Benefits of a Secondhand Wardrobe

This Tuesday marked the annual Secondhand Wardrobe Day, a day to buy, give and celebrate secondhand clothes! So get to swapping or searching the thrift stores for that perfect item.

Why are secondhand clothes so important? There are a number of reasons:

• Secondhand clothes help preserve the environment. When people buy clothes that have already been worn instead of brand new clothes, they are contributing to less production as well as less waste. Instead of being thrown away and taking up a permanent residence at a landfill, clothes get a new life with someone who can really use them.
• You can help your favorite charity. You may already donate clothes to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or your local thrift store, but did you know you can also schedule a pickup for charities to come to your home and collect them from you? We do this at least once every month or so and we know anything we’ve got to get rid of is going to good use—either being auctioned off to help support the charity through funds, or being actually used by the needy people the charity supports.
• You can save money. A lot of times you can find your favorite brands or styles for a lot cheaper—as well as older, “vintage” clothes that you can make into new, unique outfits.
• Secondhand swapping between friends is a great way to save money while having a good time. Everyone can bring their clothes they want to get rid of as well as a food dish, and then catch up over a meal, some drinks and some clothes-swapping.
• You can get a tax deduction for the clothes you donate for charity. That might save you even more money! Be sure to ask for the receipt or a little card to jot down what your donation is worth when you give your clothes to charity.
• It’s a great excuse to clean out your closet. Most people have plenty of clothes they don’t wear. If you know they’re going to a friend who will actually wear them or a good cause, you’re more likely to get to work on that overstuffed closet.
• Instead of buying an expensive Halloween costume, you can try assembling something completely original from stuff you find secondhand. From accessories to clothing to hats and more, you might be able to create any look you want, from Rose on Titanic to Freddy Krueger!