Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a steady increase in the amount of online shopping consumers are doing. Many people find the convenience of scrolling on a phone or laptop to be much more alluring than going to traditional brick-and-mortar stores when there is the possibility of finding nothing that fits your style or size. Although, the problem with online stores is that many of them lack the transparency of where the items were sourced from and how they were produced. If sustainable fashion is a priority to you, then checking out some of these secondhand online stores could be your best solution.
DEPOP
Depop is an online store where people go to buy and sell handmade or secondhand clothing. It is based out of London although it has been gaining popularity globally since its creation in 2011. In 2021, more than 30 million users interacted with the app either through buying or selling clothing, meaning there are countless options for people with varying styles to sort through. This site is perfect for people looking for that one-of-a-kind accent item that can elevate your looks. If you consider your style to be a little more vibrant and eclectic this app is a great place to start.
CURTSY
Curtsy’s setup and design is a similar concept to Depop in the sense that it is very easy to use and provides the consumers with a wide variety of options. Curtsy also offers a style quiz that collects the sizes of the user as well as brands that they usually shop from. This helps create an individualized selection of curated options for each user. This can be extremely helpful since the variety of clothing brands they have ranges widely. From vintage Nike to modernized Levi's, Curtsy has been advertised as a place for sustainable Gen Z shoppers to update their wardrobe without breaking the bank or hurting the earth.
THREDUP
Thredup may be considered the OG online thrift/consignment store having its debut in early 2009. The CEO wanted to create a way that allowed consumers to resell their clothes without having to put in the effort of photographing or selling on their own. Instead, he made a system that allows people to send in bags of clothes and receive monetary compensation or store credits for whatever they deemed acceptable. This new system has helped Thredup grow to the popularity it is now. Their website mirrors those of actual fashion brands and gives the consumers thousands of options to choose from.
THE REAL REAL
The Real Real is an online and brick-and-mortar store where consumers can buy authenticated luxury brands at a fraction of the cost. Although it started around the same time as other online second-hand stores, like Depop and Poshmark, its pricey nature has slowed its growth. Although as more people began to hear about The Real Real it made getting clothes and accessories from fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci more attainable through the recycling of secondhand products. The prices of the items will still be much higher than the majority of the products sold by the three companies above, although this gives sustainable smart shoppers a chance to splurge on something lavish.
So whether you are on the lookout for a certain y2k butterfly crop top or looking to drop some cash on a Hermes bag, shopping secondhand can help save both the planet and your wallet.
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