Interviewing soon? In need of workplace attire for an internship or job?
UW-Seattle students can visit the Career & Internship Center (C&IC) to visit our permanent Career Closet, stocked with free, gently-used, workplace attire.
Please know that this service is only available to current, matriculated, degree-seeking undergraduate & graduate students at UW-Seattle. Students in certificate programs and alumni of any certificate or degree program are not eligible for access to the Husky Career Closet.
There may be office closures or limited hours. Review the alert bar at the very top of our website for notices.
The Items
- Gently-used clothing items have been donated by UW staff, alumni, faculty, and employer supporters.
- We cannot guarantee that clothing has been washed or dry-cleaned prior to donation, or that small imperfections don’t exist.
- The C&IC has intentionally procured a variety of items in a wide range of sizes and styles (while supplies last).
- Items include: Blazers, sweaters, blouses, shirts, dress pants, dresses, skirts, ties, belts, shoes, bags, and more.
- Review our “Quick Tips & Styling Recommendations,” which is listed as the last menu option on this page.
The Closet
- There are two rooms available, each with different styles, types, and sizes of clothing.
- Students have private access to both rooms during their appointment.
- These rooms can also be used as changing rooms.
- Visits are generally about 35 minutes long for student visitors.
Operating Hours for Student Visitors
- Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. by drop-in. For clothing donation hours please see the “Donation Drop-Off Location & Hours” section.
- There may be office closures or limited hours. Review the alert bar at the very top of our website for notices.
- Please note, during normal operating hours, we will allow only one person to shop the closet at a time so a wait-time may exist.
Accessing the Closet & Checking-In
- To access the Husky Career Closet, visit the Career & Internship Center in Mary Gates Hall, Room 134 during the Closet’s operating hours and approach a front desk staff member and ask if you could check-in for the ‘Husky Career Closet’.
- Once a front desk staff member helps you check-in, they will hand you a ‘visit sheet’ and walk you to the Husky Career Closet.
Closet Expectations & Item Limits
- All items are free and available for students to keep. However, returns are highly encouraged, especially for sought after items such as blazers.
- Please know that there is a limit on the number of items you can take per quarter and if you previously visited the closet, upon check-in, front desk staff will indicate on the Closet’s ‘visit sheet’ what items you already selected that quarter.
- Per quarter, students have the opportunity to take one full outfit + accessories (ties, belts, shoes, etc.).
- At the end of a Husky Career Closet visit, staff will take note of which items you selected.
- Exchanges or returns with the expectation of an exchange are not permitted. Once an item’s limit has been met, students are no longer allowed to take another of the same item or swap the item for that quarter.
- Alumni are not eligible for this service. To view all alumni services, visit our Alumni & Community Members page.
Submit a Monetary Donation to the Husky Career Closet.
Monetary donations are greatly appreciated because they help us purchase specific items, styles, and sizes to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our shoppers. We shop at discount retailers such as Goodwill, Ross, & Target.
Our center is not currently accepting donations at this time though we thank you for your interest in supporting Huskies.
Our team welcomes you to seek out alternative means of donations that best suit your needs, including donating to Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village, St Vincent de Paul, etc.
Questions?
Contact askcic@uw.edu.
Be Authentically You
Always stay true to who you are and your preferred style.
Learn Your Preferred Sizes
Choosing clothing pieces that fit you and your body type well is important. Avoid anything too tight or too loose. Utilize a tailor for alterations, if needed.
Know Your Company’s Dress Etiquette
If you aren’t sure, you can always ask! If you’re attending an interview and you’re not sure of the dress etiquette, pay close attention to how formal or casual correspondence has been and always assume the interview dress etiquette is more formal than casual.
Choose Your Colors
Black is the most formal color, followed by navy blue.
Suit, Blazer, or Dress?
If you’re looking for a suit or blazer, you’ll probably need to know your neck, sleeve, chest, waist and inseam sizes. If you’re looking for a dress, you’ll need to know your chest, waist and hip sizes.
When is it Too Much?
When in doubt – opt for classic, understated accessories and jewelry.
Avoid the Leggings
Leggings should always be avoided. When wearing a dress or skirt, opt for tights or stockings instead.
Have Nice Shoes
Shoes can make or break your full outfit so always ensure your shoes are clean, comfortable, and presentable. Opt for colors like black, brown, tan, navy, or white. Occasionally, and depending on your personal style, a statement color or shoe can also be used.
Choose a Neutral Belt
Brown or black with a subtle belt buckle is a go-to, but depends on the suit, blazer, or dress color palette.
Consider Adding a Tie
Ensure your tie is neutral or complimentary with your other clothing items.
