Prom Closet Nanaimo is celebrating 12 years of helping graduating students find the perfect formal wear for their proms. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

sustainable grads

Prom Closet Nanaimo celebrates 12 years fitting grads with pre-owned formal wear

Feb 24, 2026 | 4:28 PM

NANAIMO — With spring only a few weeks away, Prom Closet Nanaimo can help check a potentially expensive and stressful item off the “to do” list for those about to graduate high school.

Celebrating their twelfth year in operation, the non-profit society specializes in connecting graduating students with donated prom outfits, from flowery gowns to sharp-fitting suits, and all the accessories.

Coordinator Joan Hiemstra said they welcome any graduating students, noting trips are made from across Vancouver Island and even the Mainland to get fitted and sent off with a desired outfit.

“The goal is to make sure they have something to wear to their prom, and that that’s not a reason why they wouldn’t go,” Hiemstra told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Donations of used prom wear are accepted year-round, with gowns, strapless bras, men’s dark formal suits, shirts, ties, and bow ties always needed.

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Hiemstra said a reason they continue to be in such high demand is the recent fashion acceptance of wearing re-used, high-end clothing, which is often only used for rare, formal occasions, and can be expensive for soon-to-be-grads.

“There’s such a range, such an assortment of dresses here that you don’t find anywhere else because they’ve all been donated, they’re from different tastes, different years, different body shapes, different colours, there’s such a range of clothing here that most girls who aren’t sure what they’re looking for will find something they like because there’s such a wide range.” 

She said those outfits are made with high-quality material and could be worn multiple times before showing any wear if treated properly.

Grads don’t need to return the clothing once prom is over, but Hiemstra said a lot of them do, or lend the items to friends or younger family members to keep the tradition alive.

She said they’ve fitted grads two days before prom in the past, but it’s not ideal, and encourages people to book their fitting appointments sooner rather than later.

The only requirement is the student must be graduating this year.

“Book your appointments now, come on in, get your outfit figured out so you can enjoy it and take the time to figure out what else you want to do with it. Also, volunteers may or may not be available as we get closer to your prom date in May or June.”

More information, including how to book an appointment or donate to Prom Closet Nanaimo, email promcloset.nanaimo@gmail.com.

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