10 Reasons to Buy Second Hand Clothes
This post may contain Affiliate Links
10 Reasons to Buy Second-Hand Clothes
1.It prevents clothes from going to landfill
We are all aware of the biggest threat to our future on this planet; Climate Change. While eliminating single-use plastic has been getting a lot of attention, and rightly so, there are plenty of other areas where we can improve as a society too.
There are lots of reasons we might get rid of clothes – they no longer fit, are no longer fashionable, or even forgot to them return after purchasing. Talking to some other Mum’s recently I was horrified to discover several of them binned their babies clothes if they had a nappy leak or ‘Poonami’. If I’d done this with Aubrey she’d wouldn’t have any clothes left!
Eleven million items of clothing end up in landfill each week in the UK – this amount is not sustainable.
As long as clothes are in reasonable condition and clean they can be donated rather than binned. Even clothes that aren’t in the best condition can be taken to recycling points – such as those at the local recycling centre or tip. Old bedding and towels can often be donated to local pet rescue centres, another way to help charities if you can’t afford to support them in other ways.
2. Buying second hand is better for the environment
If we could wear each item of clothing just two or three more times, think of the positive impact that would have on the environment. It would also mean the demand for clothes would start to slow down too. Buying second-hand help give unwanted items a new lease of life and is great for the environment.
3. It Helps Charities To Make Much Needed Funds
4. You’re Supporting Small Businesses
Buying from charity shops isn’t the only way to buy second hand. Across eBay, Facebook and other online market places there are lots of people running reselling businesses.
I’ve come across a lot people that seem to have an issue with people that resell as their business – buying clothes in bulk, usually from auctions or charity shops and then selling on for a profit. But at the end of the day, this is how almost all businesses work -by buying and selling for more money.
In the case of resellers, they will have gone out and sourced the items, spent time photographing and listing and you as a buyer are still likely being paying less than you would have paid for something new. They are then paying eBay fees and taxes like everyone else and just trying to make a living like anyone else too. The charity shops also get the money they wanted and the stock gets moved along. Another situation where everyone’s a winner when it comes to second hand!
5. You’re Helping Other Parents
When I was pregnant with my daughter I attended a ‘Mum2Mum’ market. It’s a bit like a jumble sale (although much nicer!) specifically for Mum’s to sell their unwanted baby items – everything there was aimed at babies and toddlers.
This was a perfect opportunity to grab items I needed for my daughter second hand, save a tonne of cash and help out others who needed the money to buy things for their growing little ones. Find out more here and see if there are any Mum2Mum markets near you.
6. It’s Much Cheaper
Of course, buying second is almost always cheaper and the savings do soon start to add up especially if you buy the majority of clothes this way.
One of my favourite charity shops in Burnham-on-Sea sells everything for £1 and I’ve bought some really lovely items from there.
They also have 2 for £1 on all jeans and trousers so even more of a bargain! You may also be able to buy brands second hand that is out of your price range new.
Personally, I love clothes from Joules, White Stuff and Fatface but rarely buy as they aren’t particularly cheap, which is fine as the clothing is of great quality and will last. These are some of the top things I look out for in Charity Shops and I’ve had some really great finds.
7. You Might Be Surprised At What You Find
I know not everyone is a huge fan of shopping in charity shops or buying second hand. It lacks the convenience of having everything all neatly lined up and ready to go in all different colours, shapes and sizes.
But it is worth taking a look, even if it’s just occasionally. My favourite charity shop finds include a pristine Fat Face Jumper for £6 – it would have been £40ish new and there is no way I would have been able to justify spending that much!
Trawling charity shops isn’t the only way either – there are apps such as Depop and Vinted that make second-hand shopping super easy.
How To Find The Best Bargains on Vinted
Tips For Buying Kids Clothes From Vinted
8. Second-hand Doesn’t Always Mean Worn
Buying second-hand doesn’t always mean buying clothes that have been worn. Lots of charity shops, on eBay and Facebook marketplace there are lots of opportunities to pick up brand-new clothes that have never been worn.
Usually referred to as BNWT (brand new with tags) BNWOT (brand new without tags) these clothes are slightly more expensive but often much cheaper than buying new.
9. Charity Shops Have Sales Too
If you’re someone that loves the buzz of a good mid-season sale then it’s worth remembering charity shops often have sales too – from rails where everything is £1 to half price on certain lines. I find that the British Heart Foundation shops seem to have regular sales.
10. You Can Buy From Charity Shops Online
If trawling charity shops on foot isn’t really your thing and you’d prefer to shop online there are a couple of ways you can do this.
Oxfam has a huge range of second-hand items on their website including lots of designer items. The great thing about charity shopping online is being able to search for exactly what you want – by brand, price and style, just like you would anywhere else. Oxfam’s delivery is £3.99 which includes free returns.
There are also lots of charities that have eBay shops including:
All of these shops have a combination of buy-it-now and auction listings.
I love to buy second-hand, as you can probably tell – do you have a best second-hand bargain?
