Making Second Hand the First Choice: Accessible Goals for a Sustainable Wardrobe

Lauren Wright 

A core aim of Sustainable Style St Andrews is to promote sustainable fashion choices, whether that is swapping, donating, or buying preloved clothes at our clothing swaps, or getting the most wear by up-cycling them, second hand should be the first choice. This helps reduce the amount of clothes in circulation and prevents textile waste going to landfill, causing environmental damage. It also considers the workers behind the clothes that are made, an aspect that Fashion Revolution is interested in, a charity that we donate 50% of our profits to. 

This year discover accessible ways to ensure your wardrobe is more sustainable by following these tips from our executive committee!

Donate old clothes

A wardrobe clearcut can be very cathartic, and means that other people can enjoy the clothes that you no longer wear. Donating them or selling them on resale platforms can ensure they do not end up in landfill and means they remain in the fashion cycle. Read our articles on a Capsule Wardrobe and Our Guide to Vinted to learn more!

Avoid overconsumption, even second hand

Sustainable fashion isn't just about thrifting but it also encourages maximise wear out of our clothes, rewearing, styling for all seasons, and mending when needed. There are so many unwanted clothes in charity shops, online resale platforms, even our own stockroom that it can be overwhelming and we feel like we need to buy everything. Yet purchasing an item even second hand and then not wearing it, or donating it again may take it out of circulation for a brief period but it encourages a consumer habit of overconsumption, and inevitably increases the amount of clothes that could end up in landfill. 

Purchasing sustainable materials 

An article a few weeks ago covered the materials to look out for when purchasing clothes and it is really important to increase the longevity of clothing. Picking durable materials such as cotton, cashmere, linen, over polyester and acrylic can mean clothes last longer. When it is time say goodbye to them they can continue their life span much longer - there are tons of linen trousers for example in charity shops. It is also beneficial when washing clothes because materials like polyester release microplastics into the water system, which is avoided with naturally reoccurring materials such as bamboo. 

Avoid casual browsing 

This links to overconsumption, but it is really important that even when shopping second hand to make conscious decisions. This can be done through styling an item you have been thinking about with clothes from your wardrobe to see if you can maximise the wear, or do those trousers only go with one top? This can also be helped by unsubscribing to fast fashion email lists and unfollowing them on social media as it limits the temptation - particularly around peak sale times when it is difficult to resist.

Learn crotchet 

Lastly, learning how to up-cycle, or make your own clothes is a fantastic way to become more sustainable. Often wool can be found in charity shops and it means you can stay on trend without the risk of wearing something that has not been made ethically. There are many online tutorials as well to get started!