Sustainability

Want to get involved in Second Hand September? These are the best ways to shop the ultimate sustainable way

If you want to curb your fast fashion addiction, read this now

By Charlie Teather, Alexandra Fullerton and Ali Pantony

7 September 2023

Buying something brand new is the least sustainable shopping method, so if you’re serious about making some changes to your wardrobe, it’s time to investigate pre-loved options. As we find ourselves in the middle of Second Hand September, Oxfam’s annual campaign to raise awareness of the waste created from fashion buys (recently fronted by Sienna Miller), it’s the perfect time to get some tips on how to make sustainable switches.

Why should we shop second-hand?

A mind-boggling 13 million items of clothing end up in landfill every week. We know those items won’t all be salvageable... or even wearable... but the volume of rubbish on the planet - and the fact we are constantly making more of it - is causing accelerated climate change.

The process of making garments from scratch is hugely polluting and planet-damaging. From the gallons of water needed to grow cotton, the pollution that comes from chemicals required to make synthetic fabrics and the toxic dyes that end up in waterways and eco-systems... If there’s something already in existence that you can wear, why buy new?

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Where are the best places to shop second hand?

Lockdown caused our favourite charity shops to pivot to online, so you no longer have to travel miles - or even leave your house - to find amazing pre-loved and vintage finds (although the thrill of uncovering a gem in a charity shop remains unbeaten.) Of course, if you feel overwhelmed by the volume of pre-loved pieces out there, the easiest way to narrow down your search while shopping online is to make thorough use of the filter options.

The thrift shops in the traditional garment districts of Brick Lane and Manchester’s Northern Quarter are legendary, while ASOS Marketplace hosts hundreds of second-hand boutiques. The East End Thrift Store and Beyond Retro are the fashion pack’s favourites and have cleverly curated rails with pieces often loaned to stylists for fashion shoots.

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Rokit stocks amazing denim while Etsy is great for sweet vintage dresses and jewellery. while EBay literally has everything and if you’re searching for designer pieces, sign up to Vestiaire Collective for a global curation of high end brands. And you don’t need us to tell you that Depop is a mine of pre-loved treasure.

There have also been a huge boom in Instagrammers using the platform as a shopfront, so have a look at your favourite follows. Blogger Sophia Rosemary has opened up a store, Top Of The Town Vintage, to sell quirky retro finds. Second Stories founder Nicci Fletcher arranges her vintage drops to follow perfectly aligned seasonal themes while Manifesto Woman sells an eclectic range of statement pieces - currently Marni, Ganni and Loewe are all for sale on the site.

What’s the best way to shop charity stores?

If you have a certain charity that you love to support, head to their online storefront first. Cancer Research, Royal Trinity Hospice and British Red Cross Vintage all have shop-fronts on ASOS Marketplace while eBay also hosts a hub for charities. The Children’s Society is full of high-end designer names.

I found my vintage Yves Saint Laurent wedding dress in an Oxfam charity shop in Notting Hill, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made

By Ellen Alpsten

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You’ll need to set aside some serious browsing time to make the most of a charity shop visit. The antithesis to fast fashion, proper pre-loved shopping takes time and dedication. If you know exactly what you're after, shopping online is best, but hunting for second-hand gems in store can be time-consuming (but tons of fun, obvs). Make a day of it. It takes time to discover where the great shops are but, as a general rule head for the more boujee areas. This might sound like a generalisation but if you want designer pieces, hit up the charity shops in affluent areas.

Ignore the size on the label, too. Vintage sizing can vary enormously so if you can't try on, check out the measurements. If in doubt, go bigger as larger items can always be tailored. Speaking of which, if you really want to turn a vintage buy into a forever piece, get crafty with a needle, thread and a pair of scissors, and learn how to take up hems, tailor waists, remove sleeves or even embroider. Or, if you cba, get to know your local seamstress.

Keep an eye out for out of season items too. Stores tend to merchandise in seasons but if there’s a great coat you spot in summer, don’t leave it on the rail or it will haunt you forever as ‘the one that got away.’

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