I did this for a year, several years ago and it totally changed the way i shop for clothes. Now i do buy new clothes occassionally, normally when i cant find what i need secondhand, but i would say at least 80% of my clothes are secondhand. Also regarding children, when we were kids clothes were passed from cousin to cousin until they were worn and somehow we survived.
I love hearing about other people who have done it too or are embarking on a year, or just living with this norm! And yes, we did a lot of passing from cousin to cousin. My sister and I do it now with our kids - some things have been worn by most of the 7 kids!
Fab video, as always! I love what you said about style vs fashion, and I think one of the great things about buying from charity shops is you have this melting pot of styles and stores and eras, that means you really do have to decide how you want to curate that for yourself or it can get really overwhelming! But also that we then have the opportunity to play with our style and have fun with it, rather than sticking to the “look” of one particular fashion brand ❤
Thanks Alissa! It’s such a journey isn’t it the process of going second hand?! Way more than just the practically challenging journey I thought - it hasn’t ended up being practically hard but challenging in other ways.
Thank you! I think it’s a big piece that needs to be a more common conversation - there’s a lot of talk about the affordability of ethical, sustainable fashion, and a lot of people thinking they need to buy fast fashion because it’s all the can afford. That’s a complex one on a few levels but buying second hand removes the price issues for a LOT people while also being more sustainable!
Im very much a 'buy second hand'. Charity shops, vinted and bootsales. I need to sustainable for my own peace of mind and from a cost perspective. I also think it makes you more mindful of what you need as you have to search more specifically for a particular thing.
You’ve really inspired me to shop 2nd hand as much as possible. Always loved a charity shop but now I’m obsessed. This will be the first year I won’t be looking round the sales for a bargain x
I thrift as much as possible. Kids clothes, dishes, yard items etc. I usually pay pennies on the dollar. I bought 2 vintage coats for myself for 10 dollars total. They looked like they had never been worn.
How rediculous that kids need to have a totally new outfit for an exam. I hope your questions made them think a bit, and that they change. And as for making you pay for something you didn't order - that's disgraceful! They dont know how much disposeable money peope have! I've shopped second hand for years and nobody even notices! I only get something new if I absolutely cant find what I need second hans (which hardly ever happens). With the underwear thing, I think most people think that 'second hand' means 'pre worn' and dont stop to cosider that people give away unworn clothes
What a great video! My sons play rugby (6&4yo), and their club does a “hire the kit” where you pay a small amount, and get a top until they grow out of it. We then give it back and exchange it for a larger one. If we lose it/wreck it we have to pay to replace it. This could potentially be an option for your son’s football team?
Love that system! Yes, I wish we didn’t have names on them - that would be a starting point. But that’s a great idea to suggest. I remember in the younger class I think we did do hand me down kits, we just need it to continue!
We did something like this when I was a Brownie, back then it was a Brownie dress, mine was fourth hand as my three cousins had it before me. When I grew out of it my Brownie pack swapped it for a larger one and gave mine to a younger girl, it was usual to do this. The worst bit was my Mum had to unpick all of my badges and sew them on the new uniform and I had a lot, I might have been a bit obsessed with earning them!
I don't buy new clothes for 4 years and love Secondhand. I know your mindset and I had the same anxiety buying something new for my son to sociable fit in... I've learned to let this anxieties go, to be not so strict and hash to me. If it is just this now and then new, it is okay to me. I completely understand you and I also tried to get into ppl and explain why I do this, who eyerolled at me and my mindset... Sorry, for anything wrong spelled - I am not a native speaker 😂.
The fitting in part is such a big one, but I’m with you on just moving past it. And I don’t mind spelling mistakes at all! I love that you’ve made it 4 years - do you mostly use charity shops?
I did this for a year, several years ago and it totally changed the way i shop for clothes. Now i do buy new clothes occassionally, normally when i cant find what i need secondhand, but i would say at least 80% of my clothes are secondhand. Also regarding children, when we were kids clothes were passed from cousin to cousin until they were worn and somehow we survived.
I love hearing about other people who have done it too or are embarking on a year, or just living with this norm! And yes, we did a lot of passing from cousin to cousin. My sister and I do it now with our kids - some things have been worn by most of the 7 kids!
