In the last couple of decades, fast fashion has dominated our wardrobes. A consistent flow of mass produced, lower quality items , turning popular fashion into cheap options for the ‘every day’ consumer as trends come and go.
Now, the second-hand clothing market is the new fashion trend taking the world by storm.
While there was a time when second hand shopping was nothing to be proud of, second-hand fashion is no longer taboo. Now every kind of Gen (XYZ+) shopper is turning to the second hand market, spurred by a desire to help the environment and find alternative looks to fast fashion.
The world of thrifting is large and growing. According to thredUP 2023 Resale Report – which is a second-hand online store based in the United States – the global second-hand market is expected to nearly double by 2027, reaching US$350 billion.
“I got it at Vinnies, ‘’Old Faves New Life’ and ‘New to Who’ are just some of the recent advertising campaigns that have been executed by traditional charity thrift shops Vinnie’s and The Salvos to help modernise their image and offering to a younger mainstream market.
So, why is slow fashion coming of age? Here are five key reasons:
- Affordability – You can actually ‘upgrade’ your wardrobe with high quality and designer items at significantly reduced prices.
- Unique Style & Individuality – Finding one-of-a-kind pieces that allow individuals to express their personal style away from mass-produced, mainstream fashion.
- Quality – Pre-loved fashion, in particular vintage clothing, is often well-made and durable, standing the test of time.
- Supporting Local – Second hand shops are often small businesses or non-profits so purchasing from them helps your immediate community.
- Social Media Influence – Fashion bloggers and influencers play a significant role in inspiring pre-loved fashion. They showcase their thrift finds, vintage pieces and unique styling ideas to their followers, demonstrating that sustainable fashion can be stylish and on trend.
But perhaps the most important element of the growth of the second hand market is sustainability. As consumers become more aware of the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry, shoppers are opting for a greener alternative. Buying pre-loved clothing assists in the breakdown of the fast fashion pipeline from retailer to consumer to landfill.
Increasing the re-use of clothing is a big step toward a new normal in the fashion industry. Are you ready to join the sustainable fashion movement?
Do you love to thrift local?
Op for Change @op.for.change
Reseller @resellerstoreau
Sammy & Sid @sammyandsid
Lifeline Manly @lifelinemanly
Red Cross Manly @redcrossmanly
Vinnies Manly @vinniesnsw
Sale Lab @salelabstore
