The fashion industry needs to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 to stay in line with the Paris Climate Accord targets; can shopping secondhand contribute to these reductions, and if so how?
1) If the fashion industry see a slow down in purchase from their usual market group, will they simply start to look for other markets to move into, in order to continue production at a high level, especially if they can side step some of the ethical issues at the same time.
2) You mention that it can be hard to find the right garment in the right size when shopping secondhand, but this is often why people start shopping secondhand, because they can't find what they want in their size or that fits their identity, within mainstream fashion. An added bonus is that if you can sew and do a few alterations, you can make things fit better, or update them to represent your own style. Your point, while very valid can actually work both ways.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your thoughts.
On your first point, maybe that's why mainstream prices keep falling? And as new stuff becomes cheaper than buying secondhand perhaps that incentivises more people choose new clothes? Discounting in the mainstream market is definitely impacting the secondhand market.
The second point is trickier. I agree many people choose secondhand to assert their rejection of homogenised mainstream trends, but I do think it's easier if you're a standard size or live in particular locations? I need to do some more research :)
Step by step we go… educate & evolve our perception of what’s “necessary”, what’s beautiful & what’s aspirational or symbolic of success & worth.
I can’t imagine that if we truly understood what was at stake that we’d continue to consume or manufacture & manipulate as we do.
We all need to be informed & benevolent with our intentions & recognize our interconnectedness.
May we all do better, together.
I agree with everything you say ❤️
Hi Gemma,
Very interesting post, thank you. Two thoughts;
1) If the fashion industry see a slow down in purchase from their usual market group, will they simply start to look for other markets to move into, in order to continue production at a high level, especially if they can side step some of the ethical issues at the same time.
2) You mention that it can be hard to find the right garment in the right size when shopping secondhand, but this is often why people start shopping secondhand, because they can't find what they want in their size or that fits their identity, within mainstream fashion. An added bonus is that if you can sew and do a few alterations, you can make things fit better, or update them to represent your own style. Your point, while very valid can actually work both ways.
HI Claire
Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your thoughts.
On your first point, maybe that's why mainstream prices keep falling? And as new stuff becomes cheaper than buying secondhand perhaps that incentivises more people choose new clothes? Discounting in the mainstream market is definitely impacting the secondhand market.
The second point is trickier. I agree many people choose secondhand to assert their rejection of homogenised mainstream trends, but I do think it's easier if you're a standard size or live in particular locations? I need to do some more research :)
Thanks for making me think!
Gem