Why Buy Secondhand Fashion in Ireland
We all know the impact that ‘Fast Fashion” is having on the environment, right? For some it’s a matter of “I simply don’t care.”
However, attitudes are changing in the way we buy our clothing and accessories in Ireland.In the past few years, we have seen the introduction of more and more second-hand clothing stores across the county.
The reason behind this is simple. Supply and demand. With more people now becoming more conscious about the environment, sustainable fashion in Ireland is the new buzz word.
So Many benefits
Did you know there are lots of reasons why we should all buy second-hand clothing? Lots of these reasons can actually benefit you directly, regardless of your lifestyle and fashion choices.
Purchasing second-hand clothing and accessories also have beneficial factors for the environment of Ireland.
Your purchase may also help a charity who operates second-hand stores right across the island of Ireland. They can put this money to good use to help the sick and the elderly.
Some of you may still be unconvinced that shopping for second-hand clothing and accessories can benefit your wardrobe and the environment. This is OK and what we are going to help you non-believers to believe.
We are sure you will even get excited once you know the full benefits.
Let us here at Sustainablefashion.ie show you some positive reasons and the benefits of buying second-hand clothes and accessories in Ireland.
It Will Save You Money
It’s common knowledge that buying second-hand clothing can save you money on your next fashion purchase.
Think about it. You are not paying full whack for a new item. The person before you have seen to that. You are now stepping in to pick up a fashion bargain at a lower cost to yourself.
All you have to do is browse the rails, try on and see if it suits your style. All clothing in charity and preloved second-hand shops have already been checked for quality.
This means that all items you see are fit for purpose. They are clean and ready to go. It’s a great way to add to your fashion collection at a reduced cost. It’s also good for the environment.
You Are Helping to Expand the Life Of Preloved Garments
This one is a no brainier. All of us have some clothing in the back of our wardrobe that we know we will never wear again. In your eyes, the piece of clothing may be dated or not fit anymore.
As we get older, our fashion preferences change. This is where you can do your bit for the environment. Most of us would never discard something that is in good condition.
As your mother would say “It’s a sin to waste it”. By upcycling old clothes, you are also ensuring someone else benefits from your choice of fashion. It also negates old unused clothing from reaching harmful landfill sites across Ireland.
Purchasing Preloved Clothing Promotes Sustainable Fashion
One of the other great reasons to buy preloved fashion is you are being fashion sustainable. This shows that there is a demand for second-hand clothing which applies more pressure on fast fashion producers to become more sustainable.
The “Slow Fashion” way also promotes others to create their own sustainable fashion wardrobe. Sustainable fashion contributes to raising awareness to help slow down fast fashion industry.
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion means buying or wearing clothing and accessories that were sustainably or/and ethically made.
This includes the use of fabrics made from eco-materials like organic cotton, Tencel and hemp. It also involves the manner in the way each product was made.
Were the people who constructed your garment receiving proper pay?. Did it involve slave labour?
Did eco-friendly measures like the use of non-toxic dyes go into making the items? See our link here to more about what qualifies as sustainable fashion.
Second-Hand Clothing Can Make Your Look Unique
Lots of second-hand clothing you find in stores across Ireland can sometime be unique. This allows you to reinvent your own personal styling and look.
Vintage fashion is something we are seeing a lot more of now. This is actually on trend at the moment.
Whether you are young or old, second-hand clothing is worth exploring. You may shag that bargain that can set you on the road to a brand-new look. It can even help you upgrade your old look.
Taking The Strain of Natural Resources
When purchasing second-hand clothing, you are helping the planet and its resources. In other words, you are doing the planet a big favour.
Why? because you are making use of clothing where material has already been used to construct your piece of clothing.
This stops new material being drawn from the planet being used to make new clothing and accessories. You may not think it, but buy second-hand clothing means you are doing your bit for the environment.
It Applies Pressure to Fast Fashion Brands
Whenever you buy a piece of second-hand clothing, you are impacting on fast fashion brands. Lots of these nasty fashion brands don’t care about the impact they are having on the planet. To them it’s all about making money.
Some don’t even care about the working conditions of the people who are making their clothing on their behalf.
It’s all about the bottom line to them. By purchasing a piece of second-hand clothing, you are not contributing to the fast fashion market.
Instead, you are making a statement that preloved fashion is good. It can also show you are supporting ethical fashion.
Can you image if we all started buying second-hand fashion? This would put fast fashion companies out of business. At most it may lead them to conform to new more ethical or sustainable practices.
This works and already multiple fast fashion producers and retailers of old are now becoming more conscious about the way they produce clothing.
One Person’s trash is another Person’s Treasure
There is so much truth to this old saying. What’s old fashion for you, will become something new for someone else. It’s a simple as giving your old clothing a new life.
There are so many second-hand stores out there that have incredible preloved clothing. Big brands and name are there if you do your research.
You can get them at reduced costs and the choice is endless. You never know when you might stumble across a bargain. You won’t know if you don’t look.
Choice Is Everywhere
Unlike years ago, when second-hand store where few and far between, today they are everywhere.
Thanks to the internet, choice is there at the end of your fingertips. However, there is nothing like browsing clothes in store.
This has so many benefits. First up you get to touch and feel the quality of the product. Then you can try it on to see if the fit is right.
Look in front of the mirror and see if the item suits you. Unlike all online second-hand stores, it’s impossible to try before you buy.
Then you have the problem of “What if it doesn’t fit?” Do you have to foot the cost of returning? Does the actual online second-hand store do returns?
These are all important things to consider before buying second-hand clothes and accessories online.
If online shopping for second-hand clothing is for you then always consider the following. Know your exact size and check this against the product you are thinking of purchasing.
Second-Hand Clothing Is Usually Better Quality
Most clothes you buy in second-hand stores may be vintage. Not all are but for older vintage clothing means better constructed garments.
This isn’t to say that newer items are not. The shear fact you are extending the shelf life of clothing is good enough.
Good second-hand stores vigorously check their clothing for quality. To make sure it’s fit for purpose.
Remember, they have a reputation to keep. Always check the garment you are considering buying to make sure it doesn’t have any marks our holes.
Check the label to see if it is dry clean only. Always consider you are buying second-hand clothing. This means the item isn’t new and has been worn before.
Be vigilant when examining your garment before buying. Also, it is worth checking to see what their return policy is.
Remember, with second-hand clothing, what you see is what you get. However, the good news is there is always a bargain to be had if without looking too hard.
Our Final Thoughts
OK, you now know the truly magnificent benefits of buying second-hand clothing and accessories. It can be money saving plus have so many benefits for the environment in Ireland.
Most of is love shopping. It’s the fact that we can try out new styles to reinvent our own fashion look. The fact that charities as well as the planet are other great reasons to shop second-hand.
If you want to feel good about yourself while doing your bit for the environment, then second-hand fashion is a great way to start. It’s fun so have fun.
