I recently decided to make an effort to buy my clothes used instead of new. While I’ve always been a big fan of consignment stores, I’d never made a huge effort to buy most of my clothes used. I probably won’t ever be able to get an entire wardrobe used, but I’m on my way to having about 75% of my closet full of previously worn clothes. Here are my favorite 5 reasons to buy used clothing.
1. It’s environmentally friendly. Did you know it takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make one pair of jeans? Indigo dye for jeans is a pollutant that has ruined several water sources in Bangladesh. I’m not about to boycott jeans for these reasons. Instead, I can buy them used and feel a little less guilty about my environmental footprint. Used clothing also keeps perfectly good items from ending up in a landfill. I don’t know about you, but I’d like to keep our Earth from filling up with trash.
2. It’s (sometimes) cheaper. I say sometimes because high end consignment stores will run you a pretty penny if you have expensive taste like me. You’ll definitely spend less money at Old Navy than at a fancy resale boutique. However, I like buying Lululemon, Diane von Furstenburg, and Lilly Pulitzer at a fraction of the retail price.
3. Hunting for a unique find is fun. You never know what you are going to get when you go consignment shopping. That’s part of the fun!
4. You aren’t stuck with a certain size. Have you ever tried on clothes in your favorite store only to find that your tried and true size no longer fits? You don’t know if you’ve gained weight or if the stores changed their sizes. Either way, you feel bad for a few days because shopping isn’t fail proof anymore. With consignment stores you never know what size is going to work for you. This is fun for me because I end up trying on all the different sizes. I feel like it gives me way more options.
5. Speaking of options, that is exactly what you get when you shop at a consignment store. You aren’t stuck with a certain type of clothing. My favorite stores have beach cover ups, workout clothes, couture dresses, and plain old jeans and t-shirts. Instead of going to multiple stores, I only have to go to one in order to freshen up my wardrobe.
Here is a photo from my latest shopping trip. I was able to get everything pictured here for $124.75.
This Lululemon outfit brand new would have cost about the same amount as all of these clothes used.
One of my besties, Irene, helped me pick out all of these outfits. She put together a blog post about the shorts outfits. She is awesome at dressing people, so awesome that I wish she would quit her job as a public defender and become a personal shopper.
I hope to blog more about my adventures in consignment shopping. I also love to buy my kids’ clothing used. It’s sooooo much cheaper than buying new. My only issue is that toddler shoes are out as far as buying used. I’m still bummed about that! Turns out little kids really wear out their shoes.
What are your favorite tips for consignment shopping?
Great deals! I sell clothes to consignment shops a lot but last week was the first time I actually started buying there. I really should more often because when you sell your clothes you can get cash or even MORE in store credit! I found some great dresses for work and blazers which are always so expensive!
We need to switch up what we are doing. I rarely sell to consignment stores because I usually wear my clothes until they are threadbare. I need to at least attempt it though. I’m so used to donating to Goodwill. You’ve inspired me!
Do you have a Once Upon a Child near you? I’ve gotten great kids stuff from there – including shoes!
We do! I had great luck finding shoes there until he hit size 7. I think that is when they start getting the most wear and tear. Until a couple months ago, all his shoes came from Once Upon a Child and another consignment store near us. I miss those good ole days!
I am seriously inspired by this. We are getting close to our cut off for our two salary living and we are going to start pinching those pennies (hard). I’ll have to do some research, we have good wills here, but nothing high end. Living in CT, I’m sure I’ll be able to find something though, even if I have to go the next town over. You look great, momma!
I’ve never been to CT, but I feel like parts of it would be ritzy. I bet you’ll have some good luck if you go to stores in upscale towns. That’s where I find the best deals. Sometimes I get good stuff at Goodwill, although it’s easier to sort through clothes at consignment stores. Keep me posted on your finds!
Hannah, you don’t look like you just had your second baby… you look fabulous! Way to go on the great deals as well :)
You are too sweet, Nathalie! I was sucking in A LOT!
Inspiring post! You really found nice outfits and also made a bargain. I love second-hand for the reasons you pointed out so well. I shared this important post. Thank you for your great advice!
I’ve been an avid second hand shopper for years now, for pretty much the same reasons. I wrote a post about it back in January/February titled “Reasosn why I love Thrifting”. Which for me covers thrift shops, yard sales, flea markets and consignment stores ;-)
Finding Designer wear for less and unique pieces are my biggest motivators, but also definitely the question of sustainability. Always happy when more people start to buy second hand.
Stopping by from “Share the Wealth” blog hop, have a great week!
Alex
I love this post because I also love to buy used clothes. There are so many great thrift shops, consignment shops and barter exchanges in my town so I really make the most of them. I also donate my old clothing as well. Thanks for sharing 5 reasons to buy used clothingwith us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Thanks for sharing!
Great article! I also try to buy used at consignment stores as much as possible. I wish more people did this!
Thanks! I wish more people did this too.
Sometimes if you are in the right place at the right time the clothes are almost knew.
Used clothing is so prevalent, I can’t see spending money on new clothes. Thanks for posting. Hello from Healthy Happy Green & Natural.
Thanks for sharing your cute little adventures! This post is definitely awesome when trying to find good alternatives to spending big on new clothes! It makes a lot of sense to just reuse or recycle or sell and I’m so glad you talked about how awesome it is to get a good price for items which would otherwise be splurges or compulsive purchases!
What a great read! I really like buying secondhand for the convenience. You’re spot-on – you don’t have to travel to multiple stores for variety.
I own a Consignment Shop and I Thank You for shopping second hand, you can grab some fabulous, classic items at a fraction of the costs.
You really can!