Fashion buying is estimated to comprise 10% of total global carbon emissions, and I’m guilty of participating as much as anyone. So I set myself a challenge last year: a whole 12 months without buying new clothes , with – full disclosure – a couple of minor exceptions: underwear, swimwear and shoes (of which I bought two very necessary pairs). Secondhand would be allowed.
Once I’d declared to family and friends, with a smug air of eco-consciousness, of my plans, of course there was no backing out. Here’s what my year of vintage shopping and avoiding the high street taught me. I bought less secondhand than I thought Initially I thought I might replace buying new with simply buying the same amount from online marketplaces like Vinted.
Sure, I picked up a couple of charity shop jumpers in my first month (only one of which I regularly wear) but I soon became pickier. In all honesty, buying secondhand didn’t give me that same rush as buying new – perhaps it was the allure of strolling through a perfectly organised store where clothes are beautifully presented. The novelty of newness, of course, depletes after the first wear though – still, it’s addictive.
In reality I only bought a handful of secondhand clothes in 12 months; I found a lacy Reiss top for £17 from a Shelter charity shop and a retro bomber jacket in a small men’s size from London secondhand chain Traid, which I love. The most expensive item was a cropped Sandro jacket in navy (£88 from Good, an .