Whether you’re a fresher starting university life or heading back for your final year, every September, students are looking to upgrade their wardrobes. Instead of the usual high street haul, why not try something different this year?
Given the negative impact of fast fashion, second-hand clothing is the perfect sustainable fashion choice. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also offers better value for money and is a great way to discover one-off pieces.
Embracing sustainable fashion isn’t just about doing something good; here are five reasons why second-hand shopping should be on your start-of-term to-do list:
1. Invest in quality
Starting university often means managing a budget for the first time, and with the cost-of-living soaring, second-hand clothes offer an affordable way to find quality items. Fast fashion might be seen as cheap, but second-hand clothes offer style that’s often more affordable and will last longer than a few washes. Many high-end designers and brands can be found for a fraction of the cost, meaning you can get the pieces you want without going over your budget. Investing in a statement piece will also mean you can wear it for years rather than sticking it at the back of your wardrobe after only one or two wears.
2. Unique style without breaking the bank
University is a time to express yourself, but it’s difficult to develop a unique style when everyone shops at the same places. Second-hand shopping offers a chance to find unique and vintage pieces that aren’t available in mainstream stores. The perfect place to find one-off items that enhance your individual style.
3. Reduce your carbon footprint
There’s no getting around the fact that fast fashion is bad for the planet, with 10% of global emissions coming from textiles production. Even worse, that cheap top you wore once is likely destined for landfill. An EU study found that only 1% of clothes are recycled into new ones. They’re worrying stats and the environmental impact is only predicted to get worse as fast fashion grows.
Shopping can be sustainable. By choosing to shop second-hand or pre-loved, you can align your wardrobe with your values while reducing the demand for new production.
4. Reuse and support a circular fashion economy
The frequency with which we wear an item before discarding it has dropped dramatically over the last few decades, resulting in underutilised clothing. Fast fashion has only made this worse, and it’s estimated that more than half of fast fashion items are disposed of in under a year. Research suggests people in the 18-25 age group tend to consume a significant amount of fast fashion – but this doesn’t have to be the case.
If you’re after something 'new,' buying second-hand gives a piece of clothing a second life.
A circular fashion economy puts the emphasis on recycling, reselling, repairing, using renewable materials and designing clothes that are built to last. By buying second-hand or choosing products made from recycled materials, you’re helping to break this pattern and supporting an alternative, sustainable economy.
5. Build a sustainable and stylish wardrobe
Trends come and go but style is timeless. We’ve all looked back at trends we’ve blindly followed wondering ‘what was I thinking’, but constantly replenishing your wardrobe with fast fashion is not only bad for the environment, it’s also expensive. By investing in timeless, quality pieces, you can build a wardrobe that remains stylish, regardless of current trends—helping you look great for less.
Second-hand shopping is ideal for finding quality, timeless pieces you can wear for years, reducing the need for fast fashion hauls you’ll likely regret in a few months. If you do want to follow trends, there’s no better place to go than second-hand stores. Most fashion trends are cyclical and with 90s and 00s style back in fashion, you can find authentic looks for less.
Ready to make a difference?
Incorporating second-hand clothing into your wardrobe isn’t just a smart choice for your budget – it’s a meaningful step towards a more sustainable future. By choosing pre-loved items, you can express your unique style, reduce your environmental impact, and support the circular fashion economy.
Head over to the British Red Cross Shop online and discover a range of stylish second-hand clothes. Or, next time you see one of our charity shops on the high street, pay us a visit. Not only will you find great pieces, you’ll also be supporting a worthy cause. Let your wardrobe reflect your values – shop sustainably today!