Say hello to Second-Hand September
— by Alyson Walsh

Stella Tennant and daughter Iris. Photo: Tom Craig
Oxfam’s new initiative: Second-Hand September is a brilliant idea. The UK has a throwaway fashion problem – it is estimated that £140m worth of clothing goes to landfill each year, and Brits will chuck out 50m single-use outfits this summer. To raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability, Oxfam is encouraging customers to take a pledge, avoid purchasing new clothes for a month and only buy from charity shops. Interesting, as September is the month of fashion shows and big glossy magazines bulging with the latest designer advertisements. Anyhow. The campaign to raise awareness features a lovely shoot with Stella Tennant and her daughter Iris in second-hand clothes; styled by Bay Garnett who has worked with Oxfam for a couple of years as an independent advisor on the Fashion Fighting Poverty catwalk shows. ‘Second hand is important. We have to start buying less,’ Garnett says in a feature in the Financial Times, ‘I’ve always loved the independence of it. The spirit of finding and developing your own style and eye. Of not being force fed what’s trendy, or what’s cool, and what’s not… Second-hand is about empowerment.’
Say hello to Second-Hand September; I’m taking the pledge not to buy anything new. This may even continue when the month is up, I’ll see how I get on. As a fashion journalist, I love clothes – but I am not in thrall to the fashion industry, which both environmentally and ethically needs to mend its ways. And I’ve always believed in individuality over following trends; if you could see some of my DIY student outfits from the 1980s, you’d get the (often quite random) picture. But I didn’t have a camera back then, and the high street as we know it didn’t exist. Today, I’m interested in wearing vintage again and when it comes to buying new clothes, I often ‘Style Stalk’, purchasing items that I’ve had my eye on for a while when they’re reduced in the sales. I am not perfect, and I do appreciate that not everyone has the time or money to shop in this way. Clothes can be empowering and fun regardless of price. But I’m wondering if Second-Hand September could be throwaway fashion’s Blue Planet moment, a step change in attitudes where we start to think of faddish clothes in the same way we think of plastic bags and bottles? As vintage-lover Bay Garnett tells Grazia magazine, ‘ It’s about being strict with yourself. “Am I going to wear this?” is the million dollar question.’
Will you be taking the Second-Hand September pledge?
More about Second-Hand September on the Oxfam website HERE. And you can sign in to read the FT article with Google (click on the ‘sign in’ button on the top right hand side). Alternatively, there’s a feature in the Evening Standard HERE. And it’s worth taking a look at this advice from Wrap.org
Discussion (68 Comments)
Sarah says:
Great idea Alyson, I’m in! A wonderful way to slow down and refocus on what you really need – and what you don’t
Sue says:
I read that article in the FT the other day, and it was beautifully styled, of course, and the models looked wonderful. But, it’s a bit like going in to TK Maxx or somewhere: you’ve got to have the style gene to pick out the gems, and I just don’t. I buy practically all my clothes in the sales/discounted out of season but not really second hand. (This is very hypocritical of me as I sell on lots of my things on Ebay).
Julie says:
Sue, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s great that you pass on your clothes by selling them to others who will enjoy them after you.
Mrs Tonia says:
Hi Alyson. Yes I too read this feature in the FT weekend section. I’m with them and the campaign in general. At this back to school time of year it is tempting when looking at the new Autumn clothing ranges in the shops and September issues of the fashion magazines.
I’m following less clothes purchased to keep within budget plus to follow a greener, less consumerist approach to clothes shopping. For the past year or two I’ve tried to shop my wardrobe far more and be more mindful of what I own and can restyle to look reasonably good now. There’s plenty that can be done by tweaking what one already owns. You have been helpful in many of your posts in showing how to recombine items to make a newer looking outfit. For example the utilitarian army shirt worn with a silky bias cut long skirt and ramblers sandals. Plus beaded coloured earrings. Result, cool outfit with little extra expenditure. More like this please to show how you are getting on with this September No Spend project.
