Second-Hand “Never looked so good”
The month of Second-Hand September is a campaign which was started by Oxfam in 2019 to promote the eco-friendly benefits of recycling, reusing and donating clothing and accessories. Being a sustainable stylist, helping women rediscover their style ethically using items that are already in circulation makes this month a HUGE deal in the calendar. Since the start of the campaign till now, thousands of people all over the globe, including celebrities and fashion icons, came forward to support the movement. However second-hand shopping is nothing new to come around. In fact, it dates back as far as the 1700s, a unique trade then that was very quiet and underground. Stalls were all over the East and West End of London, where tailors would take the old clothing of wealthier people, fix them up and sell them on. This became a trend and more popular until around the 19th century due to industrialisation and fast fashion becoming more affordable. Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, second-hand shopping was once again niche, but always stuck around. Fast forward to now, with the help of internet services and social media, thrifting and second-hand shopping has become much more in favour, even amongst younger generations.
The advantages we and our environment receive from sustainable and second hand shopping are ENDLESS, and they’re all long term. As the demand for new clothes would go down, the less that factories are in use. Did you know that 16 kilos worth of Carbon Dioxide is emitted for just one pair of jeans made? That’s the same as going 58 miles in a car! Less of those emissions means a healthier living space for us, it’s a win-win; quality, loved clothes for quality, loving homes. We also cut down on the amount of waste sent to landfill and the HUGE amounts of water and energy used during production. The benefits of shopping second-hand are not only environmental, but also financial. Imagine how much money you’d save buying something pre-owned; half price from the original, maybe even less. However, some people believe a month is not enough time to make change to a person’s spending habits, but really think about it: During the month of Second-Hand September, you’d only be shopping for the Autumn/Winter season, and you wouldn’t NEED to buy new clothes until the Spring season, which is 7-8 months later. That's a lot more money saved than you think! And, who said you only have to stick to one month? If you can ride it out for the month, see how you can do it for a season, or a year even!
Love Wimbledon Ltd. Laura Pink Photography
Wimbledon Sustainable Fashion week Fine-tuned wardrobe pop-up shop
Shopping second-hand isn’t always easy; you want to get the right products with the best quality. Trust me, I’ve picked up some bad ones in the past but have also had good days where I’ve picked up some amazing pieces. Here’s some tips from what I’ve learned from shopping second-hand:
Plan Ahead: Make a list of items you need or want to purchase second-hand. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on finding high-quality, durable items that will last. Second-hand shopping is a great way to invest in timeless pieces that might be expensive when bought new.
Give yourself time: Trying on is a must! So, you can only buy what's right for you as most second-hand sales don't expect returns. So, give yourself time to try it on.
Know Your Measurements: Since sizes can vary between brands and eras, it's essential to know your measurements. This will help you find clothing that fits well and helps when shopping online.
Support Local: Explore local second-hand and vintage shops in your area. Supporting local businesses contributes to your community while reducing your carbon footprint.
Bonus tip!
Inspect Items Carefully: When browsing second-hand items, thoroughly inspect them for any damage or wear and tear. Check for stains, missing
buttons, or broken zippers, and be sure to try on clothing to ensure it fits properly.
Image from 4tify
If you need an extra push or that occasional reminder to keep up with the campaign during the month, there are plenty of social media pages, influencers and companies you can follow to keep the movement going.
@ssustainably_ are an Instagram page who promote the idea of sustainable fashion through their vibrant and eye-catching posts, keeping the message fun but informative. They have info about how to keep sustainable, the best places to shop at, global fashion news, and much more.
Is a London sustainable fashion brand founded by Esther Knight, who once worked in the fast fashion industry but saw the faults in the system and decided to make her own change by taking what she’d learnt about the business and starting her own company. FANFARE focuses on women’s clothing, with a range of pieces in the streetwear and smart-casual area. Their main materials used are upcycled denim and organic cotton.
British actress Felicity Jones
A well-known advocate for the Second-Hand September movement. In 2022, she supported Oxfam and the campaign by modelling their range of second-hand clothing donations for promotion and
advertisements during the month. With her mission to push people to wear pre-owned, once loved clothing and reduce the impact of the fashion industry on Earth, and her influence in the creative industry, the campaign has become nothing but even more successful since then.
Sophia Lorimer Founder & CEO
And of course, Fine-Tuned Wardrobe! Through my social media pages, event appearances and public talks, I encourage women nationally to try and remain sustainable for the greater good, and to find the joys in second-hand shopping and venturing deeper into the fashion world. Not only do I relay the message sustainability, but I also provide styling and reselling services which you can contact me for through social media or the Fine-Tuned Wardrobe website. This isn’t a journey you’re alone in, but we as women are in it together!
Join the sustainable fashion movement today! Connect with me on social media or through the my website to discover the world of eco-friendly fashion, receive styling tips, and explore the thrill of second-hand shopping. Together, let's make a stylish difference for our planet and empower women everywhere. Join the community, and let's redefine fashion together!
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