10 Reasons to Choose Pre-Loved

It can be tempting to spend a fortune on the latest trends in fashion with fast-fashion companies churning out new looks monthly, or more.  In the past 15 years however, clothing production has doubled, but clothing use has declined by almost 40%. This has a crazy impact on the environment, and as a result brands such as Patagonia and Eileen Fisher are pioneering selling “worn wear” alongside their new offerings.

Brands are late to the game. We have been shopping in resale stores and buying gently used products online for years. In case you still need convincing, here are 10 reasons to choose pre-loved clothing this season.

1. It puts money in your pocket.

Used products are sold at a steep discount from retail prices. This means you can get more items, or higher quality items, without breaking the bank account.

2. You contribute to the local economy

While fast fashion is produced by multi-national companies, our local pre-loved providers are living and breathing in our communities. Supporting these initiatives supports other fashion-lovers like us. Nextdoor Closet is a great example of community focused marketplaces.

3. You reduce apparel’s water footprint

Making new clothing takes a lot of fresh water – a LOT. It takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce a cotton t-shirt. That is about the same amount of water you need to drink yourself, over 2.5 years. By buying pre-loved, you generate real water savings.

4. You reduce global carbon emissions

Materials like nylon and polyester are petroleum-based, and the production process is very energy-intensive. Globally, polyester production released about 1.5 trillion pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in 2015. Choosing a used garment means saving the production of a new one.

5. Items gets a second life

By purchasing something used, you are giving it a second life with you! This also keeps it out of the landfill, where 17 million tons of textile waste ends up in the USA each year.

6. You get to exercise creativity

Pre-loved items are unique, and you never know exactly what you are going to find. You can look for one-of-a-kind items and customize pieces to match your style. Let the creativity flow!

7. You get quality over quantity

It’s not often that fast fashion products end up in the pre-loved section. In order to meet requirements for a second life, the item needs to be high quality. You’re getting a much better bang for your buck, buying a piece that will look and feel beautiful for longer.

8. You can grab that designer label

Since pre-loved items are typically high quality and the retail price is drastically reduced, it opens to door to shopping designer labels.

9. It’s a fun adventure, in-store or virtual!

Since the pre-loved options are unique, it is a great experience to go treasure-hunting alone or with friends. With great sharing features, it is easy to shop online and share with friends as a safe activity!

10. You are participating in the circular economy

When you give pre-loved items a second life, you are participating in the circular economy. It seeks to re-think the impact we want to have on the world, and re-design the way our economy works, for a more equitable and sustainable future!

‍