All it takes is a bit of imagination and guidance and as you have advocated laying things out and trying them on to see what proportions and colour schemes feel comfortable and look of the moment. I shall follow your lead within my own style parameters as I have done with the greying locks. And hope to appear, as ever, that I’ve applied “more dash than cash” to my outfits.Karen says:
I’m a month in to a year-long commitment to buying no new clothes or accessories- not even second hand. I have lovely things and am concentrating on appreciating them and creatively putting outfits together. Your note about fashion ethically and environmentally needing to mend its ways really resonates. We all need to put away our wallets for a while until the message gets through.
Siobhan Pitchfork says:
I love fashion, and I also did this for a year, it really changed the way I shop and think about the impact of my shopping. I resurrected old clothes from the back of my wardrobe that hadn’t been out for years. When my 12 months was up, I was surprised to find I didn’t want to rush out and buy things. I made a very short list of what I thought I really needed and didn’t buy anything that wasn’t on it. After actively making myself buy nothing for 12 months, I just stopped wanting to have things I saw and liked on impulse. I do still love vintage and charity shops, and I think I get much more pleasure out of the very few things I buy now. My 19 year old daughter told me about a year ago that she will only shop secondhand now, and I have to say she always looks fantastic!
Catbird Farm says:
I too just did a year of no shopping. The first month or so I was tempted but then the desire to buy completely vanished and I found I stopped thinking about shopping completely. When I do buy something now, which is infrequent, like Siobhan, I find I make far more considered choices now. I only buy things that have been on my wishlist for ages, and the best quality I can afford. I now spend more on a single piece than I used to but never any impulse choices. I find it has completely eliminated buyer’s remorse and best of all, I get so much more pleasure from those one or two items than I ever got from scooping up an armload of new stuff.
Patrish says:
We don’t really need as much as we think. I did the no-buy thing in August. How nice to have a close to nothing balance on my credit cards. It is a habit I am going to be realistic about adopting. One comes in, when needed, and, one goes out.
We are so bombarded with advertising urging us on to the next great thing. Best to look and then re-imagine what we already have.
Trends come and go at the speed of light. Nice to take a middle road and somehow make our existing stuff work.
Style can’t be bought.
A new tube of lipstick in a great color is sometimes all one needs to get that shopping ‘lift’. (and a new look).Isobel says:
Well, of course Yes to Second-hand September AND Op-shop October, No-buy November, Don’t-buy December, J….something January (I’ll come back to that), Fewer-new February, Make-do March, Ample-already April, Mend-and-sew May, J….something again June and July (!!!) and Any-old-thing August! Because that describes my buying year, pretty much. As far as all the Js go, how about Just-shop-my-own-wardrobe, ‘cos I’m so happy Just doing that most of the time.
Fiona Fulford says:
I’m also doing this. I already buy quite a lot in charity shops, though as I don’t work much I have time to wander round regularly which I think is when you get the best finds. Last year I picked up a beautiful Edina Ronny fairisle cardigan for £7 .. reduced, they said, as it had lost a button. I de bobbled it with an electric thing, bought three new buttons for £2 and hey presto…lovely! The old Brownie thrift badge and sewing skills always stayed with me!
My husband says however that my decision to buy a couple of things I need for AW in August so I don’t need to do it September is cheating. But they were kind of essential replacements for well worn out tights, and a pair of black trousers to replace old ones.
Judicious July … leaves a little room for manoeuvre maybe?
MaureenC says:
Yes I’m in too. I regularly dip into Oxfam online and both donate and shop in our local charity shops. It’s an affluent area and there are lots of people who wear things for one season and then change their whole wardrobe for the next, dropping it all off at a charity shop in a grand gesture of something or other. Still, though I disapprove I’m not above decending like a vulture and carrying away the odd Max Mara silk shirt for a fiver. I stalk the garments I like until the sales too, as most of the brands I want to buy from start off with stupid prices. I try things on then take a photo of them or bookmark them on line. It’s my form of relaxation, decompression even, equivalent to a computer game for other people.
