+Featured Post, Fashion, Reduce, Reuse, Sustainability
Why Reusing Fashion Needs to be Taken More Seriously
It’s time to admit it, I’m one of them bargain-basement types happy to spend time scrolling the net for that killer one-time bargain. I mean who doesn’t like to get something they want for pennies? In fact, in spite of the number of online stores it’s never been so easy to buy something vintage, retro, second hand or just a little less than perfect online.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE ONLINE REUSED FASHION MARKET FOR BARGAINS
Online clothes shopping is huge and vintage fashion has a wide following – but buying and reusing fashion found online are not given us much attention as it deserves. We want to change that.
Apps and websites such as eBay, Gumtree and Shpock are absolute gold mines for perfectly good products, particularly clothes when coupled with good searching, timing and negotiating skills. You want that high-end premium sweater, those original 1980’s Adidas Run DMC sneakers, or that Burberry Trench coat for £35? Well it could (potentially) be yours for a fraction of its retail selling price which, let’s be honest, many of us wouldn’t even sniff at. There’s some big bucks to be saved by reusing.
REUSING FASHION IS THE MOST SUSTAINABLE FASHION CHOICE
Yet, more importantly before you all jump away in disgust it’s worth remembering the environmental benefit by giving clothes a second life. Fast fashion is known to be extensive in it’s use of materials and energy, but by reusing fashion we’re reducing this impact. Less use of land and water to grow raw materials, less use water and materials to manufacture, and then the less use of energy to transport.
We think by being retro, refreshing our wardrobe and redefining who we are through fashion should also include how we sourced them, not just the style in which they portray. Not only is the benefit for the purchaser, the seller is having a go at recycling and eliminating the waste they would create if disposed of.
I for one won Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts and Nike Running jacket for less than $10 a piece, a pair of Levi’s for $16 and a North Face hoodie for less than $20. Going retro by reusing is awesome, just if you want it badly just remember to not be the ultimate penny pincher, increase that offer and maybe then that Burberry Trench might be yours. Just remember to wash what you buy of course.
Try these websites or your local vintage or charity store to get some great reduced cost fashion.
http://www.ebay.com
https://www.shpock.com/
https://www.gumtree.com/
https://www.preloved.com/
Update: Recently Prato, Italy was reviewed by the BBC as a town bucking the sustainable fashion trend. The town is a leader in the recycling and reusing of garment materials. Recovering the materials to be reused by major Italian fashion houses for future, earth happy clothing. Check it out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-55267992
