My Experience with Second-Hand Shopping

Why do we shop second-hand?

This is a question that welcomes a plethora of unique answers. The world of sustainable shopping is exciting and rewarding and I’d like to introduce my personal journey through shopping second hand.

My earliest memories of vintage and second-hand apparel stem from visiting areas in London such as Camden and Shoreditch. Walking through these boroughs, known particularly for artistic expression and renowned fashion, I was fascinated by peoples' striking style and realised that their sense of fashion was heavily influenced through buying vintage and thrifted apparel. Venturing into ROKIT, I brought my first vintage item- a timeless denim jacket.

There is an essence of classicality through browsing second-hand. Items such as blazers, jeans and crewnecks have all remained staple pieces that can be styled in so many ways and passed down through generations. For example, the look of classic denim jeans paired with a simplistic white tee was popularised by many icons through fashion history, making it a fool proof comfy combo.

Vintage stores are perfect for browsing through durable and classic denim, over-sized leather jackets and even re-worked items with embroidery or patchworked details. My love for second-hand fashion has also come from owning hand-me-downs from my dad’s wardrobe, raiding through his collection of old sports tees and jackets from the 90’s. So why not plan to look through an elders wardrobe this week? You never know what you could find!

Another way I’ve found great second-hand items are through browsing through local charity shops and finding great quality items at an affordable price. Whilst funding a good cause, charity shops can be so versatile from finding things like accessories, to second-hand books.

Even when considering second-hand shopping, it is hard to ignore the expanding digital age within fashion. However, online marketplaces such as Vinted, Depop and ASOS Marketplace favour the buying and selling of second-hand items. These are great additions to shopping vintage and second hand and make the process more accessible.

This week I attended the VTG fair, a Nottingham based pop-up event, that allows individuals to sell their second-hand and vintage products. Hosted on campus, the pop-up was a perfect way to welcome returning second-hand shoppers as well as introducing people less familiar. I browsed rails showcasing 80’s and 90’s streetstyle apparel and loved viewing all the different sellers and how no two items were the same.

Overall, second-hand shopping is something I am passionate about through being conscious of sustainability and the environment, to enjoying the nature of finding unique pieces. Buying second-hand is a perfect way to be more environmentally friendly and expressive with personal style and is a concept everyone should explore!

- Ria