Episode #30 of the Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid podcast is now streaming. You can read about the conversation highlights below or listen to the full podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Substack, or right here on the Planet Aid website.
In the latest episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty sat down with Emily Pickett, the newly appointed executive director of Sharp Dressed Man, a Baltimore nonprofit redefining what it means to suit up for success.
For over a decade, Sharp Dressed Man has provided thousands of men with free professional clothing—from suits and ties to haircuts—helping them look and feel their best as they enter or reenter the workforce. What began as an act of creative reuse by custom clothier Christopher Schafer has evolved into a powerful community effort impacting more than 12,000 men across Maryland.
Each Wednesday, the organization opens its doors at 250 West Dickman Street to welcome any man in need of professional attire. Volunteers measure, style, and prepare clients with care—no questions asked. The transformation is immediate.
“When men walk in and walk out, it’s night and day,” Emily shared. “Sometimes all that’s missing between a person and their next opportunity is the right outfit.”
The nonprofit extends this mission beyond its Baltimore base with its mobile outreach unit—the Sharp Dress Van—which travels to schools, job fairs, and community events, ensuring their services reach those who can’t easily access the city shop.
Emily gives credit to the circle of volunteers who donate their time and talents to Sharp Dressed Man. She reiterates that there is no Sharp Dressed Man without them. This special group of people includes barbers offering free haircuts to stylists, helping each man find the right fit. Many of these volunteers were once clients themselves.
Emily told the story of Mr. Shoe, a former recipient now serving other men every Wednesday, helping fit shoes and offering encouragement. “It’s full-circle moments like that,” she said, “that define what we do.”
As a graduate of Stevenson University with a background in fashion design and merchandising, Emily brings both skill and heart to her role. Her awareness of sustainable practices perfectly aligns with the organization’s operations, where every donated suit has multiple layers of purpose—minimizing textile waste while empowering individuals.
“People bring us their loved ones’ clothes or pieces from decades past,” she explained. “Even vintage suits from the ’70s find new life with someone excited to wear them again.”
Sharp Dressed Man will host its spring fundraiser, “Prom Through the Decades,” on April 25 at the Concept House in Towson. The event will feature stories from program participants, a silent auction, and plenty of retro fun—all in support of expanding outreach and services.
Anyone wishing to donate suits, volunteer, or attend the event can visit www.sharpdressedman.org. Donations are accepted year-round through the organization’s 24/7 drop box at their Baltimore location, and all contributions are eligible for a tax receipt.
As Haley Chitty, Planet Aid’s communications manager, summed up during the episode, the organization stands at a “great intersection of fashion, charity, and environmentalism”—a perfect reflection of Planet Aid’s mission to turn everyday choices into sustainable change.
Tune in to the full episode to learn more about the role of communities in recycling efforts. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to hear more discussions with sustainability leaders on our monthly podcast.
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