Overall, shopping secondhand is a win-win situation. You get to save money, reduce waste, and express your personal style while also supporting the environment and your local community.
But taking that first step can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the process.
If you're unsure of how to find quality secondhand pieces, you're not alone. Many people struggle with this. Spotting hidden gems is a journey that comes with practice. The good news is in recent times it has becoming increasingly easier to find high-quality, gently-used items at a fraction of their original cost.
Why Shop Secondhand?
The fashion industry is the second largest industrial polluter globally and contributes to 10% of human-caused greenhouse emissions. Over 11 billion kilograms of unwanted textiles in North America end up in landfills annually. Furthermore, the majority of garment makers worldwide are women who face unsafe working conditions, gender-based violence, excessive overtime, and earn less than $3/day.
Breaking the Stigma
Once upon a time, secondhand items were considered unappealing and unwanted. They were viewed as dirty, old, and uninteresting, and the prospect of finding a good item required digging through piles of stuff for hours.
But today, times have changed! Secondhand shopping has become more accessible, leading to a thriving resale market. In 2022, the global secondhand market reached $177 billion, and in Canada, the used item market grew to $29 billion.
The Benefits of Shopping Secondhand
- Decreasing carbon
- footprint
- Encourage creativity and personal expression
- Extending the lifespan of products
- Minimizing textile waste
- Support local economies
- Embrace mindful consumerism
Tips to Successfully Shop Secondhand
- Keep an open mind.
Unlike stores that sell new clothing in every size and color, vintage/thrift stores are stocked with one-of-a-kind pieces.
Go thrift shopping if you’re looking for a specific item, because you probably won’t find it.
Use a moodboard for inspiration, and try to find items that you can mix-and-match with what’s already in your closet.
2. Set a time limit.
Fast fashion's exploitative practices have created an instant gratification culture that can make secondhand shopping overwhelming, particularly at large thrift stores or flea markets.
Go thrifting if you’re in a rush.
Set yourself a timeframe, approx 30 mins to an hour to go thorough the racks and once that time is up head over to the dressing room to try on your finds.
3. Online hauls
Peer-to-peer online marketplaces (such as Ebay, Etsy, Poshmark, etc) have broad databases and are quick and easy to use, allowing you to find what you need efficiently and from the comfort of your home.
Buy on an impulse. This might discourage you from online secondhand shopping if you are not happy with your purchase (most secondhand shops have a no-return policy).
Read the descriptions of the items carefully and follow up with questions if necessary. Individual sellers are quick to respond and happy to answer your inquiry.
Quality Fabrics
When shopping for clothes, it's important to consider the impact of the materials used and choose more sustainable options.
Investing in sustainable materials, although it may come at a higher cost, can actually lead to long-term savings.
Plant-based fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, lyocell use up less energy to produce and maintain.
Animal-derived fabric such as wool is natural, biodegradable, and renewable. With the proper care, they tend to live in your closet for a long time.
Prolonged Use
Unlike new clothing, it’s normal for secondhad clothing to have some flaws: stains, rips, missing buttons, stuck zippers. Make sure to check items for any damages and consider the cost and feasibility of repairs for any flaws. Some flaws are easily fixable (ex. hemming or minor sewing repairs), while others may be more difficult or expensive to repair.
Sizing
Vintage sizing often differs from modern sizing, so be sure to try on the garment or check its measurements before buying. With patience and attention to detail, unique and beautiful pieces can be added to your wardrobe.
♻️ There are many ways to shop second-hand, and the best option for you will be different depending on your budget, personal style, and the amount of time you have available for shopping.
Better Day Vintage is committed to slow fashion meaning we prioritize quality over quantity. We provide detailed information about our products' materials, origin, and production, so that our customers can make informed decisions about their purchases. By shopping with us, you can feel good about supporting a business that prioritizes transparency and people over profit. We also participate in various markets and pop-ups locally where you can shop in-person, and we are pleased to offer custom appointments for shopping our collections.
We hope this short guide will help you get started on your thrifting journey!