August 8, 2023

Why Buy Second Hand Clothing?

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One thing I’m super passionate about is buying second hand clothing. The majority of clothes I buy for both myself and my daughter are second-hand and I’m slowly getting my husband on board too (although I admit there is far less choice for him than there is for me!)

So, why do it?

Why Buy Second Hand Clothing?

Why Buy Second Hand Clothing?

There are lots of really good reasons to buy second hand clothing, I’ve listed some of my favourites below. Slow fashion is something I think many more of us can get behind, even if we switch to buying one or two second hand items each year.

It’s Better For The Environment

Fashion, especially fast fashion, is bad for the environment. In fact, fashion is the worlds second biggest polluter after the energy industry.

Toxic waste from clothing dyes ends up in rivers and the sea and the carbon footprint from textiles being transported across the globe is huge. And that’s before we even look at the working conditions of those making the clothes.

Buying fast fashion from places like Pretty Little Thing and Boohoo adds to the demand for cheap, poor quality clothing that often ends up in landfill after a few months because it is no longer fit for purpose. This is then coupled with the fact it’s not seen as trendy to wear items more than once or twice.

When buying second hand you help to eliminate the demand for fast fashion and you could also be preventing clothes from being sent to landfill or to developing countries as part of the rag trade, which can sometimes do more harm than good.

Why Buy Second Hand Clothing? It’s Cheaper!

Buying second hand clothing is almost always cheaper than buying new. It can sometimes take a little bit longer to find exactly what you’re looking for, yes, but for me, that’s part of the fun.

I enjoy rummaging around charity shops and spending my evenings hunting down bargains on Vinted.

While I know not everyone might enjoy these as ways to shop, there are so many options when it comes to second hand. If you don’t want to buy online you help organise a clothes swapping party instead.

Why Buy Second Hand Clothing?

Also, if you have a toddler like me, you’ll know how messy they can get, whether it’s playing at home or with paints at nursery.

I like to buy a few really cheap bits I don’t mind my little one getting messy in and then I don’t feel nearly so bad or like I’ve wasted money when I can’t get stains out or they get holes in from climbing trees.

Kids clothes in charity shops are so cheap, I’ve picked up leggings and t-shirts for as little as 50p per item. Many charity shops also partner with brands such as M&S stock brand new items.

My local Scope had loads of M&S school uniforms recently which were all brand new with tags or still in packaging, all at half of the original retail price.

Which leads me nicely on to my next point . . .

You Can Buy Better Quality

One of my favourite things about buying second hand is you can often buy better quality clothing, which in turn will last longer and therefore save you money as you won’t need to replace things so often.

This summer I bought my daughter some beautiful sandals from Vinted. They cost £12 and the RRP was £65 an amount I’d never usually have spent when she grows out of things so quickly!

They’ve worn really well and I’ve now put them away for if we have another daughter in the future when they’ll get used all over again.

Second-Hand Doesn’t Always Mean Worn or Used

I know wearing clothes that have been previously worn isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

However, there is so much brand new still with tags on clothing out there looking for a new home. You can set filters on eBay and Vinted to search for new items only.

The bundle of items below cost me £25. The jeans would have been £45 new and the red top was £24 on its own and both had tags still on, so had never been worn. The other three tops weren’t brand new but were in immaculate condition so I was happy with all of this for the price I paid.

Some of the ‘New With Tags’ items that I bought from Vinted.

These are often cheaper than buying and are where people have bought items only to find they don’t fit or are no longer needed.

You Can Support Charities and Small Businesses

Another reason I love buying second hand clothing is a great way to support charities that have had a particularly hard time over the last couple of years.

If you’re buying from Vinted, Facebook or Mum2Mum Markets you are supporting other parents – helping them pay for things they need for their children or supporting resellers who often resell as a small business around their kids and other commitments (read more about resellers here).

Best Places To Buy Second Hand Clothes Online

If you want to get started with buying second hand clothing online, here are some of my favourite places.

Vinted

Depop

Shpock

Gumtree

Facebook Marketplace

Instagram

Preloved

Thrift Plus

All of these places will have different costs associated with them, for example, Vinted charged buyers a small ‘buyer protection’ fee whereas on eBay fees are covered by the seller.

The cost of postage can vary too – Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are usually best if you’re looking for local pick up.