Who doesn’t love shopping for clothes? The thrill of finding something new is exciting. But what if fashion could be fun, affordable, and kinder to the planet too? This September, a UK-wide campaign is challenging us all.
Second Hand September, initiated by OXFAM in 2019, encourages people to buy pre-loved clothing for the month of September and to raise awareness of the fast fashion industry’s environmental impact. Let’s join thousands across the UK in saying no to new, and yes to a more rewarding way to refresh your style. By choosing second-hand, you can refresh your wardrobe, save money, and reduce waste, all while supporting local charities and building a more sustainable Oxford.
Why Second-Hand?
The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. In 2022, the clothes and textiles we used in the UK produced the equivalent of 32.9 million tonnes of carbon emissions, and used 5 billion cubic metres of water. That’s a huge footprint just to produce what we wear. Even more shocking, over half of all post-consumer textiles ended up as landfill or incineration waste.
But there’s good news, about 30% of used textiles are now being diverted away from landfill through resale, reuse, and recycling. Charities are a significant part of this. Selling approximately 185.5 kilotonnes in store or online, showing just how mainstream pre-loved fashion has become (according to the report from WRAP published on 31 March 2024).
How to have Fun, Affordable, and Rewarding Fashion this September
The Thrill of the Hunt: Discovering Unique Style
Think about shopping as a treasure hunt! Instead of seeing the same fast-fashion items on everyone, you get to find one-of-a-kind pieces that truly reflect your style. How would you feel after discovering a hidden gem in the shops? Oxford is also full of brilliant second-hand stores from charity shops to curated vintage stores to help you mix and match your look. And best of all? Second-hand is often much cheaper than buying new, so your wallet benefits too.
- Charity shops: Oxfam stores, Helen & Douglas House, Emmaus Oxford Store, British Heart Foundation, Mercy in Action, Sobell House Hospice, Age UK, Mind, Sue Ryder, Barnardo’s, Cancer Research UK, and more. Each one helps fund vital services in our community.
- Vintage shops: Unicorn, Ballroom Emporium, The Retro Room, Reign Vintage, and Antiques On High – perfect for one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
- Online marketplaces: Platforms like Vinted, Depop, and eBay UK make it easy to buy (or sell) pre-loved clothing from home.
Unlock Your Creativity: Repair and Restyle
Every piece of clothing often comes with history, from the moment you bought it to the adventures you’ve had in it. A simple tear or missing button should not be a reason to discard them. What if you could learn to fix them? We regularly get lovely feedback from our repair cafe guests who have learned basic sewing skills to patch a hole, sew on a new button or learn how to handle that tricky hem. And if you are ready to take on a creative project, restyling that tired-looking shirt maybe, we have sewing machines for hire in the Library of Things
Here are some of the many Repair Cafés happening this September:
- Hook Norton Repair Café – 6 Sep
- Blewbury Repair Café – 14 Sep
- SHARE Oxford Repair Café – 21 Sep
- Find the one nearest you at Repair Café Oxfordshire
Join a Community : Swap and Share
Fashion doesn’t have to be a solo activity. A clothes swap is like shopping with friends, but without the cost. It’s a great way to try new styles and pass on items you no longer wear. You can join the upcoming local swaps below, or even host with your friends and family!
- International Clean Air & Blue Skies Clothes Swap at Cromwell Lodge Hote, Banbury – 7 Sep
- Cherwell Collective’s WISH Clothing Swap at Tap Social, Botley – 27 Sep
The Joy of Letting Go: Donating with Intention
Second Hand September isn’t just about shopping, it’s a chance to look inside your own wardrobe first and rethink fashion altogether.
We’ve all had those moments staring at a closet full of clothes and feeling like we have nothing to wear. Instead of seeing it as a problem, you can turn it into an opportunity. Think about Marie Kondo and her concept of “sparking joy”. Go through your wardrobe, take a moment to hold each item, and then ask yourself: “Does this piece of clothing truly spark joy in me?”
By making this a mindful process, you’re not just decluttering. You are curating a wardrobe that makes you feel great every day. For the items that no longer “spark joy”, you can thank them for their service and let them go with a purpose. You’re not only simply clearing space, you’re also giving someone else the opportunity to fall in love with a piece and give it a second life. You can donate to any of the charity shops in Oxford we’ve listed above.
Let’s Make A Difference in September
At SHARE Oxford, every item hired from our Library of Things means one less item potentially bought unnecessarily. Every repair at our Repair Café is about more than just fixing. It’s about building a community of empowered individuals. We believe that by learning basic repair skills, you can save your favourite clothes from landfill, extend the life of broken things, and feel the satisfaction of a job well done. It’s exciting to see initiatives like Second Hand September growing each year, building the circular economy we do our bit for.
Taking part in Second Hand September can start with just one simple action: donate, repair, rewear, or restyle. Every step you take helps cut waste, reduce emissions, and keep clothes in use for longer. And our small actions add up to big change.
What will your Second Hand September story be? We’d love to hear about it! Share your story with us in the comments, tag us on social media @shareoxford, or send us a photo! Your creativity might just inspire someone else to take the leap as well.
#SecondHandSeptember #SustainableFashion