Last summer I decided to clean out my closet, donating over four bags to organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Why? Well, my choice came from my constant urge to buy new things, always trying to keep up with new trends. The overflowing amount of consumerism I was contributing to prompted a decision to declutter my closet. While I can admit that giving away some of my favorite hoodies and t-shirts that held memories put an ache in my soul, I knew that they deserved better than collecting dust on my shelves.
Following my closet cleanse, I became more interested in sustainable fashion and backtracked away from fast-fashion brands, such as the over-popular Shein. As I researched this topic, I learned that some of the most common places I shopped were too, involved in fast-fashion behavior. Stores like ZARA, Gap, and Urban Outfitters to name a few, are some of the most popular brands among teens my age. Shocked by this new revelation and the unethical practices they associated with, I decided to distance myself from making purchases at these stores. The attraction of trendy clothes at cheap prices blinded me from the reality of sweatshops and the harmful environments they were being produced.
Turning away from mainstream stores, I looked at alternative options for shopping. Entering the world of second-hand clothing apps such as Depop, Poshmark, and Vinted, within minutes of scrolling, I found dozens of items, all for lower costs and had a greater appeal. Soon enough, packages started arriving at my front doorstep. Although being used, the conditions of sweatshirts, crewnecks, and fleeces were close to perfect. Beyond the affordability, I liked the overall styles and designs more. After a couple of months of using these platforms, I started to prefer buying second-hand clothes over new ones.
My personal style consists of baggy outfits inspired by streetwear, with an emphasis on comfort. Buying second-hand has not only allowed me to find pieces better equipped for my aesthetic but also allowed me to express myself without costing an arm and a leg. From graphic hoodies to vintage sports jerseys, each item I have bought adds a special flair to my wardrobe. Embracing second-hand shopping has enabled me to create outfits that reflect the tomboy personality I have always had, while simultaneously keeping clothes from ending up at damaging landfills.
The decision I made last summer to refresh my wardrobe and the switch I made towards second-hand shopping has been a journey I can only wish everyone trails on to. What began as a simple decluttering task to complete, has turned into a needed realization of the impacts consumerism and fast fashion have on humanity and the environment. As I rejected mainstream stores and dived into the world of used clothing, not only have I discovered more affordable and fashionable pieces, but also incorporated a more sustainable approach to shopping. The change I have made in my life reminds me every day that fashion holds much more meaning than being ‘stylish’, rather it’s about the impact our approach to life has on the Earth we call home.
