While it’s tempting to go on the usual shopping spree, there’s been a growing realisation about the pretty dire environmental consequences of the fashion industry, especially the modern trend of ‘fast fashion’. In response to this, there’s been a push by many consumers towards more ethical, sustainable forms of fashion. This is a good impulse, but it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t still save money AND build a fresh winter wardrobe.
If the problem with fast fashion is that the clothes last about as long as they take to make, then why not try shopping vintage or secondhand? According to BusinessInsider, “While people bought 60% more garments in 2014 than in 2000, they only kept the clothes for half as long.” With secondhand clothes, you know they’re durable and stylish by virtue of the fact that they’re still around for you to buy them! So this winter, expand your wardrobe and feel great about the planet. Here are some great suggestions for secondhand shopping and sustainable gift campaigns.
If you’re interested in picking up luxury products at a discount, Vestiaire Collective and Rebelle are excellent places to find high-quality brands at cheaper prices. They offer second-hand luxury goods from trusted sellers and are a great starting point for those into high fashion.
For the discerning shopper, Ebay and Depop are excellent online marketplaces for finding great second-hand garments at low prices. It’s true, the quality varies from piece to piece, but most sellers are pretty upfront about the wear and tear and the sheer range of products on offer is incredible.
And of course, charity shopping is always an excellent option for finding those hidden gems and has the added benefit of also been a fun day out romping around town looking for that perfect pair of cords.
Broadly speaking, there’s been an encouraging trend of fashion companies, and others, adopting eco-conscious campaigns that are worth supporting. This year Dior re-planted all the trees used in their woodland-inspired runway walk and there have been several pop-ups across London that have promoted sustainable products. Alongside this, Zero waste goods have hosted markets across the UK that boast a range of plastic-free, eco-friendly clothing products.
And if sustainable pop-ups sound like your cup of tea, why not check out the giffgaff popup store on the 29th November to pledge on a multitude of different sustainable fashion pieces. giffgaff are launching a ‘take the pledge’ campaign to encourage people to pledge to only buy refurbished goods for the rest of the year, and in return are offering a range of sustainable, reclaimed clothes, bikes and more.
Clearly, there are plenty of accessible ways to tap into the growing trend of seeking out sustainable but stylish options for winter wear. The best part is when you have finished with your garment and it’s no longer wearable, it can continue in it’s sustainable journey due to campaigns such as Cut The Wrap which is encouraging you to go “naked this Christmas” and replace wrapping paper with other sustainable options, that old scarf may but tattered but it can still beautiful wrapping up a precious gift under the tree, non?
What’s been your experience with looking for eco-friendlier options for clothing? Have you ever brought anything sustainable or second hand? If so we’d love to know and for you to continue the conversation on our social channels or in the comments below.
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