Do You Shop for Secondhand Clothes? You’re Likely to be More Stylish
By Cathy Sullivan
We all know the feeling of being given a compliment when owning something we feel like we bagged for a bargain. It’s a moment of pure pride that offers up solid bragging rights. Quickly followed by ‘ah, it was only $20 at, or I got it at a flea market for $50, thanks!’
This feeling is now what is called fashionable with data from the University of Tasmania presenting that:
the more style-conscious you are, the more likely you are to shop for second-hand clothes and accessories. (Grimmer, L, Grimmer M 20)
Style-conscious shoppers are very different from fashion-conscious shoppers. Fashion is all about the “new”: fashion is a novelty and constantly evolving.
Style, on the other hand, is about expressing long-term individual identity.
Second-hand shopping is no longer just about ops shops and flea markets. There is now, quite simply, too much excess - and new solutions are required.
According to new research from the Australian Fashion Council, every year Australians buy 14.8kg of clothing – and 10kg is sent to landfill. In addition to this, the overproduction rates are staggering, ranging from 30 to 40 percent in any given season. A major flaw in the traditional fashion system is the inexact matching of supply and demand. Born from this, however, are a new generation of circular fashion start-ups, rising up to provide a consumer centric solution.
From the Facebook brand loyalist market-place resale groups, to shopping on in-circulation e-commerce sites as well as social media starts-ups, consumers are sending a strong signal that their money has power and the message is clear, it is no longer about net new.
Sorry, not sorry, to fast fashion when globally, the fast fashion industry creates 92 million tonnes of waste per year and uses 79 trillion litres of water. Less than 15% of fast fashion clothes are recycled or reused.
The data from the University of Tasmania presents that a style-conscious person expresses themselves through their clothes. It seems shoppers want clothes that complement their personal style and values, they are looking for authentic and original pieces all whilst avoiding mainstream trends and fast fashion.
Buying product that is already in-circulation, think pre-loved / past-seasons / vintage, speaks to the particular consumer values driving the trend and shift presented in the research.
Authentic and original pieces in low volume, curated by consumers or by companies allows pieces in that were once current season, or indeed loved enough by a person for them to know that their piece will be of worth to someone else in equal measure. It’s a win-win for fashion-lovers and a solid win for Mother Earth.
So, what’s in it for you and how can you become involved?
Make a pledge to buy second hand in 2024, and measure how much you save
Clear out and cash out of pieces you no longer wear
Sell: Facebook Market Place, consign or sell locally
Donate your clothes to a local thrift shop, for good karma in return
Support the slow – buy pre-loved or past-season and give Mother Earth a break by using the power of your money
Celebrate the slow - share what being part of the change looks like on your socials and encourage others to do the same
Support local and shop second-hand from circular fashion start-ups
Cathy Sullivan has recently started up online circular fashion business: www.exitthestore.com