Secondhand
adjective | \ ˈse-kən(d)-ˈhand \
- Acquired after being used by another person.
- Not new.
- Used clothes offered for sale or swap.
Opting for secondhand clothing and accessories is a great way to save planetary resources, as no fresh resources are used in the creation of something new. It also prolongs an item’s lifecycle.
Usually, when we think of secondhand, we think of something that has been bought from someone else. But there are, in fact, multiple ways to ace secondhand style. We’ve got you covered.
Swapping
You give one, you take one. Swapping is simple math. Best enjoyed when in a group. Even better enjoyed as a party! You can swap among friends or with a group of like-minded strangers. It’s like going shopping, but for pre-owned clothes, and where you pay with pre-owned clothes.
Borrowing
A singular occasion? A theme party? Or just plain ol’ wardrobe fatigue? Borrowing is your lowest fashion footprint option. And it’s really as simple as it sounds. You borrow something for an occasion or a period of time, and then you return it, in good condition, so the original owner can continue to enjoy their garment.
Renting
Renting is your window to accessible, sustainable luxury, for that one-off occasion that truly won’t come again. A very public appearance, or your sibling’s wedding, or perhaps even your own. Renting allows you to wear your dream label, without breaking your bank and without hurting the planet. Try Date The Ramp and Ziniosa for well-curated options.
Upcycling
Giving a garment or a piece of fabric a new lease of life is a fabulous way to channel secondhand style. There are multiple ways to do this. You could use a smaller offcut or a worn-out piece to make an accessory, or you could just give something old a new update. Zero-waste designs are the way to go.
Hand-me-downs
The OG secondhand style hack, hand-me-downs are the gold standard when it comes to extending the lifespan of a garment. These are especially significant when it comes to kids’ wardrobes and should, in fact, be the primary choice for kids’ clothing. Hand-me-downs not only cut down your fashion footprint, but also help keep clothes out of landfill.
What are some of your favourite secondhand style hacks? Share with us in the comments.