I suspect I’ll need a lot of decompressing over the next while……..Helen says:
I live in the time warp of mid-Devon and the whole concept of throwaway fashion was a shocking revelation for me. I am astonished there is such a thing as single-use outfits – 50m of them?!!!! Although I have to admit to buying things that ended up being single-use… In our village, every so often, we have a big swop which involves racks of our rejects and a fair bit of wine. It helps, of course, that there is no huge, pressing need to turn out in the lastest fashion to potter up the road to the shop or pub – and the rural economy doesn’t support many glamorous jobs or smart offices. But I do feel like a country bumpkin when abroad in the city and looking stylish can bestow huge confidence and give such a mood boost. Lots of people do judge a book by its cover – it’s often a shorthand personality check and an indication of where you are in their personal pecking order which in turn affects their behaviour towards you. No great surprise there but just explains that desire, or need, to rock a contemporary look at the cheapest price but – single use???! So thanks for championing Secondhand September and wardrobe shopping Alyson. And I’m very interested in where I can buy that silk Max Mara shirt for a fiver… ;-D
MaureenC says:
It was in the Devon Air Ambulance shop in Topsham Helen. It was marked as £3.50 but in a fit of guilt I insisted they keep the change!
Exeter is pretty stylish these days and we have some great shops (like Sancho in Fore St.) who focus on sustainable brands so you don’t have to go too far afield to look great.
Elizabeth Bernheim says:
Yes – partly because on a diet and don’t want to buy anything new until I lose enough kilos! My daughter has just thrown out loads of clothes she has outgrown – so am now thinking of practising my sewing to upcycle a few outfits. So charity shops and creativity are on!
Jenny says:
Love this post, so important for us all to address this. I do run out of ideas on what to do with my old clothes though. Any blog posts on how to style up and refresh basics would be much appreciated. Thank you Alyson.
Stephanie says:
Me too. Have always mixed and matched second-hand and new since the early seventies. Charity shops then often reflected generations that were dying out. When I began looking in those days there were countless black dresses from the twenties, low waisted and just below knee length made of the most beautiful crepe de chine, the problem was that they carried no washing instructions and were easily shrunk inside a machine. Took me a while to understand this. The above is a great initiative I agree and I think very much the way to go.
Mrs Tonia says:
I join the clothes stalkers. For the most part not buying. Though I got two splendid twice discounted Toast items I’d had my eye on since early April in the mid July John Lewis concession sale. Good value for quality long wear items makes sense.
I really enjoyed Isobel’s list of months with limited purchases.
And we should try to follow the suggestions of the Fashion Revolution which Alyson highlighted months ago in a post. Being part of a movement makes prudence less lonesome.Barbara Thompson says:
I’m in. I have a lovely capsule wardrobe and don’t need anything. I am searching for a particular item, but will keep to eBay and Poshmark.
While I agree wholeheartedly with all the sentiments in the posts, I have a dilemma. On the high street in Brighton where I live there are lots of independent boutique owners who rely on their customers to stay in business. Often, they also source and sell niche brands, which have good environmental and sustainable credentials. If we don’t support these shops they will disappear and be replaced by chains, which would be so damaging to an already decimated, homogenised high street. Could it also be a thing to say only buy from independents and not from the likes of Zara and H&M? Just a thought.
Hello Alex, good point. I agree with you about supporting small independent businesses and try to do so on That’s Not My Age whenever I can. It’s about considerate consumption, thinking about what we buy and where we choose to spend our money.
Julie says:
Buying local is a high priority for me but as I buy very few new clothes these days, I try to promote local boutiques to friends who still spend plenty on their clothing. It’s a bit of a balancing act…
Vivien Hallberg says:
I so so agree with you and all your readers’ comments.
