What is Preloved fashion? According to a report, 80 percent of Generation Z in Canada and the United States bought clothes in second-hand shops. Some are also turning to thrift stores for the gift-giving season.
But second-hand items are stigmatised. There are those who believe they are less desirable, that they do not fit in with social norms and this discourages many from buying second-hand items.
Despite this, experience shows that second-hand goods are becoming increasingly fashionable and more and more people are buying from thrift shops. Despite the above, gifting a second-hand item is unique and sentimental, while being a much more ethical and price-conscious choice.
Generation Z is much more concerned about the environmental impact of their actions than previous generations. This means that the demand for second-hand goods will increase even more in the coming period.
Experts believe that it is a well-known phenomenon in the fashion industry that young people are taking into account the principles of environmental protection and sustainability in their purchasing habits and are paying attention to the impact they have on the environment when making conscious purchases.
The festive season brings a lot of financial stress, can be very wasteful and a cheaper and greener alternative is to shop frugally.
However, we must understand that Preloved is not the same as second-hand.
What is Preloved fashion?
“Pre-loved items differ in that they can be vintage, worn pieces with many flaws, or unworn items that have been taken care of by a previous owner.”
Many people imagine musty thrift stores filled with antiques. But pre-loved fashion is a little different. By buying Preloved fashion items, you are buying items that someone else previously owned.
This means that the items may be second-hand, but they may also be new. So Preloved offers a treasure hunt. We never know what we will find. We may find items that are never available in shops where you can only buy new things.
Why is Preloved fashion good?
It’s a more creative and cultured way to shop. Often it also means that we spend less. One of the very biggest advantages of Preloved fashion is that the prices are a fraction of what they would be if you bought the item new.
Preloved fashion, like second-hand goods trading, is part of sustainable fashion. When you buy second-hand goods you are making a big contribution to the environment and to sustainable fashion. Shopping Preloved can give you a “green” experience.
The digital world has changed everything
It is interesting to see how digital culture is changing the way we live our everyday lives. In the past, a lack of information was a barrier to more conscious consumption. Another major barrier was accessibility.
But the online space addresses both of these shortcomings. There is now no barrier to becoming more conscious consumers and demanding sustainability principles.
Buying Preloved clothes is more important now than ever before
Preloved shopping means buying clothes, bags, jewellery and fashion accessories that were previously owned by someone else. They had a history. A story that has come to an end. And by us buying it, we give the object the possibility of a new story.
A truly special experience is finding and wearing Preloved clothes. If we manage to find a dress that speaks directly to us, it is a very great treasure, in other commercial solutions it may not be so personal.
Finally, Preloved shopping gives us the opportunity to be more introspective, to focus on our own style. This is a novelty that is completely at odds with the fashion world dictated by fast fashion. It is sustainable, cost-effective and personal. There is no better way to refresh your wardrobe and your style.
