There is no denying it; charity shops are becoming increasingly popular as we seek out more sustainable fashion options; and with our growing awareness of the impact fast fashion has upon the environment, secondhand shopping could be the perfect way to enjoy a guilt-free splurge.
THE FACTS
“15 million items of used clothes arrive in Ghana every week from Europe, America and China and fast fashion items make up more and more of what is sent. 40% of the clothing shipped to Ghana never finds a second life and ends up in Ghana’s overflowing landfills which has created an environmental nightmare.” BBC NEWS/Independent.com
With such shocking statistics, it is no wonder so many of us are looking for ways to treat ourselves without further adding to the devastation. With high street, vintage and designer pieces sat side by side on the rails of charity shops up and down the country, they are a treasure trove. Here are a few things to remember when beginning your secondhand hunt:
• Items are always hygienically steamed prior to going out on the shop floor to be sold.
• Clothes found on the rails have been checked over by volunteers before being allowed out. Whilst the occasional hole or stain might be found, overall the quality of these items are good.
• Charity shops are limited by the donations given to them, so it is worth travelling to more affluent towns or checking shops out on Google Reviews before heading out for a shopping trip.
• And remember: You are not the charity. They are. And by shopping charity shops, you are doing a good thing whilst also grabbing a bargain.
For anyone not yet ready to head to the local thrift store, there are plenty of other ways to choose-used. Let’s take a look at 4 of the best:
1 Apps and Sites
On apps like Vinted and Depop, as well as on sites such as Ebay you can often find items in better condition than in the charity shops. This is often because sellers are usually selling for personal profit and as such, ensure only their best pieces go up.
Other times you can find absolute bargains after a seller had a clear out at home and wants rid of their clothing as quick as possible.
Overall, these kinds of apps are a fantastic way to enjoy the hunt of secondhand shopping without leaving the comfort of your couch. You can also search for certain sizes, colours or styles making it far easier to shop secondhand.
Extra Upside: you have in-app buyer protection if an item gets lost in the post.
2 Private Online Sellers
Whilst shopping via dedicated apps gives you consumer protection both as a seller and as a buyer, you can find sellers you like, trust and use regularly through Instagram and Facebook groups. You might find specialist items from such sellers including vintage or even certain sizes which are harder to find in preloved stores.
Before buying from someone for the first time outside of an app, be sure to ask them about their postage options to ensure you are covered if the item goes missing. Also check for any reviews to make sure they are legitimate.
Extra Upside: shopping locally via Facebook market place will often mean you don’t have to pay for postage as you can pick up directly.
3 Private In-store Sellers
Secondhand boutiques are growing in popularity. They only sell carefully selected, preloved items from private sellers who take half the profit whilst the store takes the other. This type of secondhand shopping is perfect if you prefer to try clothes on before buying, plus you can avoid paying postage by shopping in store.
Extra Upside: whilst the prices may be a little higher than purchasing from a charity shop or direct from an online seller, the items, often designer, are usually of a higher quality.
4 Renting
If you don’t yet wish to commit to buying secondhand, then why not take a step into the world of preloved by renting pieces instead? From high-street to high-end designers, renting clothing is one of the best ways to explore your own style without spending money on items you may never wear again.
Extra Upside: purchasing designer clothing, even secondhand, can still run into the thousands of pounds. Renting the items you like is not only a more sustainable option for the planet but it is also a fantastic way to wear designer pieces without the hefty price tag.
THE FACTS
“Extending the life of clothes by just nine extra months of active use would reduce carbon, water and waste footprints by around 20-30% each.” Wrap.org
Shopping secondhand, whether in store or online, has had a bad reputation for a long time, but with a revitalised interest, people from all walks of life are donating and selling great quality items. Sourcing clothing and accessories at a much lower cost than buying new can become a real joy, and the thrifting community is a wonderfully inspiring, informative and diverse place to be.
April is international Earth Month. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for change around the issues most impacting our planet. This April, why not take part and make a small change by donating to and shopping at a charity shop? You might just find you love it!
Lottie Hammond-Wright
A passionate preloved clothing fan, Lottie has spent over two decades picking up secondhand treasures from her local charity shops, sourced and sold vintage, and even spent time managing a thrift store. Get started on your own sustainable style journey as I share the best tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way, helping you save money, find the best items and help the planet.