Having just moved house and for the first and probably last time in my life I now have a walk in wardrobe , I am appalled at how many clothes I have even though I have decluttered continuously. and pride myself on only buying items ( new and secondhand) of they ‘go’ with at least three other garments. So I’m pledging no buying until at least next year. Good luck, Everyone; we can do it
An Tanghe says:
Yes!We have to let go of the fashionway’s we know…I have been a secondhand buyer for years,I buy a lot on fleamarkets,thriveshops and sometimes online,after working in the fashion industry who is the worlds second largest polluter I had enough.The clothes I do not wear anymore I sell or give away.People always tell me I dress so well and not like everybody else,what a lovely compliment is that.I think being creative with secondhandclothing is so much fun and it gives you that unique look,dubbel win :)Like we always say,be kind to the earth,buy vintage…An (Belgium)
maudie says:
I tend towards Secondhand All The Time! A combination of the plethora of charity shops nearby (and afield) and ebay keep me happily supplied in clothing and accessories all year round. Factor in my ‘dressing up box’ at the end of the bed and I NEVER buy brand new clothing and consider that I dress well (without blowing my own trumpet). The Times yesterday (NOT my choice of newspaper I hasten to pointlessly add) was blurbing on about denim skirts being the new big thing (??) – rummaged through the ‘box’ and found two – way nicer than the one’s featured in the article. There is virtually no need to buy any of the latest ‘tosh’ unless it is a considered purchase, well-made wear-forever ‘keeper’. (Margaret Howell, that is you!).
Longdenlife says:
Always pop into certain charity shops where I live – picked up a Jaeger black dinner jacket for £20 last week!! Intend to wear over a pair of black skinny jeans, a silk vest and heels for an evening look.
The conundrum I have is that I dress in a very corporate way for my job and dress completely differently out of work and for this reason I cant seem to find a ‘crossover’ point for lots of clothes that I could wear for both ‘lives’ and increase flexibility. For example, I am not a great ‘shirt wearer’ (shoulders too broad!) at work so don’t have the opportunity to wear one over jeans….
Rach with an E says:
The shop your own wardrobe and charity shopping posts have resonated with me as I decided, a couple of years ago, to buy a lot less but better quality. So this year I have bought a Spry boiler suit (on offer), a 60s green wool coat (charity shop) and a full price but hard wearing denim skirt. Other than that, it’s been the odd charity shop purchase including some great necklaces and shopping my own wardrobe. I was going to put a top on eBay but when I looked at it with fresh eyes I realised it went very well with said denim skirt, jeans and a faux leather skirt I’ve had for years. Result!
Lynne Collins says:
I had already decided not to buy anything new until some unspecified time next year. I have far too much already and need to go shopping in my own wardrobe. Will see how long the good intentions stay a reality. As a teenager about fifty years ago, I discovered the joy of vintage in the Oxfam shop. I don’t remember any other charity shops at that time. Beautiful bespoke tailoring, fabulous cotton shirts. It was easy to put together an individual look at pocket money prices.
Anne Murphy says:
About 85% of my clothes are ‘used’ & bought on EBay, then sold back there when I no longer have any use for them. I’ve been doing this for about 5 years, more so since retirement, definitely helps the bank balance!! As I like sewing I’ve also started making a few of my clothes… Works for me!!
Bronwyn Shaffer says:
Just bought a vintage / second hand dress for my daughters wedding. Once I got the hang of second hand shopping I find it works great for me and I feel better about it.
Beth says:
Since last September I have purchased 14 clothing items, including shoes & workout clothes.. After editing my transitional/ winter closet, I plan on doing this a second year.
The second-hand clothing stores where I live are not very nice, but I will consider shopping at them. Recently I wore a Ralph Lauren linen plaid skirt with a white shirt and pearls to a cocktail party. I received many compliments on my 25 year old skirt.
I have beautiful clothes and I want to were them. I have learned so much about shopping my closet from reading your excellent blog. Thank you.Krys A. says:
September is a perfect time to buy second hand as this is when many people clean out their closets as they are getting their kids ready for the school year. I mostly buy second hand anyway and think of it as “renting” so if I try an item and after wearing it I find the fit awkward or the material doesn’t “breathe”, I can wash it and return it to the charity shop without feeling guilty. When I buy something new and for some reason or another I don’t want to wear it anymore, I feel that I have wasted my money.
