8 Great Places To Shop If You're Trying To Quit Fast Fashion
The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a key reason for so many of the decisions we’re making of late, but reviewing our outlook on fashion isn’t the worst impact the past 18 months have had on us.
As we ran out of things to do and grew tired of constantly being glued to our phones as nationwide lockdowns kicked in, a lot of us turned to our homes, determined to clear out and organise all aspects of the four walls that we were stuck inside for the foreseeable future. For many, our overspilling wardrobes became a target, and as we looked through our clothes rails, it became clear that perhaps it could do with a change-up.
As a generation, we’re committed to fighting climate change and doing what we can to help the environment, but even the keen recyclers and plastic-free folks amongst us can easily forget that what we wear and where we get it from can make an impact too. The damage that fast fashion has on the planet is something we can’t ignore any longer, and giving up fast fashion is a goal for many of us. But quitting fast fashion brands doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to suffer and you can never shop again – far from it. Fear not, as we bring you eight places you can get your shop on that doesn’t involve buying from fast fashion brands.
1. eBay
The OG online shopping destination. It’s long been a go-to for all things pre-loved across a multitude of sectors, and it’s fair to say that each of us have either bid, bought, or sold something via eBay. With the help of the site filters and nifty use of the search bar, you can sift through the options that are no good to you, and look specifically for the brands, styles and sizes that you’re after. With bidding and Buy It Now options available across the platform, you can nab some real steals on there. Who doesn’t love a little bidding war over a cute pair of jeans?
2. Re-selling apps
What happens if, hypothetically speaking, eBay and Instagram have a baby? They birth the likes of Depop, Vinted, Shpock and Poshmark, obviously! Search, shop and share finds from the depths of others wardrobes, with offerings to suit all budgets.
3. Social media
Don’t sleep on social media platforms, because we promise there are some gems to be found on there! Facebook Marketplace allows users to find things for sale in their local area, including fashion items, and there are thousands of Facebook groups and pages specifically for selling within communities. Instagram is also a favourite where you can often find accounts dedicated to selling clothing and other items from the likes of influencers and celebrities. Not necessarily always as easy to find as the likes of re-selling apps and eBay, but if you know where to look, you could be in for a bargain.
4. Sustainable and slow fashion brands
Quitting fast fashion doesn’t mean never buying from brands ever again – in fact, you’ll find that it opens you up to a tonne of different brands that you’ve never branched out to before, for many of us simply because you haven’t had to. There are some brilliant sustainable and/or slow fashion brands, all varying in size, who produce quality garments without hurting the planet. If you’re looking to be more environmentally friendly, be sure to do your research before you shop from brands; the more transparent they are about their processes, the better. Some of our faves are Loud Bodies and Donald Stanley.
5. Vintage stores
A trip to a vintage store can be a great experience. Depending on how serious you are, you might float through rails of used and reclaimed clothes for hours and see what you can find, or you might treat it more like an extreme sport in a bid to find the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Vintage shopping can be a lot of fun, but it can be a difficult option if you’re plus size. The majority of vintage pieces are perfect for those on the smaller end of the sizing spectrum, which means that a lot of people miss out on this as a solid shopping option. That being said, sometimes you can get lucky and find something in a larger size!
6. Charity shops
Charity shops are another great alternative to find clothing and accessories, plus not only are you helping the environment, but you’re helping an important cause, too. You can find all kinds of brands and styles in a charity shop, and if you know the right places to look, there are many hidden high-end designer finds waiting to be snatched up for a fraction of the price. Similar to vintage stores, though, sizing can be a problem, but you can find some cute bits in there regardless.
7. Haberdashery
Okay technically you don’t buy clothes at a haberdashery, but you can buy recycled fabrics and off-cuts that – if you’re skilled enough – can be turned into the [insert clothing item] of your dreams.
8. Your own wardrobe
If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a change, and your wardrobe is the first step. Take a look at the pieces you’ve thrown to the side of haven’t even give a chance to, and ask why. Is it fit? Colour? Style? Think about what it would take for you to wear the items and remind yourself of why you bought it in the first place. Would that jacket be more ‘you’ with new buttons? Would you wear that skirt more if you let it out a bit? Would you wear that perfectly-fitting tee more if you dyed the fabric? Sometimes breathing some new life into your old clothes is all you need.
Happy shopping!
Image credit: Fernand De Canne
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