Refresh your wardrobe with an Eco twist

People have mixed reactions when we talk about second-hand clothing. Some people get disgusted about who has worn that item previously and others think people have died in the clothing. Another point people make is that the clothing is outdated and old-fashioned. Over the years second-hand clothing has become more popular and accessible, with sites like Depop and Vinted just a click away from your new outfit. I personally remember getting large bin bags of clothing that my older cousin had outgrown and passed on to me. There was such anticipation about receiving these bags and the treasures I would find.

Before lockdown, on average the British public throws away 67 million items of clothing in a year. During lockdown 2 in every 5 people cleaned out their wardrobe, most of this waste went straight to the landfill instead of donating or selling on clothing sites. Most clothing is made partly from plastic and not degradable materials. Modern dyes and pigments often contain toxic chemicals and when they break down, they enter our water systems which pollute our rivers and oceans With fast fashion and ever-changing fashion trends society will naturally have an overpour of clothing no longer in use or trend. Slowing down the fast fashion cycle by either mending your clothes or buying second-hand. The fashion industry has been responsible for around 10% of the world's carbon emissions. This does not include the exploitation of workers and animals or water wastage.

Giving new life to clothes has a huge environmental impact. Lowers carbon emissions by slowing the demand for resources such as cotton and wool. Also, a lot of water is also used in manufacturing, for example, it takes 2,700 liters of water to make one average cotton t-shirt. That is equivalent to one person having drinking water for 900 days.

Second-hand clothing can allow an individual to find items that they might not find on the high street and tailor their wardrobe to fit their individual style. I have bought and worn second clothing for many years now and would not go back. I created my wardrobe with a mixture of vintage and second-hand. Also financially buying vintage or second-hand can be cheaper in the long term because items from previous decades were made to last instead of today’s commercial buying habits.

By shopping second hand you will stop the demand for fast fashion and lower your carbon impact. Second-hand clothing shopping will have an impact on large cheap fashion retailers that are not sustainable.

If you want to create a unique and sustainable wardrobe then here are my top tips: -

- Remember the size difference: - if you see a vintage dress or blouse sizes were much smaller and fitted so always try a bigger size than you would normally wear. Also, look to see if the item can be altered to enlarge or smaller.

- Thinks can be tailored or mended: - there are some amazing tailors and seamstresses who will give you advice on what they can do to your item. If you find a second-hand suit it might not fit quite right, take the suit to a tailor and they can make it fit perfectly for you. This will make the suit one of a kind and something that you are more likely to keep.

- Always do your background checks: - if you are buying from an article of suitable clothing or footwear. Check that the company is sustainable and environmentally conscious. Sadly, not every sustainable company is truly what they say. Greenwashing is a part of the world now where companies make items and products appear to be eco-friendly and sustainable but are sadly not.

- Do you really need it: - this is the biggest one consumerism will try and get you to buy things you really don’t need but want it. Always ask yourself these questions Do I have something like it? Will I wear it more than once? Would I buy it if it was full price?

- Have fun trying something new go for bold prints and patterns:- Vintage especially had some amazing patterns and fabric choices. Look for dresses from the 60s or 70s they were often made by hand and made to last.

My favorite places to buy second-hand clothing

- Etsy

- Vintage shops

- Charity shops

- Vinted

- Kilo sales