Thr1021_Concious_Fashion_GettyImages-501046381_Opener_-scaled

How to shop second-hand (truly) sustainably

Home » Ruth Spencer » How to shop second-hand (truly) sustainably

21 October 2021

Reading Time: < 1 minute

1 Think about it the same way as new clothing

Get into the habit of thinking of second-hand clothing exactly as you would a new purchase. “Ask yourself: would you still buy it if it was full retail price?” advises Dianne of Welcome Back Slow Fashion. Avoid buying something just because it’s cheap. Also ask yourself: will I wear this, really? “What will you wear it with, and when will you wear it? There’s a reason that item ended up in an op shop, and it might be that it’s not actually that wearable.”

2 Try on every piece

“Even in a fast fashion store, most people would try things on,” say Dianne. We should do the same in op shops, and not just think “this will do”.

3 Inspect garments

“There’s an assumption that everything that’s on the rack is in good condition,” Dianne says. But that’s not always the case. Do a really thorough inspection before buying, and leaving it behind if there’s damage you can’t see yourself fixing.

4 Don’t get caught up in online urgency

If you’re shopping second-hand online, try not to be swept away by the idea that things are one-offs. “Particularly in Instagram shopping, I think you’ve got to be really careful not to get caught up in thinking, I have to get that real quick because if I don’t, someone else will,” Dianne counsels. “There will always be something else.” It’s much better to make a considered decision.

Subscribe & WIN!

Subscribe to WOMAN+ for only $19.99 for the year and you’ll have a chance to WIN 2 Nights for 2 at JetPark Rotorua +
an Evening in the Polynesian Spa.

*You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.