In major cities across Europe, second-hand stores are on the rise, drawing in individuals from various backgrounds, irrespective of their jobs, income brackets, or age groups. These shops are often praised for their affordability, quality items, and alignment with the sustainability trend. However, there are several reasons why it might be better to avoid them. The journalists at Fashion Illiteracy have compiled a list of the top 5 reasons to steer clear of these stores.
What are second-hand stores?
Second-hand literally refers to the secondary use of items. These are stores where customers can purchase pre-owned clothing — items that are not new. Typically, they stock branded items that are still in good condition.
Used items
The first and most significant reason to avoid shopping in these stores is that, as mentioned earlier, the goods are not new. These clothes have already been worn by someone else, potentially for an extended period. For many people, this is unacceptable. Wearing clothes after others, or even just trying them on, can be emotionally challenging. Additionally, there’s the idea of negative energy associated with wearing second-hand items.
Poor hygiene
While some of these stores treat the products, this is not always the case. Given the first point, customers face several risks. Wearing old T-shirts or trousers can be not only unpleasant but also potentially hazardous. You don’t know who wore them before or what condition their skin was in. Specific illnesses, especially those caused by fungi, can be passed on, and washing might not fully eliminate the risk.
However, there is a similar risk with new items, as they could have been tried on by others. In second-hand stores, you should never purchase underwear, tracksuits, or similar personal items.
Crowds and fights
Despite the concerns mentioned above, there are still plenty of people eager to “snatch up some clothes” by any means necessary. The chaos peaks during new arrivals, with many shoppers vying for valuable finds. Online, you can find numerous videos of customers fighting or creating crowds, which is especially unsafe during quarantine periods. The situation is somewhat better in regular markets.
Outdated collections
Often, the main argument in favor of these stores is the quality and originality of branded items. Some even claim that you can recreate looks from new fashion collections for mere pennies. However, in reality, the results of such attempts often fall short, reminiscent of the saying “a unique original and a pitiful parody.”
Dubious contribution to ecology
Another issue frequently highlighted by second-hand supporters is the concern for the planet’s environmental state. However, we must dispel this notion—reducing production won’t happen because of second-hand shopping. If you accumulate a multitude of used clothes that will eventually end up in a landfill while claiming responsibility, it’s hardly an improvement over buying a brand-new item. In this case, it’s more responsible to be a provider, donating unused clothing rather than adding to your own collection.
