More and more people (myself included) are waking up to the huge impacts fast fashion has on the environment. I've been educating myself and have slowly been making lifestyle changes to ensure we live a little more sustainably. Although I don't feel we can ever be 100% sustainable, I fully believe that every little helps. Today I'm going to be delving a little more into shopping for second hand clothes. For me it's been a really easy swap & I think it can for you too.
Originally published April 2022. Updated January 2026 with new styling tips, sourcing ideas, and sustainable fashion insights.
Benefits Of Buying Second Hand Clothes
Buying Second Hand Clothes Saves Money
A massive benefit of buying second hand is that it could save you a pretty penny. You're certain to pick up a bargain shopping via charity shops or online second hand retailers.
It's important to remember that just because second hand clothes are cheaper, it in no way means they're bad quality. Usually people sell or donate clothes to make space. The fact they're selling has no correlation with a garments quality.
I've managed to pick up a number of clothing items for a fraction of their retail price. I've found occasion wear to be particularly affordable. You know those fancy frocks you buy for a wedding, but only actually wear once. I bought a French Connection dress on Vinted that's still available to buy in shops at £180. Little old me picked it up for £15, saving myself £165 from the RRP.
Promotes Sustainable Fashion
Buying second hand clothes plays a big part in fighting fast fashion. Being sustainable with your fashion choices means being a little slower and more ethical with your garment choices. It means wearing second hand clothes, buying from small businesses and choosing garments made from eco-friendly materials.
You're Extending A Garments Life Span
By buying second hand clothes you're keeping garments in circulation and expanding their life span. Shopping second hand is not just good for you, but for the environment too.
The fast fashion industry is extremely wasteful. I'm sure we're all aware of that. Over £14,000,000 worth of clothes are thrown away into landfill each year in the UK. Many people (myself included) admit to wearing an item a handful of times before throwing it away. It's such a shame.
Buying second hand is such a simple way to keep clothes in circulation.
You're Dighting The Demand For Fast Fashion
By shopping second hand you're putting middle fingers up and saying no thank you to fast fashion. As time goes by there's still a demand for fast fashion (I don't think this is going to go away any time soon) but there's also a huge movement favouring shopping second hand.
I'm sure we're all aware of how shoddy the fast fashion industry is. Brands such as PLT are known to pay their factory workers £3.50 an hour which is less than half of the national minimum wage. It's how they can sell their items so cheaply and it's abhorrent.
Trash VS Treasure
One persons trash is another persons treasure. I've found this to be particularly beneficial from a sellers point of view.
I've had a big clear out of clothes just recently, listing what feels like 101 different items onto my Vinted account. They're items which I no longer love or no longer fit quite right. But they're perfectly good clothes and they most definitely deserve a second lease of life. It's incredibly easy to sell on Vinted, if you've got pieces you no longer wear but think would be another persons treasure, I'd definitely recommend.
My 'trash' is someone else's treasure and I love that I'm able to bring joy to someone else's wardrobe through second hand clothes. Clearing out my wardrobe and selling clothes on Vinted is a win, win for all parties.
It's Actually Really Easy To Shop For Second Hand Clothes
I previously thought that shopping for used clothing items was really difficult. It's actually much easier than you think.
There are a number of apps and second hand websites available making shopping for second hand clothes easier and easier. If you're shopping online you can filter garments in a number of ways. You can separate sizes, colours, styles even the quality. What I once thought was really difficult has now become the easiest thing in the world... And second nature when updating my wardrobe.
Even shopping second hand in charity shops, can be really easy. You'll tend to find that the rails are divided into sizes making finding what fits really easy. They also tend to group colours and clothing items which is great.
Second Hand Clothing Can Last Longer
This might sound untrue, but just think of the potential age of garments you find in a charity store. Even from a sellers point of view, thinking about the clothes I've listed online, some of the clothes are years old, but still in fantastic quality.
It's also worth thinking about clothes ordered through fast fashion websites. I don't know about you, but there's been so many times I've opened up a parcel only to be disappointed with what I'd received. The quality of fast fashion clothing is renowned for being really shoddy.
Why Second-Hand Clothes Are More Relevant Than Ever
Buying second-hand isn’t just a budget choice. It’s a sustainable lifestyle decision that’s gaining mainstream attention. Second-hand shopping reduces waste, promotes recycling, and supports smaller local or online retailers. Many people also find that pre-loved pieces offer unique styles that stand out from high-street trends. Across fashion forums, social media, and consumer surveys, second-hand shopping continues to grow in popularity, making this advice relevant well beyond any single year.
Quick Tips For Second Hand Clothes Shopping
- Check quality and fabric before buying
- Mix pre-loved pieces with current wardrobe staples
- Explore online marketplaces for hidden gems
- Don’t underestimate charity shops — they often have unique finds
- Experiment with accessories to elevate second-hand outfits
- Wash and care for clothes to extend longevity
I've made some big changes recently when it comes to updating mine and the children's wardrobes. Shopping for second hand clothes has become second nature for me now & Vinted is always my first port of call. I'm not saying you need to be 100% on it all the time when it comes to sustainably. I'm far from it myself. But even the little changes can make a big difference.
