Every September, thousands of people around the world join Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign, pledging not to buy new clothes for an entire month. The goal? To rethink our shopping habits, take a stand against fast fashion, and embrace sustainable fashion choices that protect our planet and promote a fairer world.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved with Second Hand September, this guide to secondhand September will help you understand the movement, how to participate, and how to make your wardrobe a reflection of mindful, ethical living.
What Are Secondhand September and Fast Fashion?
Second Hand September was started by Oxfam in 2019 to raise awareness about the environmental and human impact of the fashion industry. The clothing industry is the second-largest polluters on Earth. This campaign encourages everyone to shop from second-hand stores, donate what they no longer need, and avoid buying any new outfits and clothing for the duration of the month of September.
But what is fast fashion? Fast fashion refers to the mass production of inexpensive clothing designed to mimic current trends, encouraging consumers to buy more, wear items fewer times, and quickly discard them thus contributing to enormous waste and environmental harm.
By taking part in Second Hand September, you’re joining a global movement that challenges overconsumption, lessens the impact of wasteful fashion and supports the mission to fight poverty around the world.
How to Take Part in Second Hand September
Joining the campaign is easy. You don’t need to sign up anywhere, you just simply commit to not buying new clothes throughout the whole month of September. But if you want to make the most of the challenge, here are some simple ways to take part in second hand September and have fun doing it.
1. Refresh Your Wardrobe without Buying New Clothes
Instead of buying from big stores and name brands, go second-hand shopping at nearby charity shops, vintage stores, or your local Oxfam shop for preloved clothing and second-hand gems. Many Oxfam online shop listings include pre-loved items and second hand clothes that are high quality, stylish, and affordable. You might even find pieces with original tags!
Prefer online shopping? Shop online at sites like Depop, ThredUp, Poshmark, and Mercari for online second-hand options. These platforms make it easy to shop for second-hand clothing and sell your own items. Plus, you can find loads of inspiration using the handle secondhandseptember on instagram – it’s full of people proudly sharing the second hand gems they’ve found.
2. Mend, Repair, and Rewear
Not purchasing new doesn’t mean wearing worn-out clothes. Use this month as a reason to learn a few basic repair skills such as: sew on a button, patch a hole, or replace a zipper. Keeping your item of clothing in use for longer reduces textile waste and the demand for new clothing. If sewing isn’t your thing, find a local repair shop or ask your grandma or a friend for help.
3. Donate What You Don’t Wear
Free up space in your wardrobe and give your gently used clothes a second life by donating them to your local Oxfam store, your local Buy Nothing Group or other charity shops nearby. When you’re wearing and donating second hand, you’re not just decluttering, you’re helping support your community. It’s an easy way to make a real impact while reducing the waste created by the fashion industry, which is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Your donations also support national and local causes, proving that shopping second hand and buying second hand can do more than just refresh your closet, they can help drive change. So the next time you’re ready to part with a favorite sweater or pair of jeans, skip the landfill and give it a chance to be loved again.
4. Plan Your Shopping and Avoid Impulse Buys
Before diving into second hand shopping, take a few minutes to plan ahead. Make a list of what you and your family truly need. Maybe a “new-to-you” jacket, a cozy sweater, or back-to-school shoes for the kids and focus your search on those items. Having a plan makes buying second hand online or in vintage shops much easier and helps you avoid those impulse buys that can sneak up on you. After all, this isn’t about replacing one kind of overconsumption with another. It’s about being intentional, slowing down, and making mindful fashion choices. When you know what you’re looking for, you’ll save time, money, and help reduce waste by making each purchase count.
The Benefits of Shopping Second-Hand vs. Throwaway Fashion
Buying second-hand clothing has benefits that go far beyond your bank account. When you shop second-hand, you:
- Reduce waste and help prevent clothes from ending up in landfill.
- Support second hand fashion and take a stance against waste.
- Extend the life of clothing, lowering waste.
- Discover unique, vintage, or designer pieces at a fraction of the price.
Throughout the month of September as you are wearing and donating second hand, remind yourself that every purchase or donation contributes to change. The benefits of shopping second-hand are global with less pollution, less waste, and more conscious consumption.
Making Sustainable Fashion a Lifestyle
Secondhand September might last only 30 days, but its impact can last a lifetime. Once you become a fan of preloved clothing and see how rewarding buying second hand is, you might never go back to throw away fashion!
- Shopping for used clothing throughout the year, not just in September.
- Checking Oxfam online or other reputable stores online, before making any clothing purchases.
- Hosting a clothing swap with friends or your community, or join a local Buy Nothing Group to share your clothing.
- Sharing your second hand shopping journey on Instagram to inspire others to get involved with Second Hand September.
The next time you feel the urge to buy new, ask yourself if there’s an alternative. Often, there is and it’s better for your wallet, your wardrobe, and the world.
Getting Involved with Second Hand September
Shopping second hand is more than a September campaign, it’s a movement toward sustainable fashion and mindful living. By buying second-hand clothing from thrift stores and vintage shops, donating to Oxfam and other charities, and rethinking your shopping habits, helping build a more ethical, sustainable, and compassionate world.
So this month of September, say no to fast fashion and yes to preowned clothing. Because do we really need to all this clothing and own so much we have bursting closets? The fashion industry is one area where you can make a big difference, one outfit at a time.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Successful Secondhand Shopping Tips
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