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The fashion industry has become one of the most lucrative, yet destructive industries in the world, producing over 92 million tonnes of waste in just one year, according to Greenpeace.Fast fashion has been on the rise since the 1990s with the constant mass production of cheap, low-quality clothing. The majority of fast fashion business models are extremely unethical and unsustainable; engaging in child labour, and using toxic dyes, whilst generating an obscene amount of waste and pollution. As we continue to see the effects of global warming - heatwaves, droughts and rising sea levels, consumers are becoming more cautious when buying from fashion retailers and are opting for more sustainable brands, vintage clothing and second-hand items.
Primark is one of the largest fashion retailers in Europe, with almost 200 stores in the UK alone. They have now revealed extensive commitments to become a more sustainable business, including:
Retailers such as H&M, Zara and Asos have also pledged to create a greener business model - including cutting carbon emissions and using recycled textiles.
Vintage clothing allows consumers to shop sustainably by purchasing clothes that have been upcycled and repurposed, at a very minimal cost to the environment. By recycling and reusing clothing items, the vintage clothing industry releases significantly fewer pollutants into the environment as well as prolonging the life of clothing, redirecting it from landfill.
With shoppers becoming significantly more environmentally aware, we predict to see consumers move away from fast fashion brands and begin opting for second-hand/vintage clothing alternatives. Although there is already a huge market for vintage fashion in the UK, from vintage designer clothing and accessories to vintage football shirts, we expect this to expand significantly in the coming years - especially with the current cost of living crisis.At The Vintage Wholesale Company, it’s our mission to encourage and support sustainable fashion. We take pride in sourcing and grading the best quality wholesale vintage clothing from around the world.
