Next time you’re considering buying a new outfit, consider the more sustainable alternatives of swapping, renting or buying pre-loved before you splash the cash. The environment and your wallet will thank you.
Fashion isn’t the second most polluting industry in the world (that’s a commonly misquoted “fact”). But it is one of the most polluting, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions. And that’s before we even get started on the myriad trafficking issues, forced labour and poor working conditions (overworked, underpaid, underage) that blight the lives of so many in developing economies.
So the next time you find yourself standing in front of your wardrobe crying “but I have nothing to wear”, think about these sustainable options before you whip out the plastic for a fast-fashion quick-fix frenzy. Here are the best alternatives to buying new threads in Singapore.
Swap
The Fashion Pulpit
Here are two wild facts for you. Firstly, by swapping a shirt instead of buying new, you could save enough water for one person to drink for 2.5 years. And secondly, swapping 20kgs of clothes saves enough energy to run a TV, non-stop for 1.7 years. No jokes. The stats don’t lie and when it comes to fashion, swapping really is better than shopping. Which is why we choose to worship at The Fashion Pulpit. The concept is simple; take what you don’t wear from your current wardrobe and swap your garments for other pre-loved items at TFP. It’s a brilliant circular solution to fashion and it’s one helluva lot of fun searching for a designer gem among the rails.
Rent
Rentadella
Got a fancy event coming up? Before you part with your pennies on a new boujie get-up, pay Rentadella a visit. It’s a veritable treasure trove of beautiful dresses and gowns available to rent. Why splash out on something that you’ll wear once when you can rent for a fraction of the cost (and reduce your impact, obvs, in the process)?
Style Theory
SEA’s largest clothes rental subscription platform is the stuff of fashionista dreams. Because who doesn’t want an infinite wardrobe with endless possibilities? The monthly subscription model allows you to rent and return an unlimited amount of garments per month, meaning you’ll always have something to wear, without a closet bursting at its seam with only worn once items. It’s also great for the environment; wearing clothes 50 times instead of five times reduces carbon emissions by 400% per item, per year.
Pre-loved
Style Tribute
Shop authentic luxury fashion labels at anywhere up to 90% off the original retail price. Say what? Yup, find the likes of Chanel, Celine, Hermes, and other coveted brands at this killer online marketplace. Everything is pre-loved meaning shopping here is not only better on your wallet, but also the environment. One of the brand’s core philosophies is to redefine the concept of clothes ‘ownership’, transitioning individuals from possession to utility and leaving a smaller ecological footprint. It stocks items for men, women, and kids, meaning everyone can get in on the action.
Vestiaire Collective
Sustainable fashion styling with Vestiaire Collective, Hanli, Narelle, and Yumi
Over 1-million pre-loved designer items to browse at up to 70% of retail price? Hell yes. Buy, sell, or share your wardrobe via this leading global platform. What sets Vestiaire Collective apart is its broad product offering; you’ll find men and womenswear aplenty, plus things like furniture, home decor, photography, and sportswear (Chanel boomerang, anyone?). If you’re looking for anything secondhand, Vestiaire Collective is worth scouring. Why buy new when you’ll almost certainly be able to find it pre-loved here?
A Vintage Tale
Head to Joo Chiat Rd and while away a few hours searching through the treasure trove that is A Vintage Tale. Nestled within a beautiful shophouse, it’s brimming with beautiful vintage pieces. If 60s and 70s style is your thing you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re lucky you’ll even find luxe labels up for grabs too; currently up for grabs are pieces from Givenchy, Celine, and Versace.
New2U
Get thrifty at New2U. Created by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), all proceeds from sales go towards an excellent cause – the Star Shelter; an organisation providing refuge for women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence. You can shop safe in the knowledge you’re doing your bit for the planet and the local community. Or if you wanted to donate it accepts clothes, bags, accessories, shoes, crockery, utensils, books, and toys.
Refash
Buy and sell your wardrobe on this Singapore based online and offline platform. Expect to find a larger selection of high street brands like Zara, Zalora, Love Bonito, Kate Spade and Coach. This is a great option if you want to quickly clear out your wardrobe; it’s really easy to list and sell items online. And buying is also quick, easy, and fun. Refash is helping transform what it means to buy and sell secondhand fashion with consumers, while simultaneously extending the life of every piece of clothing. We approve.
Sustainable brands we love
We get it, there are times when we all buy new. And if you really can’t avoid it, be sure to support ethical brands who make it clear where the clothes are coming from, where they were made, and by whom, #WhoMadeMyClothes? And if you can avoid fast fashion brands altogether, we salute you. Check out this article and our marketplace for sustainable clothing brand inspiration.