Research shows that 9 out of 10 fashionistas are now turning to second-hand clothing instead of opting for ‘fast fashion’.
A new survey from Whatnot, a leading livestream shopping platform, reveals that many people are ignoring new products in favor of second-hand products.
The survey asked 2,000 people about their relationship with and preferences for used clothing.
RISE – Rick Woodrow, owner of online second-hand vintage store RicksRetro, has noticed an increase in people turning to used clothing (Image: Rick Woodrow) % admitted to buying vintage or vintage clothing on a regular basis. The share of second-hand items rises to 84% among 18-28 year olds.
More than a third (35%) say they make more of an effort to buy sustainable clothing now than they did five years ago, and 30% now only buy sustainable clothing. and 43% of those under 29 say they do. .
Changes in mindset occur due to a variety of factors, and we’ve seen many people change their approach to their fashion choices.
Happy – Hannah Wood is manager of St Helena Hospice store in Dedham (Image: Credit) The changing approach to second-hand clothing has seen many charity shops and second-hand clothing businesses flourish.
One example is Rick Woodrow, 30, a Colchester-based second-hand goods businessman and owner of online clothing store Rick’s Retro.
Rick has been involved in reselling used goods for about 12 years and makes a living from his successful business.
He said: “I think the second-hand space has expanded significantly over the last few years and people have become more aware of the impact of fast fashion.
“This is also due to people becoming more environmentally conscious and having less money to buy their own clothes.
“Buyers believe that instead of buying a new jumper for £90, they can buy a used one for £30.
“It has increased significantly during COVID-19 as people have been confined indoors. Online spending has increased and through the cost of living crisis people have become more inclined to spend money on cheap second-hand goods. Masu.”
Steve Hurdle, 39, who helps run Best Days Vintage in Eld Lane, Colchester, disagrees with the idea that more people will turn to second-hand goods.
Disagree – Best Days Vintage owners Steve Hurdle (left) and Jez Dixon don’t agree that people are deciding to switch to second-hand clothing (Image: credit) He said: The number of people buying vintage items is increasing, and I think the number of people who are starting to become interested in them is also increasing.
“I think people are interested in a certain style and some are looking for a quick fix.
“I think it depends on who is asked in the survey and their age group.
“Places like Vinted are making an impact online. More people are transacting online than ever before.”
With the growing interest in vintage clothing, we are also seeing positive changes in philanthropy.
St Helena Hospice’s 24 stores in north east Essex and its online store will cost more than £4.6 million in 2023-2024.
Last year, nearly 2 million items were purchased from their stores.
Ian Daniels, Associate Director of Commercial Retail at St Helena Hospice, said: “We’re seeing an increase in the number of shoppers and donations, which is great for St Helena because we’re seeing an increase in the number of shoppers and donations raised from our stores. “It’s great for St Helena because the money will go towards helping people facing terminal illnesses in north-east Essex.” bereavement.
“Volunteers in our shops often chat with customers and they say they are now more interested in sustainable fashion, and that they have never been more aware of the impact fast fashion has on the environment. There were several customers who said they didn’t have it.
“Our transaction value is up 12 percent compared to last year, and people are turning to platforms like Vinted and Marketplace to sell designer items themselves that they previously donated, and we’re seeing more and more donations. We are seeing a change in the quality and brand of the world, which is inevitably due to the cost of living crisis.
“We love giving life to quality items again, so please keep donating them to us and shopping with us. You’ll make a real difference.”
“Each of our stores relies on volunteers to run and every charity shop needs new volunteers throughout the year.
“If you have a few hours of your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.Volunteering is proven to be beneficial to your health and well-being, so volunteering can keep you energized and It can also energize your store.
“No matter how much time you volunteer, you will be making a difference in the lives of people in need of hospice support in your local area.
“More than 20 years later, vintage has become more accepted by the average high street crowd, and the mindset of people who wear vintage clothing has changed.”
