Vintage is in. Retro is in. Sustainable second-hand fashion is in. It’s the latest trend and it carries more benefits than looking cool and stylish in old school threads: it also reduces strain on the environment.
Each year, literal tons of clothing are taken to landfills, factories pollute the atmosphere and unscrupulous clothing producers take advantage of their workers. This has led to many more people shopping for second-hand clothing. HospiceWits has three shops to choose from to help you get your vintage style on. Here’s why more people are choosing pre-loved clothing items:
- Things come back into fashion
The best place to find the real deal when it comes to returning trends is a second-hand clothing outlet. Vintage and retro are back in a big way, with some seventies and eighties styles showing their faces again (thankfully, though, not neon pink socks!) Second-hand shops don’t just carry vintage clothing, but vintage accessories as well, from hand bags and ties to earrings and bracelets.
- Stylish gems that save you money
A vintage designer silk tie for just R30? A retro dress from the sixties in perfect condition at a low price? You never know what treasures you might find in a thrift shop. Thrift shoppers have the added benefit of possibly coming across a designer garment/ornament or antique that may just be the only one in the country.
The added bonus is that these stylish items are available at a fraction of the cost of a brand new piece of clothing or an accessory. Because second-hand fashion is priced so low, you can get more for your money.
- Find unique gifts.
If you have friends or family members who appreciate unique, quirky thrift store finds, the HospiceWits thrift shops are a wonderful place to search for that unique item of clothing, and other gifts.
- Shop with a clear conscience
You can shop for your clothing with peace of mind, knowing that you are doing your bit for the planet. Sustainable second-hand fashion places less strain on the manufacturing industry, as demands for “fast fashion” begin to decline, and by the same measure, lessening the impact on the environment. Textile waste is reduced and the clothing recycled – whether you wear the items as-is or modify them in some way to suit your personal style. You are also helping to save water used in manufacturing.
- Help your community
Many charity shops or thrift shops are associated with a specific cause. HospiceWits serves the Johannesburg and Soweto communities by caring for people who require palliative care. Each purchase made has a direct impact on the care received by those needing HospiceWits’ help. Second-hand clothing shopping definitely benefits your community in a direct way.
Sustainable second-hand clothing. It’s light on the pocket and it’s great for the environment. HospiceWits has three thrift shops located at Orange Grove, Parkmore and Kensington that carry a variety of styles and sizes in clothing. Get thrifting and get a chic look, save cash, help the planet and extend a helping hand to those in need.
