There are around 23 billion secondhand clothes in circulation, yet people still tell me that shopping preloved can be difficult. Why? Last week I conducted a little experiment to investigate....
Interesting that this arrived in my inbox today because unlike when I sent my reply, I’m wearing everything memade except bra, socks and shoes. I can find things that look similar but I wouldn’t want to buy them.
I try always to use up the fabric for something else if they get too tatty (or too small!) because I know most charity shops want brands because their buyers do too.
Last year I bought a home sewn 1980s dress from a charity shop- I could tell because of the machine stitches used- I took the time to try it on and it was as if it had been made for me. It’s beautiful and people comment on it every time I wear it. I find myself thinking of the woman who made it and who was my body twin. Clothes should mean something and I’d be only too happy to buy secondhand clothing made by skilled home seamsters because they would have meaning. Does that make sense?
Really interesting discussion. Just thinking about the difference here in second hand and resale. Evidently even if you find them on the same platform there is a difference. Where do some of these items (new with tags) come from? Is there a grey market here in stolen or otherwise acquired new goods.
I’m not sure that resale necessarily equates to second hand and therefore question how this works within the circular economy.
Interesting that this arrived in my inbox today because unlike when I sent my reply, I’m wearing everything memade except bra, socks and shoes. I can find things that look similar but I wouldn’t want to buy them.
I try always to use up the fabric for something else if they get too tatty (or too small!) because I know most charity shops want brands because their buyers do too.
Last year I bought a home sewn 1980s dress from a charity shop- I could tell because of the machine stitches used- I took the time to try it on and it was as if it had been made for me. It’s beautiful and people comment on it every time I wear it. I find myself thinking of the woman who made it and who was my body twin. Clothes should mean something and I’d be only too happy to buy secondhand clothing made by skilled home seamsters because they would have meaning. Does that make sense?
Your article was as thought provoking as ever.
Really interesting discussion. Just thinking about the difference here in second hand and resale. Evidently even if you find them on the same platform there is a difference. Where do some of these items (new with tags) come from? Is there a grey market here in stolen or otherwise acquired new goods.
I’m not sure that resale necessarily equates to second hand and therefore question how this works within the circular economy.