There are plenty of reasons why you should buy secondhand clothing, many of which actually benefit you personally, no matter your lifestyle. Buying secondhand clothes also benefits the environment in a big way, making it a win-win.
Whether you’re unsure if buying secondhand clothes is for you, or maybe you just want to educate yourself of the perks, this post will open your mind to the idea of shopping for secondhand clothing. It might even make you excited to get to your nearest thrift store.
Let’s get to it! Here are some reasons why you should buy secondhand clothing.
Buying secondhand clothing saves money
As you probably already know, you can save an incredible amount of money shopping for secondhand clothes. You’ll never pay anywhere near full price, and this is great for when you find high-quality clothing from brand names that you know and trust.
The amount of savings will of course depend on the thrift shops in Lebanon, TN – they’re all different. So explore the secondhand shops in your area to see who has the best clothes/deals, or find other spots in your area to get secondhand items.
You extend a garment’s life-cycle
Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that are in great condition but you don’t wear them for whatever reason? Or maybe something that you wore often but is no longer your style, no longer fits, or you just don’t love it anymore?
You wouldn’t just throw away something that’s in perfectly good condition just because you don’t wear it anymore, right? Someone should get some use out of it. And chances are, this person is going to fall in love with it, just like you did.
Buying used promotes sustainable fashion
Another reason why you should buy secondhand clothing is that it promotes sustainable fashion. Buying secondhand clothing is a big part of the slow fashion movement and a key factor when you’re starting to create a sustainable wardrobe.
Sustainable fashion is all about slowing down in regards to fashion. It means wearing used clothing, buying clothing that was made sustainably and/or ethically, and with fabrics made from eco-materials like organic cotton, Tencel and hemp.
In other words, a sustainable wardrobe is filled with secondhand clothing and/or clothing made by slow fashion brands, both of which do wonders for the environment.
Secondhand clothing is unique
Majority of clothing that you will find in thrift stores are completely unique. The chances of there being two of the same item in the same thrift store or in other thrift stores are slim to none.
And chances are, you won’t be able to find the same piece ever again because they’re probably no longer being made, especially vintage clothing. So if you want one-of-a-kind clothing, shopping secondhand is a great way to get them.
Buying used clothing saves resources
When shopping for secondhand clothing, you’re saving resources and doing the environment a solid favor. This is because the resources have already been used to make the piece of clothing.
Instead of buying a new shirt or pair of pants that consumes resources to make it and distribute it to a store near you, buying used clothing doesn’t deplete any more resources.
Reduces fast fashion demand
When you purchase secondhand clothing instead of buying new from retailers, you’re reducing the demand for fast fashion. These days, fast fashion brands are just spitting out new, cheap clothing because a lot of people have adopted the mentality that clothes are easily discarded.
But, imagine if everyone started purchasing secondhand clothing or shopped slow fashion. These fast fashion companies would cease to exist, or they would have to conform to the new norm.
That’s why saying no to fast fashion and instead opting to build a more sustainable wardrobe is so important. As consumers, we help drive change!
Another man’s trash…
Is another man’s treasure. This saying holds true for secondhand clothing as well. I’ve come across countless pieces of secondhand clothes where my eyes pop open when finding something amazing. And then at a huge discount? It’s a great feeling.
Sometimes searching for secondhand clothing that you love will feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but that needle will turn out to be a diamond.
It’s easier to shop secondhand
In secondhand clothing stores, everything is usually sorted by size, making it a breeze when searching for clothes to buy. However, not all clothes fit equal, and you should still look at other sizes. I wouldn’t recommend trying clothes on at all thrift stores, just in case it wasn’t actually washed – especially if you’re not familiar with your thrift store’s practices.
Spotting a washer and dryer in a separate room in the store is usually a good indication that the clothes have been washed and then I feel comfortable trying on the clothes.
If you don’t want to try on clothes, take measurements like the shoulder width of a shirt you already have and use it as a guideline for when you’re shopping.
Secondhand clothes last longer
This may sound untrue but look at it this way. You can find a lot of clothes in thrift stores that are years old, especially if you’re in a vintage store. Some of these clothes were created before fast fashion started becoming so widespread. Since they are pre-fast fashion, they are better made and meant to stand the test of time.
Of course, you still have to know how to take care of your clothes in order to ensure their longevity, but the fact that these clothes are so well made, already makes clothes maintenance a lot easier.
Additionally, secondhand clothing lasts longer because used clothing has usually been washed a couple, if not dozens of times already. That means that any shrinking and fading that would have occurred, has already occurred.
Final thoughts on why buying secondhand clothing is awesome
So now you know the many benefits of buying secondhand clothing, both personal and environmental. It’s a great feeling shopping secondhand, knowing that you’re helping the environment, practicing slow fashion while also simplifying your life!
Steve Clark 