Kingston's Secondhand Clothing Industry

Buried between the vibrant signs of Kingston’s buzzing restaurant scene and the grand window displays of the large-scale retailers lining Princess Street lives a well kept secret: Kingston’s secondhand clothing industry. But, the unofficial fashion scene of Kingston’s wornbefore clothing is a resource not yet fully tapped. With clothing spanning the decades (and we all know history repeats itself), fulfilling your commitment to keeping up with trends while guaranteeing your outfit is one of a kind has never been so accessible.

But, how do you know what each store has to offer?

For the practical person in search of that perfect costume, study sweater, or basic tee, Phase Two has all you need and more. If practicality is just a synonym for adulthood, then why not browse the brand name-filled leisure wear, workout gear, and endless accessories lining the walls of Kingston’s Revolving Door? And for all the fashion fierce hipsters out there in search of the latest leopard, silk, or black tie beaded gown, the funky What I’ll Wear located on Princess Street is the place for you. But, if the only labels you like in life are the washing instructions on your favorite North Face fleece, then try scavenging the infamous Value Village and its wide array of clothes for every body and every occasion. Carrying the perfect mix of brand name clothing, including the likes of Lululemon, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, and Dior, with an equally abundant amount of undiscovered designers, even the old feels new. You can maintain the curated feeling associated with retail therapy while accessing all the advantages that come with reusable fashion— which are as endless as the outfit options.

Broadening the scope beyond personal fashion, Kingston’s secondhand clothing stores are a crucial resource for many low income communities. Kingston is home to one of the largest pay gaps of any Canadian city, with high rates of homelessness and poverty. By purchasing goods at any of the above-mentioned locations, you are contributing to the sustained availability of low price point goods that are essential for many. Clothing stores such as Value Village source their clothing from local charities that are paid per pound for bags of donated clothing. These charities are then able to take the money provided by the retailers and put it towards social programming for communities and families most in need.

Moving beyond finances, the environmental footprint of today’s fashion industry is a growing concern in a time of international climate uncertainty. With the release of harmful chemicals throughout the manufacturing process and a required 5000 gallons of water for a single t-shirt and jeans combo (not to mention controversial disposal methods), skeptics have placed fashion with the likes of the oil industry for environmental devastation levels. By participating in the recycled clothing industry, you reduce your environmental footprint on both ends of the spectrum. By buying used goods, you are lowering the demand for these established manufacturing processes, while donating items to secondhand clothing stores diminishes the environmental footprint associated with landfill based disposal practices. Look good without causing undue harm on Mother Nature— the most fashionable woman of all. As one of Kingston’s avid secondhand clothing supporters put it, “It’s fast fashion without the guilt. You get all the luxury while contributing good. And if you don’t like it… then exchange it. Or just donate it back to the store.” Create a positive feedback cycle of giving and generosity within an industry designed for taking.

By Madelaine Shales | Photography by Nodebe Agbapu