In Celebration of Secondhand September – Your Guide to the Challenge, Plus How You Can Get Involved

This year, actor and advocate Jameela Jamil is the face of Oxfam's Secondhand September campaign - and she's encouraging you to embrace pre-loved fashion, too.

“The amount of unworn clothes in the UK is shocking," she shares as part of the campaign. "Aside from how obviously problematic that excess is for the environment and the world at large, it’s also a shame that most clothes are no longer made or bought to last. I only ever buy anything I plan on wearing until I’m 80."

She continues: “I've always been a fan of preloved clothing and own so much vintage. Items I have worn again and again over almost two decades. I think clothes are to be worn, cherished and adored. Whoever decided it was scandalous to repeat an outfit is frankly an insecure, wasteful, clown."

“I’m so proud to partner with Oxfam, and to continue encouraging our love and appreciation for second-hand. It is extra special that what they do not only helps save the planet but also helps the people on it, too.”

Heard of Secondhand September but not sure what the month-long initiative actually entails or why it's so important that you get involved if you can?

In short, it's a campaign designed to encourage the nation to shop second hand, take a stance against fast fashion and dress for a fairer world. For the month of September, they encourage Brits to only buy vintage clothes or pre-loved items and style items they already own in new and unique ways, rather than shopping fast fashion.

Why's it so important? Well, in short, because we're facing a climate crisis, and fast fashion is one of the major culprits. Clothes being produced in high volume and sold at a low cost have a huge carbon footprint and harm both people and the planet. Fast fashion alone is thought to produce as much as 92 million tonnes of waste every year.

Case in point: Exclusive statistics from Oxfam reveal that UK consumers aren't wearing more clothes, simply buying more and not using them. In the 1920s to 30s, the average person owned 25 items of clothing, all of which were regularly used and repaired. Yet today, the average British person owns 118 items and uses only 24 items regularly.

That's where Oxfam comes in with their secondhand initiative. "By shopping secondhand with Oxfam or donating to Oxfam shops, you’re investing your money in vital work beating poverty around the world," explains Hannah Davies, Oxfam's Second Hand September co-lead.

Keep scrolling for an expert-led guide to Secondhand September, what it is and how to get involved - oh, and don't miss our guides to the best charity shops, best dress rental sites and best online vintage clothes stores, while you're here.

Your guide to Secondhand September, plus how to get involved

What is Secondhand September?

According to Davies, Secondhand September is, simply put, Oxfam’s campaign to celebrate shopping pre-loved.

"It's also to raise awareness about the harmful effects of fast fashion on our planet and the people who make our clothes," she explains. "Oxfam wants to encourage people to think twice about their shopping habits, so we’re asking the public to only buy second hand for the month of September and to donate their pre-loved items to Oxfam."

When did Secondhand September begin? 

A bit of history for you - the Secondhand September campaign is now in its seventh year, with more than 50,000 people sharing the #SecondHandSeptember hashtag on social media in 2024.

"The Oxfam Online Shop has seen more than 8,000 new shoppers and an uplift in sales of 46% in previous years," explains Davies. "People really embraced the campaign to wear second-hand and, in doing so, raised funds for Oxfam’s work beating poverty around the world."

See - sustainable living never looked so simple.

How can you get involved in Secondhand September? 

It's simple - anyone can get involved by following the three steps below:

1. Donate

Got some old clothes lying around that just don't fit you anymore or may look better on someone else? Take them to your local Oxfam to do your bit.

You can find your nearest Oxfam shop using the online shop finder tool on the Oxfam website.

2. Shop

Not got any clothes to donate but keen to invest in some pre-loved fashion? You can also shop from the comfort of your home on the Oxfam online shop, explains Davies.

3. Social

If you do manage to grab a secondhand bargain, don’t forget to share your one-of-a-kind find using the #SecondHandSeptember hashtag and tagging @OxfamGB.

That way, you help raise awareness of shopping more sustainably this September and in months to come, too.

4 top tips for embracing Secondhand September: 

1. Look online

Most people don't realise Oxfam has a whole secondhand site online, so if you're shopping for something specific, try their site first.

"You can filter to find a particular brand, style, colour to find what you’re looking for," shares Davies.

2. Repair, repair, repair

Instead of throwing damaged clothes away, why not try and fix them?

"Missing buttons can be replaced and holes can be mended to get the most out of your clothes for longer," the expert advises.

3. Try upcycling

Ever considered upcycling clothes and refashioning them into something you need or love? "A cashmere jumper could become a cashmere beanie in no time," addsDavies.

4. Organise your wardrobes seasonally 

This one's simple but seriously effective. "At the end of each season, try putting your clothes away in storage boxes and getting them out again the following year," advises the expert. "You’ll be surprised how those clothes start to feel ‘new’ again after a little separation."