I was buying second-hand long before Love Island decided to sponsor eBay, in their bid to get away from fast fashion.
In this article, I want to discuss the amazing benefits of a second-hand marketplace.
Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for you.
Clothes waste
Let’s take a quick look at the facts.
The UK could save around £3billion per year from the cost of the resources we use to make and clean clothes if we changed the way we supplied, used and disposed of clothing. This would reduce the carbon, water and waste footprints of clothing consumption by 10-20% each. Being part of the Wrap 2020 Commitment we aim to reduce our own and help others to reduce their environmental footprints
clothesaid.co.uk
350,000 tonnes, that’s around £140 million worth of used but still wearable clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year
These numbers are astonishing. Especially when someone out there may love your unwanted clothes.
Donating and recycling
For years, my family and I have not only donated to charity shops, but we also regularly buy from them.
Some of the best bargains we’ve snapped up are a real wooden coffee table for £5 and a beautiful oil painting for £5. You really can find a hidden gem, if you look hard enough. And finding a great second-hand marketplace could be the source of huge savings for you and your family.
Visiting a charity shop is a weekly occurrence for me. Whether I promise the little one a toy but don’t want to pay the £10 price tag. Or I need a new top for work.
I will post more of my charity shop hauls on this blog!
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Saving money
Saving our money to spend on something more beneficial, is a theme of this blog. Buying my daughter’s dresses from a charity shop means a £10-14 saving on each item of clothing. Before she was born, I would buy bundles of baby items. We even bought her first pram second-hand, simply because the owner’s baby had outgrown it, but it was in amazing condition. These days, the fact she frequently returns from the nursery covered in paint is a good reason to keep buying on a second-hand marketplace
I also donate or resell any clothes she grows out of on eBay. And we continue this cycle. It is very rare, that we as a smaller family unit, or our wider family, buy new. We have a mindset, of, what’s the point? I would rather use these funds towards our next holiday, our mortgage deposit, or a day out at the seaside. I have better things to spend the money on and make savings where I can.
Bringing the issue to the forefront of people’s minds
It makes me happy that Love Island and other big fashion brands are finally cottoning on (hehe), to this trend. The hope is, that youngsters out there will believe this is the new trend. After all, looking after the environment and saving money are fashionable. And we should ALL get behind this cause.
Some resources to get you started on your thrifting journey
Oxfam Online Shop
They display the best of the second-hand and new items they have donated to them. The website is user-friendly and how amazing that you can give to charity, but also have the convenience of ordering online.
Preworn is an amazing second-hand marketplace. The website is built like that of any fast fashion brand you would visit. This site is my new favourite for seeking out bargains and being thrifty with my wardrobe.
The Royal British Legion
This site is a cute collection of gifts and other unique items, with the proceeds going to an amazing charity. You can also donate through the website.
Until next time
Thanks for this! A few years ago I really started to knuckle down with buying second hand and I loved it. I need to get back to it again. I donate a lot of clothes, I never throw them away but I definitely need to up my game with shopping second hand instead. Thank you for this boost!
Author
I am glad you feel inspired. I wanted to write about the new trend because a lot of us have been doing it for years anyway. So glad more people like the idea now.
Oh I love this! My family and I have been the same with charity shops for years, we donate whenever we can and love picking up a good bargain. That being said, I do want to try buying more clothes from them, as that’s where I’m currently lacking. Thank you so much for sharing x
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Author
I am glad you found the post useful. I get pretty much all my clothes from them now. You can even pick up new items, still with the tags on.
Some really good advice here. We donate to charity shops regularly, but I definitely need to start shipping in them more often.
Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thank you – you will find loads of amazing things.
I need to be better about this. I always KNOW it’s a good thing, with a ton of benefits, but it just flies out of my head. Thanks for the reminder!
Author
I am glad you have a reminder now.
I adore shopping second-hand, there are just so many benefits! My favourite things are found at charity shops x
Author
Our fave items around the house are bought second-hand. It’s so exciting hunting for a bargain.
I agree with all points! Shopping at second hand store is way much better than shopping at boutiques. Thank you for sharing.
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Author
I just love shopping second hand!
Great Post! I have always loved a good charity shop hunt but haven’t been buying second hand as much as I should. This has inspired me to get back to it rather than buying new where possible. I especially need to look for my little one more as you can spend a fortune constantly buying clothes as they grow out of them!
Author
I am glad this post inspired you. And I totally agree, buying for the little ones is so expensive.
Thanks for sharing this! I love charity shops they have given me some great pieces!! It is even more important now to find sustainable ways to live and this is such an easy switch you can make!
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Author
Charity shops are amazing and I totally agree on the sustainable point.
I totally agree with all of this! I use charity shops a lot however I have noticed an increase in my online purchases, especially for clothes, during 2022 – I’m aiming for 2023 to reduce this and only buy things new where they can’t be bought secondhand (i.e. underwear and socks). Secondhand is definitely the way forward, and so much better for the planet.
Author
It’s such a great option and it’s also great that you’ve set a goal to buy less new stuff.
I love this! I recently ordered a new coat from a second-hand marketplace. It’s not arrived yet, but I love how simple it is to order and it’s the sustainable, small business choice. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Author
It’s such a great option, especially in the current climate.
My thoughts exactly – why buy new when you can buy secondhand? Very occasionally I will buy something brand new, but only underwear usually. There’s something really exciting about picking up a great item and saving lots of £££! I will check out Preworn 🙂
Author
There is something exciting about finding a great item, at an amazing price. I love it!
Thank you for the amazing tips you have shared here! I have been searching for some authentic yet affordable online clothing stores where I can get all kinds of women clothing. I came across My Closet Too, which is an online boutique offering trendy outfits at an affordable price. I have been buying clothes from this website and the quality is also great!
https://myclosettoo.boutique/
Author
I will have a look at this one!