As September rolls in, so does an opportunity to transform your wardrobe and your impact on the planet. Secondhand September is a month-long initiative spearheaded by Oxfam, aimed at championing pre-loved fashion and challenging the norms of fast fashion.
The idea of the campaign is to pledge to shop exclusively secondhand throughout the month. Usually I participate without even trying; it’s rare for me to wear an outfit without at least some of it being secondhand. Some of my favourite clothes are thrift finds or hand me downs — my Paige jeans, my Heritage Cashmere scarf, my metallic pink leather tote… Most of my shopping is secondhand too.
Oxfam’s mission with Secondhand September is clear: “Shop second hand to take a stance against fast fashion and dress for a fairer world.” This call to action encourages us to rethink our shopping habits and opt for a more planet-friendly approach, particularly as September coincides with the high-profile Fashion Week events around the globe.
The essence of Secondhand September lies in its invitation to reclaim the true meaning of style. As Oxfam reflects, “There was a time when what we wore meant something. It said something about us and our community. But what does it mean today? A throwaway culture? Planet wrecking waste?” This month is a chance to counteract the environmental and ethical issues tied to fast fashion by embracing pre-loved garments.
Participating is straightforward: make a pledge to avoid buying any new clothes for the entirety of September. Instead, explore the rich variety of secondhand options available. From charity shops to online platforms, there is no shortage of beautiful, high-quality items waiting to be discovered and cherished anew.
According to a new analysis by Oxfam, opting for a single pair of second-hand jeans and a t-shirt instead of purchasing new items could conserve the equivalent of 20,000 standard water bottles. This revelation accompanies the launch of Oxfam’s sixth annual Second Hand September campaign, aimed at promoting the benefits of buying preloved clothing and donating unwanted items to lessen the demand for new garments.
The fashion industry’s significant water usage is placing immense pressure on the planet’s limited water resources. In the UK, the water footprint of clothing consumption amounts to eight billion cubic meters annually, sufficient to supply the entire population’s water needs for two years. Globally, the fashion sector uses 93 billion cubic meters of water each year, which is enough to fill 37 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Oxfam’s analysis indicates that producing one cotton t-shirt consumes approximately 5,400 standard 500ml water bottles—equivalent to the daily drinking needs of 1,600 people. In comparison, manufacturing a pair of jeans requires about 16,000 bottles of water, meeting the daily drinking needs of 4,750 individuals.
“It is clear from these statistics that we are drowning in fashion. Given the world is running short of fresh water due to climate change, the water-intensive cost of clothes production could be vitally reduced if we mixed up our wardrobes with second-hand purchases,” said Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s retail director, in a press release from the charity.
“By recirculating our clothes – buying, wearing and donating second-hand – we can help to reduce the demand for new clothes. And this could in turn help to reduce the damage to our planet. What’s more, you can find amazing, stylish and budget-friendly outfits when you shop pre-loved, while also helping to raise vital funds to help tackle poverty and inequality around the world,” Fallon added.
One thing I like about shopping secondhand is that I’m continuing a practice rooted in history. For generations, people have turned to thrift stores and resale shops for affordable, quality clothing. Over time, secondhand shopping has evolved from a necessity to a celebrated choice, with recent years seeing a resurgence in its popularity due to the growing awareness of sustainable fashion.
This year, of course, I’m nearing the end of my 90 days of Shein challenge, and everything except for the hoodie and trench coat is new. But roll on 23rd September — the day after the challenge ends — and I can’t wait to dig out all my secondhand favourites.
Everything I wore on Day 70 of the 90 days of Shein challenge:
SHEIN LUNE Women’s Batwing Sleeve Round Neck T-shirt, grey
Women’s Solid Color Basic Daily Leggings
Beige trench coat (thrifted)
2024 New Style College Wind Black & White Outdoor Sports Shoes for Women
Allover Leaf Graphic Drawstring Backpack
DAZY Women’s Floral Print Sleeveless Round Neck Sleep Dress
3pack Lace Trim No Show Brief, pink
Fashion Slowdown 
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