Shopping for clothing has changed in the last few years. With the environmental effects of vapid consumption on the earth becoming more apparent every day, with extreme weather happening in all countries around the world and the temperature rising every year, people have started to change their habits. Many people have opted for electric cars and reduced their carbon footprints through switching to vegetarian and vegan diets; however, it hasn’t stopped there. Now, many consumers have also started to add sustainability to their shopping habits, more specifically, their clothes shopping habits.
The fashion and clothing industry is known to be a huge polluter of the environment, with water waste, dye pollution and landfill being the main environmental issues, and the general consumer is now aware of this, as well as businesses with huge fashion brands now using sustainability as a selling point for their brands. This has led to a sustainability revolution within the fashion space, with many aiming to switch to more sustainable methods of shopping to save the planet.
In addition to the environmental impacts that fashion has on the earth, in a time where costs are rising due to political and economic instability, many are finding that they can no longer afford to buy into fashion trends and dress themselves. This is also a huge draw of second-hand fashion, is that many second-hand pieces, designer or not, come at a much lower cost, not just to the environment but to the consumer.
Thus, huge amounts of consumers are drawn to shop second hand; however, this can be difficult for beggars who have no idea where to start or how to find great clothes on a budget without being overwhelmed.
But not to worry, this guide aims to help those who already shop second-hand or those who want to find clothing and accessories on a budget, so you can start shopping sustainably and more cheaply. We’ll help you with sourcing the perfect eco-friendly clothing that won’t make a dent in your budget.
Charity shops/thrift shops – For those looking for budget items and are not afraid to search around for clothing, charity shops and thrift shops are the best places to shop. These shops can be found in most city centres and towns up and down the country, with super thrift shops often found on retail parks. Not only are these shops very inexpensive, with each item usually costing around £3, but they can also offer designer and high-quality items at a low price.
Usually, thrift shops have a wide range of sizes, styles and accessories, which can fit any person’s style. The downside to this type of thirsting, however, is the lack of choice. Unlike online shopping platforms, charity shops have limited stock, which can be difficult if you are searching for specific items.
Tips and tricks – When shopping at a thrift store or a charity shop, there are a few rules that you should follow, including ensuring that you try on clothing to ensure it fits, as items can look very different on and off the hanger, checking the quality and condition of items, as holes and stains are very common, and also entering the shop with an open mind.
Vintage shops – Vintage shops are great for those who want a more traditional shopping experience. Rather than rummaging around in multiple shops and finding nothing, vintage shops offer a curated range of vintage or second-hand clothing set out neatly on rails. Unlike charity shops, vintage shops usually stock designer or high-quality products such as titanium jewelry in high volumes, which makes it easier to look through and find something that you are after. The only downside of vintage shops is the usually higher costs involved; however, compared to high street prices, these prices are not too severe for a high-quality and unique piece that will be in your wardrobe for years to come.
Tips and tricks – Vintage shops can be tricky to navigate if you’re new or inexperienced. Therefore, here are a few tips to help you on your first trip. Just like charity shops, checking the quality and condition of the items is essential to ensure that you do not purchase a defective item. In addition to this, many vintage shops will let you bargain for items or offer a lower price; therefore, you should try to do this to get the best deal. Finally, ensure that you keep receipts, as with normal shops, you can still return items to vintage shops if they do not fit.
Vinted/Depop – Over the last 5 to 10 years, online consumer-to-consumer websites have taken over the shopping space. These include websites such as Depop and Vinted, which let users buy and sell on the app. These websites have thousands of users selling their own clothes, branded, vintage and unbranded clothing for around £10 or less. With personalised shopping pages which tailor to your specific tastes, it’s easier than ever to shop on online platforms. Where vintage offers less expensive options, Depop is also a curated platform where you can find designer steals and curated vintage that you cannot find anywhere else.
These platforms are also perfect for selling unwanted clothing to make space for new items or to even earn some disposable income with no buyer fees and a simple uploading process.
Thread up – Thread up is perfect for those who want more of a traditional online store experience. This app provides budget and premium brands for less, where you can filter by category, size and price. Products then come in a traditional style parcel from the brand, which can be more trustworthy than consumer-to-consumer selling apps.
Shopping second-hand and on a budget doesn’t have to feel impossible; with the right methods and by using the tips on this blog, you can save whilst also saving the planet.
Your next unique find might be waiting for you just around the corner, if you look in the right places. So, don’t wait and start shopping second-hand now!
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