Cathy M. says:
Smiling over here across the Atlantic because my children have seen me hit consignment and thrift shops first on any shopping trip. My son still dreams about the all leather monk straps and beautiful wool suit I got him for his first teen dance.I rarely do well in the clothing sections because many of my compatriots have different bodies and sense style than I do( grew up in Belgium). My best luck has been duplicating brand and style purchases on E bay. It takes patience but is sooo satisfying to score almost new at a third the price. I also resell anything I’m getting rid of and donate what consigner doesn’t take. My new interest, inspired by craft shows and stores around me, is repurposing clothing by piecing two garments into a new one , or over-dying a sanitized article where there yellowing or stains , or otherwise embellishing to give it a new look.. some people are VERY creative and fun.; just a challenge to make a look that suits me. Love your blog!
Josanne says:
Well I love this idea, I have really no needs in the clothing department. But here in the US its all the end of summer and Labor Day sales that are so tempting. Plus I am leaving for holiday on Sunday, so something ‘new’ always seems like a nice idea. But I went into my local Eileen Fisher store and tried on lots of pieces but settled on a beautiful blue silk top from her Renew program. I can tell it’s an older piece from the quality of the silk and the label. I love the thought that my new addition has a history and now I get to add to that. Plus with the weather changing, it’s a great time to find all those new outfits in your own closet. Thanks for this post, Alyson.
Lesley Somerville says:
I only heard of Eileen Fisher a few months ago and, hey presto, a few weeks ago I found a beautiful EF linen shirt in a second hand shop for £30! It’s ‘too big’ for me but works perfectly as a loose jacket when layering and I’ve already worn it loads of times this summer. It will transition well over autumn too.
I’ve never really looked on eBay but am resolved to do this for brands I like but are too expensive to buy new. And I have probably bought at least half as much as I would normally over the summer, since I’ve started REALLY thinking about what I buy instead of allowing myself to get carried away by the ‘rush’ of spending money.
marie treacey says:
Hi Alison I’m in joined up for it a few days ago thank you for highlighting it on your blog
Anna says:
My new activity is to delete any email that comes from a retailer – M & S, Next, East, etc. So much temptation – DELETE! And a sigh of satisfaction/relief.
Lesley Somerville says:
I do exactly the same. Don’t even look and feels so satisfying to resist, resist, resist.
Maudie says:
Hmm? From some of these comments many of your followers seem a very affluent bunch as see wearing secondhand as some kind of jolly jape and not something thousands of us do everyday. This blog is becoming frightfully upper middle class!!!!!
Oh, I’m sorry you feel like that Maudie – obviously, I want That’s Not My Age to appeal to all women, and given my working class roots am slightly alarmed by your last sentence! Not quite sure what else to say….
Jodi Brown says:
Maudie, with respect, I think you are being a little unfair here. I have read countless comments on here referencing readers low income/retirement/out of work status and how the site has helped them find their style without overspending. Many of us buy from charity shops for environmental reasons or because we don’t want to go above a small clothing budget. I grew up in the East End, and now live in a working class Northern mill town and I imagine plenty of Alyson’s readers have similar backgrounds.
maudie says:
Hands up here – I was being a little precious and must have been having a cranky day. Reading through the rest of the comments here I apologise.
Hilary says:
Apart from shoes and underwear I buy everything from charity shops ! So long as the item is washable I have no problem with wearing second-hand and have got some great bargains from the £1 rail in my local hospice shop including silk and linen jackets…
Lisa Davidson says:
I agree with Mrs Tonia I would love to see you restyle some old outfits for inspiration. It’s so easy to be seduced by the new season autumnal colours and beautiful coats which we are told by glossy mags to buy now!
I buy many of my clothes from charity shops and ebay. My daughter works for a charity in one of their shops – they receive a great many donations of clothes, many bags filled with things that are not saleable – often dirty, damaged articles. So if anyone is also taking this opportunity to have a sort-through please respectfully don’t dump everything at the door of your nearest charity shop – as so many people do (quite literally dumping and running, though staff ask them not to do this!).
