Is It Okay to Thrift Fast Fashion?

If fast fashion and secondhand clothing were in a relationship, their status would be "it's complicated." This nuanced connection has many layers to unpack. We know that shopping secondhand is better for our wallets and the planet, but does the same logic apply to buying secondhand fast fashion clothes?

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Does this practice benefit the fast fashion industry, the secondhand clothing industry, or both? Or does it create challenges for both sectors? 

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Fast Fashion’s Impact on the Planet

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Fast fashion brands treat clothing like it’s disposable. They leverage social media to create microtrends, pressuring us to constantly update our wardrobes. As a result, we're shopping for and discarding more clothes than ever before.

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An alternative is to donate these clothes to thrift stores, giving them a second life. This approach keeps them out of landfills longer and reduces demand for new clothes. The same principle applies to buying secondhand fast fashion. 

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Buying pre-owned fast fashion doesn't directly support the fast fashion industry. In fact, if you buy more secondhand clothes — without increasing your overall clothing purchases — it will decrease the demand for new clothes.

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Buying secondhand fast fashion can be a great way to affordably experiment with clothing styles. But it's important to set limits. The ability to purchase pre-owned fast fashion shouldn't become an excuse to consume more and fill your closet with cheap clothes. After all, the most sustainable action you can take is to consume less overall.

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Also read: Sustainability Starts with Buying Less

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The Challenges of Secondhand Fast Fashion

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While buying secondhand fast fashion is a more sustainable choice than buying it new, certain aspects of fast fashion persist even in pre-owned items. Most fast fashion clothes are made of synthetic materials like polyester, which shed microplastics with every wash.

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Plus, these clothes are often made of cheap materials, so they disintegrate more quickly, becoming unwearable. This means you'll likely discard them sooner, and maybe even need to take another trip to the store.

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Before purchasing secondhand fast fashion, consider: Will you wear it frequently? Is it durable enough to withstand multiple washes? Examine the fabric composition and prioritize items with a higher percentage of natural fibers.

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If you’re posting about your secondhand fast fashion find online, shout out the resale platform or thrift store instead of promoting the fast fashion brand. This approach can help others discover secondhand shopping options, potentially reducing demand for new clothing.

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