Secondhand fashion is becoming more mainstream, with bargain hunters hunting for preloved garms in charity shops, online marketplaces such as eBay, and swapping clothes with friends. The trend towards preloved clothing is driven by a desire for new looks at a lower cost, as well as concerns over the environmental impact of fast fashion. Charity shop shopping can yield unexpected treasures, even if buyers are sometimes disappointed by hidden marks or damage. Secondhand clothing is also seen as a way to express unique creativity and avoid the negative aspects of consumerism.
Reused clothing is a popular choice not only for its budget-friendly appeal, but also due to concerns over how new clothes are made. Reports of poor pay and conditions in garment factories have led to greater scrutiny of supply chains and sales practices by large retailers. Buying secondhand can be seen as a way to reduce waste by giving new life to old clothes. The UK market is seeing a surge in secondhand clothing sales, with some predicting that preloved apparel could double its market share in the next decade.
Online platforms such as Vinted and ThredUP allow users to buy and sell preloved clothing, while apps like Depop enable users to build businesses around preloved clothing sales. Swishing events, where people swap old clothing with others, have also become popular in some areas. While the secondhand market continues to grow, some retailers are looking for ways to incorporate sustainability measures into their supply chains. Some are testing recycling programmes, such as H&M’s Conscious Collection, which encourages shoppers to return used clothing to stores to be repurposed.
Many people identify with the benefits of secondhand fashion, but experts warn it is not a panacea for the problems of fast fashion. Some warn that even preloved clothing carries a carbon footprint, particularly if it is transported across long distances. Consumers are urged to buy preloved at a local level wherever possible to minimise the environmental impact. There are also concerns around ethical standards in secondhand supply chains, particularly for authenticating designer goods. However, the trend for preloved fashion looks set to continue as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and ethical implications of their shopping habits
Read the full article on Positive News here: Read More