It's often claimed that second-hand is the most sustainable alternative when buying clothes. The focus is on saving resources, and second-hand is enjoying increasing popularity. On second-hand platforms like Vinted (formerly Kleiderkreisel), Sellpy, and classifieds, as well as offline at clothing swap parties, flea markets, and second-hand shops, the market is booming, and selling clothes has never been easier. Earn money quickly by simply selling used clothing with your smartphone. Some even offer a so-called concierge service to convert clothing into cash with little effort. But where do the clothes and bargains on offer come from? And how sustainable is second-hand really?
Selling second-hand clothes – problem or solution?
Selling used clothing and giving it a new purpose sounds incredibly sustainable at first. And no one would deny that buying secondhand saves resources, as the clothes are already in the cycle. But not all secondhand is created equal. Even when buying used clothing, certain points must be considered to prevent the fundamentally sustainable idea from becoming greenwashing. Sound complicated? That's why we've examined the most important points for you:
Everything is full of offers - but where does the clothing come from?
If you look around on relevant platforms, flea market apps, and websites like Vinted, the range of used clothing is overwhelming. From expensive brands to handmade items to no-name garments – everyone can find something here, sometimes for very little money. Some items are offered brand new. The majority of these clothes aren't ethically produced, but are, above all, one thing: mass-produced. Fast fashion, which is seeking a new home on online marketplaces, because sellers' closets, even with stuffing and squeezing, no longer have room for the coming season and the new range. As a result, used clothing has also become a mass product and a justification for consumerism – because unwanted used clothing can easily be offered for sale with a click of a smartphone.
What role does the material play?
Do you pay attention to the materials of the clothing you buy secondhand? Let's be honest, the majority of goods come directly from the fast fashion industry, and the most commonly used material there is polyester – in other words, plastic. Accordingly, the number of polyester-heavy clothing items is high if you look at the popular portals. But what is the underlying problem? When washing clothing containing polyester, tiny fibers are released: so-called microplastics. These microplastics end up in rivers via wastewater and ultimately in the ocean, where they contribute significantly to environmental pollution. That's why at Cosy Roots, we make it a priority to ensure that our clothing is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton . Because our environment is important to us. You can also easily buy materials like hemp or linen secondhand without placing unnecessary strain on the environment.
The secondhand scam
Another important point that shouldn't be overlooked is the origin of the clothing. The market is oversaturated with used clothing. And it doesn't matter whether you look at online portals or stroll through secondhand shops in the city center – they all have more clothing than there are buyers and uses. But where do these masses of clothing come from? Here, it's important to distinguish whether the sellers are commercial or private.
When dealing with a private seller, you should pay attention to how much of the clothing is being passed off as new and then listed on a platform like Vinted. Fraudsters often use sales from manufacturers to buy clothes cheaply and then offer them at the original price in online shops, or they use portals for sales. Obtaining information about the origin of clothing in secondhand shops, such as those found in city centers, can prove quite difficult. In this case, it's advisable to buy clothes from a seller who is transparent about their origins.
How can secondhand change the market?
This is surely a question you've asked yourself before: Can I change the market if I only have secondhand clothes in my closet? Unfortunately, the answer isn't as simple as you might have hoped. Buying used clothes certainly makes a big difference when we look at the bigger picture. But if your closet is filled primarily with like-new clothes from popular fast-fashion brands, this actually contributes to more and more products being produced in the very system you're trying to avoid. So it's not just important that you make secondhand your first choice, but also which brands you buy and which materials you prefer.
The quantity makes the difference
The amount of clothing you consume also makes a difference. While buying used clothes saves a lot of resources, you'll probably save the most by cutting back and reducing your consumption. One option, for example, might be to convert your closet into a capsule wardrobe. Less is more. Pay attention to high-quality products and well-made materials. This way, you'll enjoy your clothes for a long time and can resell them more easily. A few timeless basic items that can be easily combined are a good way to break away from mass consumption.
Buy wisely - our tips for you
Despite all the problems that buying secondhand can cause, it remains one thing: the most sustainable option. It's important not to rush into buying used clothing, but to consider a few key points. With our tips, you won't lose track in the jungle of classified ads:
- Shop consciously : Buy only what you really need and clothes that you may have wanted for a long time, instead of rushing into cheap mass-produced items.
- Upcycling and vintage : Quality over quantity makes sense, even with used clothing. Good quality lasts, and clothing that stays in circulation longer saves valuable resources.
- The right size : Make sure you buy your actual size and don't hoard clothes that might not fit you one day. Also, consider whether you're stealing clothes in someone else's size by treating yourself to that oversized blouse.
- Selling clothes : Sustainability only becomes possible if you keep the cycle flowing. Sell your unwanted clothes and return them to the cycle.
Even with something as seemingly simple as selling clothes and shopping for used clothing, greenwashing can occur without malicious intent and with good conscience. But it's always more sustainable than new, either way. We hope our article has raised your awareness and given you some good tips to help you invest your money in the right place.
