Fashion

Tuesday, 18 November, 2014 - 09:05

Second-hand fashion in Britain

by EllieC

Buying clothes second-hand comes with lots of benefits, but also some downsides. However, among the student population of Britain, it is one of the most popular ways of staying stylish. This is partly due to the huge discounts that can be had, but also because vintage and retro clothes can provide a more ‘genuine’ version of current trends that are inspired by the past. What’s more, buying clothes second-hand is an environmentally friendly, sustainable way of staying fashionable.
In Britain, there are lots of ways of getting hold of second-hand fashion, with the result being first-class style.

Charity shops
These are shops which are run by a certain charity (Oxfam has over 700 shops, Cancer Research has 567). People donate clothes (among other things) to the shop, which are then sold at low prices, and the proceeds go to the charity. 
Positives: Very cheap clothing (for example, a top would normally cost between £2-£6), and you can shop with a clean conscience, knowing that your money will be going to charity! 
Negatives: You can spend a long time sifting through hoards of clothes that you have no interest in, and come away with nothing, but then again, that’s arguably the same for shopping in any kind of shop.

Vintage/Retro shops
Technically, ‘vintage’ refers to clothing that comes from the 1940s-60s, and ‘retro’ means from the 1960s-80s, however most vintage or retro shops sell clothes from many different eras. They are different from charity shops in that the clothes will generally be more expensive than a charity shop, sometimes only a little more, sometimes a great deal more, and the money goes to the shop owners, rather than a charity.
Positives: Prices are still generally cheaper than in high-street shops (though this is not the case if the shop sells vintage designer clothing). Also, vintage shops are stocked full of quirky, original versions of trends that are currently in fashion, so you can follow trends but still look different. As well as that, they also stock second-hand clothing that is not currently on trend, so you don’t have to dress like everyone else!
Negatives: Can be very expensive! Also, not all towns have vintage shops, whereas there are charity shops everywhere.

Car boot sales
These are my favourite method of getting hold of second-hand clothes, because there is a whole ritual that comes with car boot sales: they normally take place on a Saturday or Sunday morning in a large car park somewhere, and you have to get there early (normally from 7 a.m.) to get the best bargains. I get a weird kind of excitement from setting my alarm clock for 6 a.m. the night before a car boot sale, and when I come away from them at 10 a.m. with armfuls of goodies, I still have the whole day ahead of me! Also, they sell much more than just clothes (e.g. furniture, household goods, books) – the first time I went to a car boot sale, I returned with an antique trunk that I’ve taken to university with me.
Positives: Prices are probably the cheapest out of the three (e.g. a top for 50p), as the sellers want to get rid of what they’re selling, so are open to a bit of haggling. Also, the fact that they’re outdoors is quite good fun (unless it’s raining …)
Negatives: The location means that there is no opportunity to try on clothes before you buy them, which has meant that I’ve purchased items that I’ve never used since.

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Discussion

Do you ever buy second-hand clothes? 

Submitted by ThanhBong on Fri, 07/10/2020 - 14:43

No, I don't. I buy new clothes from fashion shops, market near my house

Submitted by MinhTan on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 07:34

I have bought second-hand clothes. Many second hand stores are near my house. I bought some jeans and T-shirts.The price is cheaper than in the supermarket and I save a lot of money.

Submitted by kimphung6569 on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 14:03

I have bought second-hand clothes, it's probably even prettier than the arrivals in a shopping mall. I enjoy everytime when I choose clothes such as T-shirt in a secondhand store, this save my money and I have no hesitation to buy new clothes for myself cause of their price.
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Submitted by linhdan83 on Wed, 06/24/2020 - 15:31

I love second-hand clothes. Although it maybe a little hard to find the right thing, it worths the price. You can find lots of great quality products for an unbelievably cheap price. I recommend you should try second-hand clothes.
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Submitted by Yennhi on Sun, 06/21/2020 - 03:58

Well, of course. I have some second-hand clothes. Maybe many people think it is not a good idea to buy clothes that have been used, but I dont think so. On the other hand, second-hand clothes are sold with a low price and esp, it is suitable for students who dont have enough money. That is not important what you wear.

Submitted by thuchien on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 01:05

I haven't bought second hand clothes. However, I don't think this is bad. Buying second hand clothes definitely helps you save money, and it also reduces environmental impact

Submitted by thaoyen258 on Tue, 06/16/2020 - 03:56

yes, I often buy some second-hand clothes. Some people think that buying clothes that have been used is not a good idea but I don't think so. You can find lots of quality goods throughout the second-hand shop with a low price and it's also suitable for student who don't have enough money.
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Submitted by empty on Sat, 08/10/2019 - 06:26

I don't ever buy second-hand clothes , But I'm not against it , either . there is nothing wrong with that kind of shopping and we shouldn't be embarrassed to do it . : )
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