As autumn approaches, visiting second-hand shops might prove even more fruitful than ever. Filled with cosy, high-quality sweaters, cardigans and other warm clothing, it’s the perfect place to find your new, stylish and, most importantly, warm autumn look. Not to mention the benefits and satisfaction of shopping second-hand – you’ll support the circular economy and prevent more resources from being wasted on soulless fast fashion. Let’s delve into why second-hand shopping is perfect for this colourful, cosy, and delightful season.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
Not only is modern fast fashion often soulless, boring and repetitive, but it also does some considerable damage to the environment. The seemingly endless production of nearly identical clothing is responsible for emitting greenhouse gases, while cheap, synthetic fibres often contain plastic. It’s typically non-biodegradable, further impacting the environment after being thrown away. Some shops produce so many pieces of clothing that they’re directly causing landfill overflow – it’s estimated that nearly 92 million tonnes of discarded clothing end up in landfills every year out of 100 billion tonnes produced. That’s why the circular economy is a great way to reuse clothing – second-hand shops house many excellent quality clothing that still have lots of years in them.
Why Autumn is Perfect for Second-Hand Fashion
Autumn can be considered a transitional season. In the beginning, the mornings are quite cold, yet the days progress to be considerably warmer, which might cause some confusion about how to dress. As the season progresses, however, the temperature drops – that’s when layering comes into play. Upon visiting a second-hand shop, whether physically or online, you’ll be undoubtedly met with an array of autumn clothing assortment: turtlenecks, sweaters, cardigans, and many more pieces to make you feel comfortable and cosy during the gradually growing cold. For example, if you’re a fan of the alternative style, you can layer a T-shirt with a print or a band logo over a turtleneck, while a cardigan over one will make a cute, cottage-core ensemble.
Benefits of Second-Hand Shopping for Autumn Fashion
Shopping for autumn fashion in second-hand shops has many benefits – one of the most obvious ones is affordability. Often, in fast-fashion and haute couture alike, a huge part of the sum consists merely of the brand name – that doesn’t seem fair, does it? Shopping second-hand, you can not only not support some questionable brands directly but also get an objectively lovely piece of clothing for a reasonable price. That may come in especially handy when getting an entirely new autumn wardrobe – you’ll need several pieces to create that chic autumn ensemble. Moreover, you’ll often find real gems in the most unexpected corners of a second-hand store – that’ll help update your wardrobe and provide a unique touch to your look, not to mention the durability of older garments, which fast fashion often lacks today.
Eco-Friendly Shopping Tips for Autumn Second-Hand Fashion
Visiting a second-hand shop, whether physical or online, might prove overwhelming since they can often boast a wide assortment of vintage clothes. To avoid this confusion, know what to look for beforehand – the most optimal pieces of clothing for autumn are made of wool, denim, or leather. Some sturdy boots and belts might also come in handy since they’d be a perfect way to complete specific ensembles. As mentioned before, second-hand clothing is often affordable, but that doesn’t mean you should buy them in bulk. Before getting a particular piece, consider whether you’d buy it for a full price – that way, you’ll know if you truly like it. Don’t forget that delicate fabrics, such as wool or suede, will require special, gentle care – it’s always best to prefer hand-washing over washing machine, and if the piece is really fragile, consider going to the professionals.
