We’re in the throes of Second Hand September – why should you care?
First of all, what is Second Hand September?
Second Hand September was started by the charity Oxfam. It raises awareness of the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry and encourages shoppers to buy pre-loved clothes and consider more sustainable options, such as clothes swaps.
It could be easy to think Second Hand September is all about adult fashion, but there’s an entire clothing category screaming out for year-long reform in this space: school uniforms.
Why should we consider school uniforms during Second Hand September?
So families can cut down on school-related costs without sacrificing quality or appearance.
Buying brand-new uniforms each year or term, especially when children are constantly growing, puts financial strain on many families. Second-hand uniforms offer an affordable alternative, allowing parents to save money while ensuring their children are still dressed appropriately for school.
Because the fast fashion industry doesn’t just cater to adults.
School uniforms are often mass-produced, leading to wasteful practices that harm the environment. By opting for second-hand uniforms, parents can avoid contributing to the environmental damage caused by producing more clothes than are needed.
Most school uniforms are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, which means second-hand pieces are usually in excellent condition and can be reused for years. This helps reduce waste and combat the harmful effects of fast fashion.
Because kids outgrow their clothes at lightning speed.
Every parent will feel the pain of this one! Unfortunately, the school uniform which fits perfectly in September, may no longer fit by the spring term. This makes buying brand-new uniforms impractical unless you opt for jumpers a couple of sizes too big (something we’ll always advocate for!)
Rather than buying new clothes that your children will only wear for a few months, opting for pre-loved uniforms makes it easier to keep up with growth spurts without breaking the bank.
Second Hand September helps to teach children about environmental responsibility.
Second Hand September is not just about saving money or clearing out closets; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability throughout our lives. Parents can use this month as an educational moment, showing kids that reusing and recycling clothes is a simple way to help protect the planet. By choosing second-hand school uniforms, parents can set a powerful example for their children about the importance of reducing waste and making environmentally conscious choices.
Year-round sustainability
School uniforms, like any other clothing, don’t need to be bought brand new to serve their purpose. Second-hand options are a win for families, communities, and the environment.
Second Hand September may be the month for prioritising slow fashion, but sustainability is a year-round responsibility. So, this September (and beyond!), let’s broaden our view of sustainable shopping to include school uniforms. By doing so, we’ll not only be helping the plane but also making life a little easier—and more affordable—for families everywhere.
