Second Hand

 What do you do when you have an upcoming special event and you don’t have appropriate clothing for the event? You have thought about upcycling but that won’t address the need. Most people would then consider going out and buying something new. But before you do that, consider second hand.

Sourcing second hand is better than buying brand new clothes for several reasons. It extends the life of clothing and delays it going into landfill. It saves you money. It is better for the environment in that it reduces the oil, water and other resources required to make the new clothing. You can often find items that are unique when you look for pre-loved clothes.

There are now many places where you can purchase pre-loved clothing. We know that one person’s rubbish is another person’s treasure. Charity shops immediately come to mind as one place you can purchase second hand clothes. In some cases, you can find clothes that have never been worn! But there are many other shops (both online and shopfronts) where you can buy pre-loved clothes.

But, buying isn’t the only option. For that one-off special occasion, you might borrow an outfit from family or a friend. You could rent clothes – men have been renting (typically called hiring) suits for their wedding for many years. A quick search online will find you many other places where you can rent clothing.

Another strategy is to create or participate in a clothing exchange. Various local groups swap clothes from time to time. However, you don’t have to wait for these. Have a party where each person brings clothes that he or she no longer wants. Trade with your friends so that everyone leaves with fresh items for their wardrobe.

However, a word of warning. Many people walk out of charity shops with clothes they don’t really need. Ask yourself these questions before sourcing second hand clothing. Do I need it? How many times will I wear it? Is it made of quality material that will last?