With years of experience curating wardrobes, reviewing fashion trends, and exploring sustainable options, these tips focus on making second-hand shopping stylish, practical, and eco-friendly.
If you're interested in making other more sustainable changes you might be interested in the following:
- Making the switch to sustainable period pants.
- Reusable products for new parents.
- Introducing reusable sanitary pads.
I've been a fan of purchasing second hand clothing for years. You are right that quality goods can be found in many thrift shops. I have yet to try the online options, but I'm ready to give it a try! You certainly found some beautiful outfits! It's nice to look good and feel good about a sustainable clothing purchase.
I also love shopping second hand and have found some right bargains that have quickly become staples in my wardrobe! 😊 I now love shopping in the charity shops and seeing what new pieces I can pick up! 🛒🛍️
It's definitely the way forward! Xo
LOVE the dress in the second photo! I'm in need of a charity shop mooch soon!
These are some really good reasons to buy second hand clothes. I haven’t brought clothes for a while apart from the odd pair of leggings. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren x
I buy a lot second hand, although for some reason it's slim pickings at a size 16 sometimes! I love giving new life to something unwanted, especially when there's still so much wear left in it.
Cora
We need to do more of this as it is ecofriendly.
Those dresses look amazing on you - what great finds! You can really find some gems on second hand sites or in charity shops. I can't believe the amount of money you saved either, that's crazy! I drove through the high-street yesterday and saw a really lovely jacket in the charity shop window, so I might have to head to the shops tomorrow and having a nosy around the charity shops to see what I can find. I'm also definitely going to consider Vinted next time I need to look for something specific.
What a fab post! It really is such an easy swap to make isn't it and I absolutely love the bargains you can find, definitely agree about occasion wear, I never buy new for a wedding or event now!
Amy x
callmeamy.co.uk
Second-hand clothes shopping is literally my favourite thing to do! It is even better when you find such a bargain 😍. I'm hoping to go sometime next week with my friend x
My word Claire you've picked up a lot of bargains from Vinted! Buying second hand clothes is so good for the environment and sustainability x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I know so many people who only shop at second hand/charity shops for their clothes. More eco friendly and avoid the whole fast fashion phases x
I love going shopping for second hand clothes, it’s become a new favourite thing of mine to do on my down days. I love how sustainably good it is, as I’m always trying to make a difference and buying second hand defiantly helps. You’ve shared some great reasonings lovely. Thank you for sharing this post with us Xo
Elle - ellegracedeveson.com
I need to stop, I've found so much I've wanted over the years on Vinted and I'm not going to have space for it all soon oops! xx
I have been trying to buy more second hand. I think buying second hand, renting clothes and buying quality new pieces is a good way to do sustainable shopping.
Allie
I love buying second hand clothes, I do struggle with dropping on decent things in my local charity shops as I’m plus size but I do shop on depop and vinted from time to time too 🙂
I couldn't agree more with all the reasons you mention here. Especially for some clothes that might be for special occasions I think buying second hand is a wise choice. Usually these clothes cost a fortune to buy them new and are clothes you will only wear few times.
I've never really bought much for myself second hand (although wore a lot of handmedowns as a child). Back in my 6th form days I managed to get a gorgeous velvet jacket, but never found anything since then that's either my size or that I like. I bought a lot of N's baby clothes second hand (no point buying new when they wear things for such a short time). Charity shops round here rarely have boys clothes, especially over age 6, and what they do have isn't our type of things we like. I've bough a smart shirt and Christmas jumper for him off Vinted. But I do sell a lot of things through Vinted, in the past I sold a lot on ebay. It's definitely worth looking when you need items for a single event. No point buying new for an occasion you may only wear the item once for.
Loved this. Like you, I have also really made an effort to think more about my purchases and now if looking for an extra piece of clothing always check charity shops. I wish second-hand clothing was something I had tried sooner and been more aware earlier of the implications of fast fashion. There are so many nice finds in charity shops I never expected and I have found some pieces I love and wear regularly for a fraction of the price and also supporting a good cause!
Esterella | esterella.co.uk
I absolutely love using Vinted - shopping plus size is awkward as hell in store this way I can only look at items that will actually fit me it's made me feel tons better about shopping
i really need to be shopping more second hand. i love how it's become more mainstream. i love the concept of giving clothing a second life.
Loving the treasure you have found! Especially the flowery dress! 🙂 I too use Vinted, and discovered that is now part of Rumage.com, I had not heard of it but its all secondhand sites in one place! I still will go to my local shops but when you are browsing in the evening its pretty good.
A thoughtful exploration of the benefits of second-hand shopping. From saving money to promoting sustainability, this post highlights the positive impact of mindful fashion choices.