Four Benefits To Shopping Secondhand

National Secondhand Wardrobe Day August 25th Poplinen Preloved Resale

At Poplinen, we heart sustainable fashion. And not just slow fashion, but also secondhand fashion. In fact, we've launched Poplinen Pre-loved, our own platform dedicated to the resale of pre-owned Poplinen clothing (if you want to take a look, it's right here).

“Slow fashion” is an expression that was created by Professor Kate Fletcher in opposition to “fast fashion”, based on hyperconsumerism. Basically, the goal of fast fashion is to impel consumers to run to stores every time a new collection is offered — and that can be very, very often. For instance, Zara presents 24 new collections per year. But behind the façade of the attractive prices and the garments on/at the cutting edge of fashion, you’ve probably heard of the detrimental effects of the fashion industry on the environment and of the poor labor conditions of the workforce.

That’s what the slow fashion movement seeks to address. And beyond that, secondhand also offers unique, cheaper and durable garments. I always tell myself that if an item stood the test of time, it must be of superb quality, right?

So, to celebrate National Secondhand Wardrobe Day coming up on August 25th, here are 4 good reasons to choose secondhand, if you’re not already head over heels for it.

Resale Secondhand Benefits of shopping secondhand

Reducing the environmental impact of a garment

Did you know that between 2000 - 2015, clothing consumption increased by 60%, while each piece was kept for half as long as it used to be? Considering 2,600 gallons of water are needed to produce one pair of jeans, it’s easy to understand that buying new clothes is not the most eco-friendly choice. Secondhand clothes already exist in the market, which avoids the creation of new products and, ultimately, reduces the environmental impacts associated with production.
You also contribute to a more circular economy by buying items that could have ended up in landfills: each year, the U.S. discards the equivalent of 70 pairs of pants per person in clothing and footwear waste.

Saving money

As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. It's a no brainer, secondhand is a good way to buy an item for a fraction of the price it was first sold.
However, as there is a constant increasing demand for pre-owned clothes correlated with the growth of the thrift store industry, prices are also rising. Nevertheless, the prices are rarely above those charged in the fast fashion industry, and definitely under the price of the item if you were to buy it new. If you'd like to save a few extra dollars (and who doesn't?), don't hesitate to negotiate with sellers, especially on websites like Poshmark or Mercari.

Finding unique pieces

The reward you get when you find THE piece can be highly motivating/gratifying when thrifting. Step into a thrift store, and you’ll be surrounded with hundreds of clothes unavailable elsewhere with a story. Because there is usually so much diversity among the offered items, chances are that you’ll find the one made for you. For instance, the one time I went to Goodwill with my brother, I found a vintage pair of sunglasses, and him a t-shirt with Shrek’s giant face on it. Moral of the story: depending on the store you visit, there is something for everyone.

Supporting local and small businesses

Shopping at your local thrift stores is a good way to give back to your community and to support the local economy around you. They provide jobs and contribute to the vitality of city centers where we connect with friends and neighbors.

So, convinced yet? ;)

Written by Lilas Mesmoudi

Continue reading

Packing with Poplinen: Sustainable Essentials For Comfortable Holiday Travel

Three Easy Picnic Recipes To Reduce Veggie Waste