Bournemouth vintage clothes shops have been trying to tackle the issue behind fast fashion.
Fashion is the second-largest polluter after the oil industry, with people buying over 80 billion garments around the world every year.
These statistics are part of a study that was conducted by Green Peace, looking into ‘fast fashion’ and the importance of sustainable clothing.
‘Fast fashion’ is how big businesses are churning out clothing at such a rate that it is becoming unsustainable and harmful to the environment.
Consumers can purchase multiple items which will arrive at their door the next day.
However it will only be worn once or twice before it’s never seen again.
This new norm is putting incredible pressure on the earth. Not only because of the resources used to create the clothing, but also the waste as a result of the sheer amount being made.
Thankfully there are ways to combat this issue, including shopping for clothes at vintage or ‘second-hand’ clothing stores.
Browns of Bournemouth is a second-hand high end fashion store.
Oscar Ridding explained why it is important to have a space for these shops in Bournemouth:
“We wanted to provide Bournemouth a place where they wouldn’t have to travel up to London or bigger cities.
“To be able to provide a place where they can come and feel fabrics and try items on is important and we think Bournemouth needed something like this.”
Because of the large variety of brands on offer. Second-hand clothing has increased in circulation.
This has been made more accessible by shops appearing in the town centre. But also apps online like ‘Depop’ are making it easier to shop sustainable
“There is no need for new stuff nowadays.” Oscar said.
“It’s great that over the last decade there has been a mainstream influx in older clothing.”
Bournemouth is blessed with a rising number of vintage clothes stores.
Olivia Green works at Parade Vintage in Bournemouth. She also believes it is beneficial.
“It is important because it gives clothes a new lease of life”. She said.
Studio Zip Code in Winton is another option to shop sustainably. Their owner Emily Coleman explained the inspiration behind the store:
“I was living in London before I just saw so many fast fashion brands so my New Years resolution was to not buy any brand new clothes.
“So then I just started to make clothes for myself and posting them on social media and it grew from there.’
‘Fast fashion’ may be cheaper and easier, but even shopping from the likes of charity shops allows you to shop sustainably whilst on a budget.
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Written by Cameron Read and Jacob Tyson
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