses. The vans travel to AnglicareSA outlets and community centres in Adelaide distributing new clothes and shoes to people who otherwise would not be able to afford brand label clothing.

Adelaide is the first city in Australia to pilot the Mobile Wardrobe service, run by clothes distribution charity Thread Together in partnership with AnglicareSA.

Thread Together CEO Greg Fisher said a national rollout of the service would follow.

“Traditionally our clothing has been distributed via our charity partners and on-site wardrobes and outreach centres,” he said.

“These mobile wardrobes will allow us to reach out into the community and go direct to the people who need it, no matter where they are.”

AnglicareSA CEO Peter Sandeman said the two vans stock “top of the range” fashion items in all sizes.

“We had the fashion industry wanting to give their disused clothes to people in need and this really is an outlet for them to do it,” he said.

“It’s a very magic transformation for people who feel devalued to transform into people who feel empowered just like anyone else wearing brand new, never worn before clothes.

“It’s also very cost-effective, as we get the clothes for free and the only cost involved is to provide the vans and volunteers and a few paid employees.”

The Mobile Wardrobes stock clothes from retailers including OshKosh B’gosh, General Pants, Seafolly, Connor and Cue.

Communities in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs will be the first to benefit from the service when vans start delivering clothes from today.

The pilot test will last three years, with plans to expand the Mobile Wardrobe fleet dependent on the trial’s success.