5 Reasons To Get Involved In Second Hand September

When September comes around, our thoughts - and our wardrobes - inevitably turn away from summer to embrace the approaching autumnal season. There’s a natural shift that encourages us to reset, refocus and explore new ways of thinking. 

A few years ago, Oxfam recognised this and they started a campaign to encourage us to ‘dress for the world we want’ with Second Hand September. It’s a nudge towards sustainability by refraining from buying fast fashion for a month. Instead, it’s a time to buy preloved and explore slow, sustainable and ethical fashion. 

 

 

If all UK adults bought half of their next wardrobe second-hand, it could prevent a whopping 12.5 billion kg of CO2 emissions… the equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 17,000 times.

Oxfam Report 2023

 

As the pre-loved clothing scene goes from strength to strength, it’s predicted that the vintage clothing market will be almost double the size of the fast fashion industry by the end of the decade. 

If you have any lingering doubts about pre-loved fashion, here are some reasons why Second Hand September could be just what you need to help you embrace the pre-loved trend. 

 

1.  The Financial Incentive.

It’s too easy to click and buy these days, and the fast fashion industry has a whole bag of tricks up their sleeve to try to entice us to spend our hard earned money on more and more new clothes that we don’t actually need. Buy into the Second Hand September ethos instead. You're more likely to make considered choices and buy less, saving money and supporting a good cause if your purchase comes from a charity shop.

 

2.  The Environmental Impact.

As well as the financial cost, we’re all so much more aware of the environmental impact of clothes shopping these days. Buying pre-loved clothes not only helps to extend the lifespan of garments, but over time it will also slow down the fast fashion cycle, reducing the negative footprint on the environment. 

 

The  average consumer now buys 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago. We need to change the way we approach shopping, as with new fashion trends comes increasing demand for clothing that is quite literally unsustainable.

Sophie York - Oxfam Retail Team

 

3.  The Feel Good Factor.

Buying ‘new-to-you’ gives you a longer lasting feel good factor than buying new. Research has shown that the thrill of buying a new item of clothing fades on average after just four wears. But, interestingly, nearly a quarter of us say the thrill lasts longer when we buy second hand. It also feels so good when you receive a compliment and you can smugly share that it’s pre-loved.

 

4.  The Sentimental Value.

Pre-loved clothing doesn't have to be bought. It can also also come from a clothes swap with family and friends, or from 'shopping in your own wardrobe' and re-discovering old favourites. This can have the added benefit of giving you a sense of joy or comfort, especially if the item of clothing is associated with a loved one or a special memory or event. Whether it’s a concert t-shirt, or something that reminds us of someone who is no longer with us, it can be a way to hold onto the connection and preserve memories of times gone by. 

 

5.  The Charity Aspect.

Retail has upped its game in recent years, especially when it comes to the charity shops that form the cornerstone of the second hand market. When you choose to buy from a charity shop, the ripple effects can be felt throughout our local community and beyond. You’re helping to support important causes, turning someone else’s unwanted clothing into cash that goes towards hospice care, medical research and humanitarian aid. 

 

Our Favourite Local Preloved Shops

We have long been fans of the pre-loved scene, so we're quite familair with where to buy locally. If you're new to second hand clothes shopping, here are a few recommendations to get you started:

 

1.  Health Connections

Health Connections is a local charity with two shops in the heart of town: Preloved in Smith Street and Reloved Living in Market Square. You'll find high quality clothing in both shops, including outfits for special occasions and unique rental costumes and accessories. 

2.  Love 2 You Clothing

Love 2 You Clothing is a pop-up shop that's often set up in the Market Buidlings, selling preloved designer clothing and statement accessories. The clothing gives it a boutique feel, with one-off vintage finds.

3.  Les Bourgs Hospice Shop

Les Bourgs Hospice Shop is in St Martins is and it's an old school charity shop, where clothing, accessories and shoes sit alongside books and bric a brac. If you're prepared to rummage through the clothing rails, there are often a few gems to be found.  

 

Find out more about Oxfam's Second Hand September campaign here.