As far back as I can recall, secondhand items have always been a part of my wardrobe. I can recall going to consignment shops with my mum and peering into the glass case to see if I recognized any of the designers. It was thrilling to find one-of-a-kind pieces of years past.
As I got older and dabbled with fashion design at the Columbia College High School Summer Institute, I would often experiment with vintage garments. I still have a Diamondbacks dress that I made from vintage t-shirts, sourced from a thrift store outside of Chicago. The EPA states that in 2018, over 85% of textiles were either landfilled or burned—roughly 13 million tons.
Mindfulness regarding my own shopping habits has quickly become a priority. I consciously consider shopping for gently loved options over brand new items. Secondhand pieces often have a story. Fast fashion is something that I no longer rush to consume, considering the shortened life cycle of the garment and mass production. I understand how my fashion choices have a longstanding effect on the environment.
According to resale giant THRED UP’s 2020 resale report, the “secondhand market (is) set to hit $64B in the next 5 years”. In January of 2015, I decided to share my affinity for sustainable fashion by selling items from my personal closet on the Poshmark app. To date, I have sold over 740 items to people across the country. I no longer simply throw items in the trash but look to repair, resell or donate.
While consumers show no signs of slowing down regarding their fashion consumption, I am encouraged by data that supports the rise of the secondhand market.
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