Online platforms are giving secondhand fashion a modern twist, with livestream shopping, AI-powered search, and other digital tools making thrifting faster, more fun, and accessible.
While buying pre-owned clothing is generally more sustainable than purchasing new items, experts caution that it is not a free pass for overconsumption. Buying more than needed still drives textile waste, and online shopping adds emissions from packaging, delivery, and server energy.
Industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts offer tips for shopping secondhand responsibly while curating a wardrobe that is both stylish and long-lasting.
The boom of online resale
Platforms like eBay, ThredUp, The RealReal, and live-auction apps such as Whatnot have seen record growth this year. eBay reports that secondhand items now account for 40% of its fashion sales, with livestream runway events allowing shoppers to buy designer pieces in real time.
But experts warn that secondhand shopping can still fuel waste. “People who buy secondhand often purchase more clothes than others and discard them sooner,” said Meital Peleg Mizrachi, a Yale University researcher. Only about 20% of donated clothing gets resold in charity stores, with the rest downcycled, exported, or discarded.
Choosing quality
Sustainable shopping starts with selecting durable items. Look for natural fabrics like cotton, silk, or bamboo, lined garments, and strong stitching, experts say. Older items, especially those made before the mid-1990s, may offer better craftsmanship. Being specific in searches helps locate unique and high-quality pieces.
Caring for your wardrobe
Proper maintenance extends the life of secondhand clothing. Use garment bags, store in muslin bags with lavender to deter moths, spot-clean when possible, air-dry, and repair minor damages such as missing buttons to keep pieces in circulation.
Closing the loop
Sustainable secondhand shopping also involves responsible resale and donation. Give clothes to small community stores or shelters, and explore brand take-back programs. eBay, for example, partners with Marks & Spencer for in-store returns to resell online.
Ultimately, experts say the key to truly sustainable fashion is buying less and resisting fast-fashion trends. “We cannot purchase our way out of the climate crisis,” Mizrachi said. “Making overconsumption unprofitable is the only way to change the fashion industry.”
Source: AP