I am spending some time over the months ahead making myself simple clothes – using reclaimed and remnant materials when possible. If I buy fabric it will be mostly linen, which has a less damaging environmental impact.
Thanks for your blog, I enjoy reading. Like many others I live on a budget and don’t have many designer items – but I appreciate your mix of ideas and inspiration.
Sal says:
This is a brilliant idea. I have far too many items in my wardrobe despite operating a strict one in, one out policy. I am going to start by unsubscribing to all the clothes websites which drop into my in-box with a ping and which I find all too tempting, especially if there is a bargain to be had. I will definitely try not to buy anything new apart from one pair of shoes which I rather desperately need until after the January sales. Perhaps by then I might have weaned myself off making too many purchases simply because they look nice rather than because I actually need them.
Teresa Riley says:
As someone retired and living almost exclusively on state pension I have always opted for charity shop/discounted and sale items. And occasionally from Ebay. And I sell surplus clothes, shoes and handbags on Ebay as well and keep the monies raised to spend on essential items like a good winter coat and boots new, but always in the sales! I never buy underwear/swimwear/shoes from charity shops unless new and unworn but everything else is ok. I volunteer in a charity shop where we get a small discount in return, so get to see stuff as it comes in and have had some great finds. Im known among my friends for putting outfits together, and my sense of colour matching. I put my clothes away for each season, keeping out those that can adapt to any season, and then when I get it out the following year, it all seems fresh to me again! Some pieces Ive had for years, and find that generally its the good quality clothes that last the longest. Im a frugal shopper anyway and think the September no buy is a great idea, and one that I intend to try and adhere to. To end, I cannot understand why anyone would put clothes in landfill! Even old/broken clothes are welcome in our charity shop as we can sell them as rags, by weight. Same with old shoes and handbags. Please, please dont ever put them in landfill.
SLF says:
Some of my favorite items have been from consignment stores as some people are willing to let go of some really, really nice pieces of clothing and accessories! Having said that, I also like to shop my own closet. Also, living in a four seasons part of the country, whenever the season changes I feel as though I am looking at a new wardrobe as I get out the sweaters after summer is over or the spring/summer clothes after winter is over.
Such a good idea. I’ve always liked to shop second hand/ vintage. Not only great prices, better to reuse, but also have found some of my favorite, more one of a kind pieces that way. I am new(ish) to your blog and am really enjoying it, thanks!
Ive been shopping my wardrobe for the last three months – with one shoe purchase.
I have my own brand which I launched back in 2011 and my focus has always been slow fashion.
Quality clothes that last and you can wash wear wash wear never saving for best, a dress me up or down outfit.
My clothing is small limited runs so I never have over stocks and I have now created a REW pre loved page which both old and new customers are embracing and I am loving seeing my old designs popping up and being re sold and most importantly re-worn.
Heres to second hand September xxLynda says:
I decided earlier this year to get my very old sewing machine out and return to making my own clothes. I’ve only bought socks and underwear so far. I’m going through my wardrobe item by item to see if I wear it. If not, can I alter it or add to it. If not, is it suitable for a charity shop. I’m so glad I was taught sewing and alteration skills. Instagram is great for ideas especially zero waste sewing.
Mrs Tonia says:
I agree about repurposing items by altering them. Change sleeve shapes, dresses to tunics, wide-legged trousers to culottes etc. Glad to possess sewing skills learned in my youth. And must now get my brand new sewing machine, a gift I asked for before house move, into action on my dining table.
Alyson it would be great for you to make a progress report of recombined outfits. It would inspire us all.
The idea someone had of deleting all clothing ads in my inbox a very sound one.
I’ve looked in shops at new colours, Browns, cinnamon and saffron plus dark green and teal not to mention grey. I own garments in these colours. Need to spruce them up and get them ready to wear once temperatures drop.
