Our current economic system is based on excessive consuption and big fast-fashion chain stores are well familiar with this. They also know that the old trends always come into life after a decade, more or less but they don't really care. To produce new clothing more and more people are being taken advantage of and so is our environment. These are the main two reasons that show why you should choose second hand clothing, but let's see extensively.
1. Saving the environment:
Clothes that don't fit well on people or that are not "in" are more likely to end up in a landfill.
Many pieces of fabric and especially those of a good quality can survive for many years just like plastic. Polyester - the main fabric that is used for clothing - it is not bio-degradable and it is also believed to be the biggest source of microplastic pollution in the oceans. Moreover the production of clothing requieres many chemicals and a lot of water. So by bying second hand you can reduce the impact on the planet.
2. You can stop exploitation of poor countries:
Kids under 15 are working more that 12 hours a day to help their families income for less that a dollar a day while people in industrialized countries are worrying about their outfit for the next season. It is a disgusting paradox but consumers have the power to change it. If more people start buying second hand the retail industry will rethink and change its strategy once they see that the demand for new clothing will decrease, creating better working enviroment and higher salaries.
3. Save money:
The idea of bying "new" jeans for less than 10 euros is good to everyone. Same fashion budget - more clothes.
4. More unique pieces:
Globalization has made everyone and eveything the same and fashion is a way to stand out of this. In second hand stores you will find a big variety of vintage clothing from different eras.
I know that old habits don't change in one day. No one is telling you that you need to stop bying from big stores, I, myself still shop from there many times. But with one step at a time the world can change and you can still satisfy your craving for new clothes.
"There are no rules in fashion but one; recycleyour clothes" -Iggy Pop
"There are no rules in fashion but one; recycleyour clothes" -Iggy Pop
xoxo, Nephele.