Fab video, as always! I love what you said about style vs fashion, and I think one of the great things about buying from charity shops is you have this melting pot of styles and stores and eras, that means you really do have to decide how you want to curate that for yourself or it can get really overwhelming! But also that we then have the opportunity to play with our style and have fun with it, rather than sticking to the “look” of one particular fashion brand ❤
Thanks Alissa! It’s such a journey isn’t it the process of going second hand?! Way more than just the practically challenging journey I thought - it hasn’t ended up being practically hard but challenging in other ways.
Oooh so glad i found your channel! Yes to charity shops! Love them 😊 2025 i want to try a no buy year for clothes..i have enough so wish me luck x
I so so appreciate your channel and all the questions you raise. Thank you. Xx
I'm so glad to hear that, it's why I'm here - thanks for commenting!
I absolutely love your videos.
Thank you! ❤️
Wow. What a grown up, thought through perspective. I think this is exactly what I was missing within sustainable fashion talk.
Thank you! I think it’s a big piece that needs to be a more common conversation - there’s a lot of talk about the affordability of ethical, sustainable fashion, and a lot of people thinking they need to buy fast fashion because it’s all the can afford. That’s a complex one on a few levels but buying second hand removes the price issues for a LOT people while also being more sustainable!
Im very much a 'buy second hand'.
Charity shops, vinted and bootsales.
I need to sustainable for my own peace of mind and from a cost perspective.
I also think it makes you more mindful of what you need as you have to search more specifically for a particular thing.
You’ve really inspired me to shop 2nd hand as much as possible. Always loved a charity shop but now I’m obsessed. This will be the first year I won’t be looking round the sales for a bargain x
I love hearing that so much!!! YES on not even looking at those sales bargains!
I thrift as much as possible. Kids clothes, dishes, yard items etc. I usually pay pennies on the dollar. I bought 2 vintage coats for myself for 10 dollars total. They looked like they had never been worn.
$10 is amazing! The last one I got was £4 / $6 ish and I’ve already worn it more than most garments ever get worn I adore it!
How rediculous that kids need to have a totally new outfit for an exam. I hope your questions made them think a bit, and that they change. And as for making you pay for something you didn't order - that's disgraceful! They dont know how much disposeable money peope have! I've shopped second hand for years and nobody even notices! I only get something new if I absolutely cant find what I need second hans (which hardly ever happens). With the underwear thing, I think most people think that 'second hand' means 'pre worn' and dont stop to cosider that people give away unworn clothes
What a great video!
My sons play rugby (6&4yo), and their club does a “hire the kit” where you pay a small amount, and get a top until they grow out of it. We then give it back and exchange it for a larger one. If we lose it/wreck it we have to pay to replace it. This could potentially be an option for your son’s football team?
Love that system! Yes, I wish we didn’t have names on them - that would be a starting point. But that’s a great idea to suggest. I remember in the younger class I think we did do hand me down kits, we just need it to continue!
We did something like this when I was a Brownie, back then it was a Brownie dress, mine was fourth hand as my three cousins had it before me. When I grew out of it my Brownie pack swapped it for a larger one and gave mine to a younger girl, it was usual to do this. The worst bit was my Mum had to unpick all of my badges and sew them on the new uniform and I had a lot, I might have been a bit obsessed with earning them!
Many Cub Scout units have a "uniform bank" where they essentially do the same thing
@ I love that!
My goal for 2025 is to only buy clothing second hand! Started this month and it feels so much better not to keep buying fast fashion.
I LOVE hearing about the people who are doing this! I’m excited for you - it’s been SO fun for us!
I don't buy new clothes for 4 years and love Secondhand. I know your mindset and I had the same anxiety buying something new for my son to sociable fit in... I've learned to let this anxieties go, to be not so strict and hash to me. If it is just this now and then new, it is okay to me. I completely understand you and I also tried to get into ppl and explain why I do this, who eyerolled at me and my mindset...
Sorry, for anything wrong spelled - I am not a native speaker 😂.
The fitting in part is such a big one, but I’m with you on just moving past it. And I don’t mind spelling mistakes at all! I love that you’ve made it 4 years - do you mostly use charity shops?
I love your videos and first found you when you were making dresses for the wedding. You have inspired me to do a No New Clothing for a Year Challenge
Hi! Yes that dress was totally part of this challenge! I LOVE that you’re doing no new clothing for a year 👏 so fun!