An ode to Second-Hand

All this (and more) characterizes the “fast fashion” industry. In opposition, a “slow fashion” industry is emerging, in an attempt to reduce fashion’s environmental effects, make the production process more humane and use less to create less waste. The two easiest approaches if you want to make your wardrobe more sustainable and “go slow” are Second-Hand and Fair Fashion.

DISCLAIMER: Don’t throw away your current clothes in order to replace them with more environmentally and human-friendly products – this is the worst thing you could do. No consumption is still better than sustainable consumption of clothes. Rather replace them piece by piece, and keep in mind the 5 R’s. In this case, that means:

1. Refuse: don’t buy something just because it sparkles (this is a very important Zero Waste mindset you can read more about in the chapter

“Inside your mind”) 2. Reduce: learn to live with less – maybe the “capsule wardrobe” concept is something for you? 3. Reuse: here is the first option: second-hand shopping! Or have you ever thought about taking the clothes of your older siblings, parents or even grandparents voluntarily? 4. Recycle: try to repair your clothes first before purchasing new ones.

Your local tailor will be happy to have a customer (yes, times are hard in this business). Maybe change your wedding gown into a beautiful top and skirt, take in your suits because you’ve changed your eating habits (local and seasonal of course) and need a smaller size, or just repair a perfectly fine pair of jeans that are showing the first signs of a small hole near the pocket 5. Rot: ok, well, maybe this is not applicable if you’re not Lady Gaga (the vegetarian version of course).

Whether you are going to a flea market, digging through piles of clothes; taking in the hypnotizing smell of a cozy vintage store; playing dress-up with your friends in your favorite thrift shop; or spending the whole night in digital second-hand heaven, till you finally find that one pair of shoes that wins over your heart – there is nothing quite like good old thrifting therapy. Of course, second-hand shopping involves luck and a lot of patience, but the thrill of finding a one-of-a-kind piece and giving a new life to clothing that was

previously owned by another individual isn’t comparable to any fast-fashion shopping experience. Thrifting is a revolution, a rejection of the throw-away fashion culture of our times and a constant self-reinvention, without the creation of waste. Shopping second-hand reduces the demand for new clothing production, and prevents perfectly good clothes from ending up in landfills. It is not just a trendy alternative, but for many people an economic necessity. But while some people might thrift to be trendy, it is better than being trendy with fast fashion, as it is far less damaging for the planet. Thrifting is the easiest and most fun way of shopping with intention. You can search for your favourite brands, prints, patterns or colours, and find treasures you would never have dreamed of. And the best part about it? You will not only reduce enormous amounts of fashion waste but also help out your purse, as second-hand shopping is easier not just on the environment but also on the wallet.

So, whether you are in desperate need of a new pair of jeans, or want to copy your mom’s style from the 70s.