PRE-LOVED – THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Robyn Blake
Navigating the world of sustainable fashion is not always easy. Understanding the eco-credentials of any item of clothing or accessory requires knowledge of what it’s made from, the production methods used, the length of the supply chain, etc. There are a multitude of issues that must be considered, such as microplastics, water usage, carbon emissions, and harmful chemicals. And this is not helped by a lack of transparency and greenwashing.
But there is one sure way to make a sustainable choice every time – buying pre-loved!
According to a global report conducted by Thredup, (an online second-hand store in the US) the resale market is growing at a rate 11 times faster than traditional retail and is expected to be worth more than double the value of fast fashion by 2030.
Second-hand clothing has long been associated with worn out, dusty and tainted items but this perception has almost done a complete 180°. Pre-loved is now a leading fashion retail trend as an increasing number of consumers seek one-of-a-kind pieces that add flare and a quirk to any wardrobe.
Giving an item a second or even a third lease of life is not only great for us in expressing individuality, but is also good for the planet. According to Forbes (2019), in the UK we dump 11 million items of clothing into landfill every week. By extending a product’s lifecycle we are not only reducing the creation of waste, but also minimising the consumption of natural resources.
No matter its eco-credentials at the time it was first shelved on the high street or website, in becoming pre-loved any item can improve its sustainability.
Join the second-hand fashion movement and discover pre-loved pieces here at GAIA.
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About the Author
Robyn Blake
As Co-Founder of GAIA, Robyn is a Digital Marketing and Brand specialist with over 10 years of experience within fashion and retail and a growing obsession with sustainability. After having worked for some of the UK’s leading brands including Vivienne Westwood, Marks and Spencer and Selfridges and having lectured in Fashion Business (at the Istituto Marangoni in London), Robyn felt it was time to use the knowledge she has harnessed to create positive change within the industry.
