This April, we're focusing on fair fashion. Sustainable fashion is an incredibly diverse and sometimes quite complex topic. Which brands produce under fair working conditions, and which labels can I trust? What exactly is greenwashing, and how can I spot it? Which materials are sustainable and environmentally friendly? We've already put together a short guide for you on this topic, introducing the most important fibers and discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages . You can find the article here .
On Instagram, we wanted to know what you're most interested in regarding fair trade clothing, and many of you asked where the best place to buy secondhand clothes is . Traditionally, flea markets or clothing swap parties are ideal for finding new-to-you treasures. However, since we have to switch to online alternatives due to the current situation, in this post we're introducing you to online shops for secondhand and vintage clothing.
Why secondhand at all?
Every day, vast quantities of clothing are produced worldwide. The estimated amount is approximately 53 million tons, equivalent to around 100 billion garments – and this figure is rising year after year. In Germany, consumers buy an average of around 60 new items of clothing annually, which corresponds to approximately 10 kilograms of new clothing . As a result, fashion is increasingly losing its value and becoming disposable. According to a Greenpeace study, one in five garments is hardly ever worn, and the used clothing market is booming like never before: In 2014, around 4.3 million tons of used clothing were traded. Our increasing consumerism is also taking its toll on the planet. The resource consumption, environmental impact, and social consequences of the fashion industry are immense. Pesticides used in cotton cultivation, chemicals in processing, and microplastics from synthetic fibers are polluting both nature and human health . The most sustainable garment is, and always will be, the one that has already been produced and is worn for as long as possible.
Online flea markets
Among the best-known and most popular online secondhand platforms are Vinted (formerly Kleiderkreisel), eBay Classifieds , and Mädchenflohmarkt . Just like offline flea markets, these platforms act as intermediaries between private buyers and sellers. Whether you're looking for an evening gown, summer shorts, sneakers, or backpacks, you can always find something suitable on Vinted and similar sites, and the personal contact allows you to inquire about garment measurements or see photos of the item being worn. Friendly communication is key and can help you negotiate a better price.
Other platforms:
Shops
More and more online shops are now reselling used clothing. Prices are fixed, and the garments are thoroughly inspected for any defects or minor cosmetic flaws. They offer a wide selection of brands and the security of buyer protection, unlike private sales on platforms like eBay Classifieds. One of the best-known secondhand online shops is Momoxfashion (formerly ubup), where you can find your new favorite item among thousands of pieces. Momoxfashion also buys clothing and gives it a second life through resale.
Other online shops:
Vintage
If you love classic pieces from bygone eras , vintage online shops are the perfect place for you. Treasures from the 60s, 70s, and 90s await you there, looking for a new home. Two of our favorite vintage shops are Jul's Vintage Shop and Heavin . At both, you'll find select finds that no one else is wearing! Heavin also offers accessories and lifestyle products such as furniture and decorative objects that will give your home a unique charm.
We especially love Oma Klara 's concept : Grandma's favorite items find a new owner through the vintage shop, giving them a second life. The senior women share in the sales proceeds, and an intergenerational exchange takes place that goes far beyond clothing.
Other vintage online shops (some also have physical stores):
designers
Designer fashion can also be bought secondhand! Whether Chanel, Prada, or Balenciaga , designer lovers will find plenty to enjoy in these online shops. The designer pieces are meticulously checked for authenticity, top quality, and current style , and the shops promise a unique selection. Accordingly, the prices are naturally considerably higher than in the other secondhand online shops mentioned in this article. Thanks to the online shops' buyer protection, you as the buyer are safeguarded, which, especially with higher prices, promises a safer shopping experience than with private sales.
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Do you prefer buying new clothes or have you fallen in love with a particular fair fashion piece? Then take a look at our online shop! We regularly collaborate with fair and sustainable fashion labels and offer their clothing at lower prices. Our B-grade items may have minor cosmetic flaws, such as a crooked seam, or they may be from an older collection and are no longer sold through regular channels – but you won't notice this when wearing them. We carry well-known fair fashion labels like erlich textil, MELAWEAR, and Dawn Denim . Click here to go to our Fair Fashion section.
Sources:
Recovery Worldwide: The Limits of Textile Recycling
Federal Environment Agency: Environmental tips for everyday life
Greenpeace: Disposable clothing
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