3 Unique Reasons why Sustainable Fashion is 'Pre-Loved' (Hobbies and Interests Series)
Work-Life Balance: Hobbies and Interests
Introduction
Why does that dreaded question follow us around, whether at school, in an interview or on a date: what are you into? What hobbies do you have? Our brain begins to shut down - often because we don't really have one.
This blog might encourage you to take up pre-loved clothing as your next project - like colleague, Kim, a lady who started a successful small business selling pre-loved clothing.
“I’ve had a few hobbies, like selling perfume and used books, but pre-loved clothing has just stuck.” Kim has been a seller for over two years now, with hundreds of sales and reviews on platforms like Instagram and Vinted. She explained she has always felt passionate about fashion and beauty, and has learned so much since starting her business, which has enabled not only her style to evolve, but also her confidence.
1. Finally, shopping that looks after your purse!
In today’s cost of living crisis, the demand for pre-loved clothing has increased dramatically. Online platforms offer such a diverse variety of styles and brands, making it super easy to find bargains conveniently. Plus, if you buy pre-loved, you will probably end up selling pre-loved, too, as this offers an additional source of income (or balances out your spending on new-to-you items).
With today’s heavy focus on sustainability, pre-loved is more relevant and current than ever. One reason is reduced wastage. When you purchase used clothing, you are giving a second life to a garment that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Unfortunately, the fashion industry is known for producing a significant amount of textile waste. By purchasing used clothing, you are extending the life of a garment and reducing the demand for new clothes, which helps mitigate the environmental impact of textile production and waste disposal.
The production of clothing involves many processes (including growing or manufacturing fabrics, dyeing, sewing, and shipping). By reducing the demand for new clothes, you are reducing these processes and their carbon footprint, as well as conserving the resources (e.g., water, energy, and raw materials) that would have been used to produce new garments. This reduces the strain on the environment associated with resource extraction and production.
2. Sustainability
Ah, the topic that is close to all of our hearts... Or, should be.
With today’s heavy focus on sustainability, pre-loved is more relevant and current than ever. One reason is reduced wastage. When you purchase used clothing, you are giving a second life to a garment that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Unfortunately, the fashion industry is known for producing a significant amount of textile waste. By purchasing used clothing, you are extending the life of a garment and reducing the demand for new clothes, which helps mitigate the environmental impact of textile production and waste disposal.
The production of clothing involves many processes (including growing or manufacturing fabrics, dyeing, sewing, and shipping). By reducing the demand for new clothes, you are reducing these processes and their carbon footprint, as well as conserving the resources (e.g., water, energy, and raw materials) that would have been used to produce new garments. This reduces the strain on the environment associated with resource extraction and production.
Fast fashion is known for its rapid production of cheap clothing, which often results in low-quality items that are quickly discarded. Buying used clothing promotes more thoughtful and sustainable consumption practices, discouraging the fast fashion cycle.
To maximise sustainability, we recommend trying to buy from local sellers, choosing items that are shipped using eco-friendly packaging, and supporting platforms with transparent sustainability practices.
3. The Community
“If I could do one thing differently, it would be to go back in time and find pre-loved sooner.” Through the pre-loved community, Kim told me she has formed new friendships with people out of town, who she has travelled to meet in person, and attended opening events to support other sellers. “It’s a real community, and everyone is just so friendly,” she said, “and so many of the pre-loved clothes I buy look brand-new when they arrive… yet I’ve only paid a third of the price.”
Conclusion
There is opportunity to find quality, high-end branded pieces that make excellent (inexpensive!) investments for your wardrobe.
However, as with everything, you should exercise caution. “You should be careful who you buy from,” Kim warns. “There are some ‘fake sellers’ out there who would happily take your money without any intention of sending the item.” This is why we would always recommend spending the extra pound or so to purchase the insurance offered by the platform. As always, when shopping online, never share your card details.
We especially recommend Vinted, as it offers insurance to buyers: Item catalogue (vinted.co.uk)
Shop safe and shop sustainable!
You can read more on sustainable fashion here: Fashion + Ethical and green living | Fashion | The Guardian
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