Second Hand September was begun in 2019 by Oxfam GB (Great Britain) in order to elevate the idea of shopping and donating second-hand clothing. Founded in 1942, Oxfam is a federation of 21 independent organizations dedicated to eliminating poverty worldwide.
Second Hand September promotes the idea of not only buying second-hand but also reusing, re-styling, and recycling in an effort to reduce waste and fight climate change.
As the world becomes more aware of climate change, one of the contributing factors is waste. Humans produce more waste than ever before. Much of that waste is in the form of fast fashion. Clothing that is cheap, produced in large quantities and made to be quickly disposable.
Non-profit organizations such as Fashion Revolution are working to increase awareness of this issue. As vintage sellers, we are all too aware of the high volume of easily disposed clothing. By raising awareness of this issue by shopping for second-hand goods and clothing we can slow the destruction of our planet and climate change.
The idea of shopping second-hand seems to finally be catching on as some large clothing manufacturers have begun recycling textile products and even getting in on the second-hand market.
Vintage fashion is a booming business. Adding to the environmental benefit, lower cost, and ability to create a one-of-a-kind look, vintage clothing is often well-made and more durable than newer items. For young shoppers the appeal of wearing vintage fits both the individualist styling as well as the environmental aspect, while the lower price is a bonus.
So this September, take a cue from Oxfam GB and shop second-hand. We think you’ll find some fabulous finds. To read more from us about vintage fashion, click here. Don’t forget to check out our 10-part series Flashback to Women’s Fashion.
