How charity shops are leading the sustainable fashion movement
In a world flooded by fast fashion, the revival of vintage and second-hand clothing isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a statement. For Mark Sweeney of Oxfam Ireland, charity shops have been leading the way in sustainable fashion long before it became a buzzword.
Sustainability at the heart of vintage fashion
Charity shops have always played a crucial role in keeping clothes in circulation, reducing waste, and offering quality fashion at accessible prices. “Oxfam’s role is to extend the life cycle of a piece of clothing so that it has a lesser impact on the planet,” Sweeney explains.
A post-pandemic shift in shopping habits
Sweeney has seen a noticeable shift towards secondhand fashion, particularly post-COVID, “There has been a big shift towards people shopping second-hand,”. Younger generations, in particular, are embracing it—not just for sustainability but as a way to carve out their own unique style.
“No trend is the trend,” he notes, pointing out that many now reject the rigid seasonal collections dictated by fast fashion brands. Instead, vintage and second-hand pieces allow them to build a wardrobe that reflects their individuality while making more ethical choices.
When ‘vintage’ becomes just another marketing term
While the increased interest in vintage fashion is positive, Sweeney is wary of how mainstream retailers have jumped on the bandwagon. “Charity shops have sold vintage before it was popular, before it became a commercial operation,” he says. But now, the term ‘vintage’ has been co-opted by fast fashion brands eager to cash in on the trend.
“When you see brands on the high street selling vintage collections, that rings alarm bells,” he warns. Selling vintage alone does not make a brand sustainable—it’s just another marketing tactic. True vintage is about longevity, quality, and giving clothes a second life, not churning out new garments and using vintage as a way to justify overproduction, which is the real issue.”