Deals on new clothes are everywhere you look. However, while the latest trendy blouse may have only cost you $10, there are many hidden costs to fast fashion. Thank fast fashion, the ever growing trend to bring more styles to clothing retailers more frequently.
For decades the fashion industry had four seasons a year for unveiling designer’s new styles; now, it can be as often as 15 or more. The clothes that are then mass-produced become more affordable, attracting consumers to buy more. With styles turning over so quickly, clothing is being produced with low-quality inexpensive textiles. It isn’t made to last, and it doesn’t need to, because retailers want you to come back for more.
Which leads to waste – about 15.1 million tons of it in 2013 according to the EPA. There are plenty of markets for discarded textiles, including resale, global markets and recycling. But concerns are rising that the availability of these markets is getting tighter as the rate of disposal increases.
So why buy used?
While some reuse clothing retailers might not have the polished, hip interior experience of stores like Zara, Gap, J Crew and Banana Republic, they have the same clothes, it’s just not necessarily new or the style of this week. And you don’t need to search for the sale rack, it’s all priced to sell. Even better when you stop in on a sale day – every holiday is 50% off at Savers, and many reuse retailers use color-coded tags to indicate further sales when clothing has been on the floor too long.
You may even find you save time shopping used. While at first glance it may look overwhelming – racks and racks of clothing – you’ll find all the brands at one location, limiting the time you spend at multiple retailers. And once you find your size, it’s pretty easy. In less than an hour or so, you can have several new outfits of all the popular brands at a fraction of the price.
Just as in new retail, there are many options in reuse retail to meet your style. Smaller boutique retailers, such as Nu Look Consignment in Minneapolis, offer high-end and couture brands. The Repair Lair, also in Minneapolis, specializes in outdoor clothes and gear. For those that like the thrill of the search, the Goodwill bins put out unorganized clothes in bins that is sold by the pound.
And don’t forget about the kids. Many reuse retailers carry kids clothes, including Once Upon a Child, Arc Value Village, Goodwill, and Savers. Garage sales are also a great option for finding children’s clothing at incredible prices. Often, used kids clothing has been barely worn.
Used clothing can also be found online. EBay, ThredUP, the Real Real, Swap.com, Twice, and many others offer convenient online options for buying and selling used clothing. Local online Facebook buy, sell, and trade groups and Nextdoor can also be good options for buying used clothing close to home.
The bonus to finding great style (used) at a great price? You helped divert a growing waste stream. Don’t forget to donate or sell it back when you clean out your closet.