L.J. Hind says:
My favourite subject! I’ve been thrifting for almost fifty years and have a completely second-hand wardrobe and far too many shoes and handbags. People were so snobbish back then that I have to laugh at the very expensive cars I often see in the parking lots! It was heaven in the “olden days” when most people weren’t aware of designer goods. Prada and LV handbags and wallets etc. that I’m still using. Fab finds are more scarce today, but I found a vintage Loewe leather handbag and an Hermes belt buckle in the last year. The thrill of the hunt never ends!!
Kate says:
So agree with your views. Have decided to enjoy wearing up all my present wardrobe. This isn’t hard, since my purchases over the past year or so have been from the wondrous HOPE FASHION whose styles are basic with a twist, whose fabric , made in Italy , is luxurious, making each item hang beautifully.
No fashionista, I do care about clothes being classic, classy and well made.
No longer young or skinny , but 78 , only 5 foot tall and with a straight up and down shape I so appreciate all I’ve boughtRosemary Eychenne says:
Ah, but let’s not forget that the all the beautiful items bought in charity shops etc. , wouldn’t be there if nobody had bought them in the first place. If everybody virtuously bought secondhand and nobody bought new, then…………..
Kate says:
You are right ! I forgot to add that a couple of my most brilliant buys were from local charity shops e.g.
A leather Nicole Fahri jacket, so soft,
and a Mark Jacobs bag in stunning cobalt blue.
Who could want to divest themselves of such items?
But , whoever you are, THANK YOU.
Kate
Flora says:
50 million single use items in a country of over 60 million doesn’t seem a lot. I only buy linen cotton wool or silk clothes so anything I no longer enjoy or need goes to charity shops or the recycling bins not the dustbin for landfill. There is no need for us to be made to feel any worse than we already do.
I always donate unwanted items to charity, too., Flora. But I’m afraid I have to disagree with you regarding single-use clothing. I find the idea that someone would buy an item, wear it once and then throw it away revolting. Repeat that 50 million times and it feels like a lot of waste, to me.
Catbird Farm says:
I’m struggling to figure out what a “single use” item of clothing even is. Are they sold as such or are we just talking about wasteful people who only want to wear something once and then never again (and then, appallingly, throw it away)?
The latter, Catbird Farm. People buying clothes to wear once on holiday or for Instagram, it is appalling.
Cate says:
But why if they only wear it once would they then not donate it to charity or sell it on Ebay or Depop etc? It’s not that difficult to do as every town, even small ones, will have charity shops and a lot will even give you those collection bags and collect stuff from your doorstep. I give all my unwanted clothing to my local domestic violence shelter because so many of their clientele end up there with absolutely nothing and really appreciate good quality clothing in good condition
It’s so good to read all these comments. There is a sea change happening about second hand clothes – once seen as a bit seedy or quirky at best, now people are coming to understand it’s the only truly sustainable way of shopping for one’s wardrobe. I’ve been rummaging about since my student days and about 12 years ago stopped shopping new. If you choose well, buy good quality and look after your clothes, second hand shopping is no poor relation – a whole world of beautiful garments becomes available for a fraction of the price. Hello, Second Hand September, and bring on Op-shop October and No-buy November too (thanks Isobel!)
Cate says:
Found a brand new Boden tweed jacket (£12) and a brand new Zara jacket (£4) both with tags still attached along with two really nice blouses (£4 each) in a charity shop trawl yesterday. All fill in gaps in the existing wardrobe and were in excellent condition.
My girls have been recycling my 90’s wardrobe for the last 10 years – and even then the stuff I had was vintage – suede jackets from the 60’s all sorts – I was happy to see it all get a new lease of life (except when it got torn or damaged ) – this is so relevant and we should encourage it. Their younger sister (by 10 years) even re-recycles their thrift store purchases – love that my girls like a second hand garment and wear it with pride. My queen of recycling middle daughter Ophelia Horton – email: [email protected]
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Yes I will. I’m aiming to buy nothing until the year end to be honest – but September (with its plethora of tempting ‘new ranges’ appearing on line and in my post) might be a good test!