These are all second-hand stuffs!
We are all living in the culture where buying new things is a (very) common thing. I live in the culture where buying “baju lebaran” each year is like a mandatory. Every year back then, my parents always told me to buy new clothes for ied day –even when I didn’t actually need them. Back then, I bought a lot of new clothes simply because I think it was pretty/cute or because it was discounted. No particular intention. I didn’t even care whether I would truly need and wear them or whether it would last me for long time.
Giving a new life to second-hand clothes is not a sin ;)
It was around my 3rd year of undergraduate study (2013) when my sisters and I started shopping second-hand clothes. Yup, even before adapting low-impact lifestyle, I really enjoyed shopping second-hand! However, some people may think that second-hand shopping is gross and dirty. Some of my friends even gave me comments like “How could you use something that has been thrown away?” “Don’t you afraid of the bacteria in that might live in those items?” or “Skin diseases may spread out from those clothes!” etc. The answer is I just don’t really care about it haha I actually feel happier that I could give a better use of something that have already existed. Moreover, I always think second-hand shopping as a game! Yup! Game of searching someone else’s treasure!
Some of my favorite second-hand findings <3
When I came to Japan, this habit still within me and surprisingly second-hand store in Japan (リサイクルショップ, read: risaikuru shoppu, english: recycle shop) is amazingly well-managed! The first time I went there, I didn’t realize it was a second-hand store. I mean, it didn’t look like Gedebage at all! All items are neatly divided into categories, clothes are divided by colors and they also intentionally put high price items in different section. It’s so much easier to find items you’re looking for. Less overwhelming! Not only garments and fashion items, you can also buy used books, bicycle, household appliances, furniture, cooking ware, sports equipment, music equipment, gadgets, and many other things at ONE PLACE! Also, Japanese people tend to care their belongings, so when they sell their stuffs, it is often in really good condition. Here are some reasons why second-hand store becomes my first stop:
1. Affordably cheaper
Buying used items is a good alternative to save your money since the price is usually half of normal price, or sometimes 90% cheaper (it depends on the quality itself)! From my self-reliant deduction after some visit to second hand store nearby my living area, I could say that some of their products are probably in new condition but they (company or seller) couldn’t sell outdated items, thus they sell them to second hand store. Some are probably unused gifts (often in perfect condition!). The rest is probably items that previous owner no longer likes. If you are a fan of particular brands, you are more likely to find some there! However, the choice is much more limited in variety and size as you can only pick from available options.
2. Durability: tested!
While new purchases come with uncertainty, used ones provide a better certainty and come pretested by the previous owner. For clothes, if they are poorly made (material and design), we will probably can see some defects (shrinkage, lint, pill, and so on) at the time they are hanged on racks. By doing this, we can actually shop smart in choosing the best one (durable). Whenever you are planning to buy any items, I always recommend people to check the label too as it contains important information than the looks! For clothes, favoring for natural fabric is always better than synthetic one :)
3. Paradise for vintage-freaky
Since used goods can come from all decades/eras, you can explore fashions and stuffs of the past to express the unique person you are. There was a time when I visited of thrift store business run by a family. They sale some old-fashioned kimonos, yukatas, accessories, figures, tableware, furoshiki and others in very good condition. They also open service for repairing watches. I believe stuffs they sale hold so much story of the past time than a new one :)
4. Cutting down manufacturing demand
We buy new things innocently, but do you know that every new product responsible for a certain amount of resources and emission? Back then, I bought many things without intention. After decluttering my stuffs, I collected a lot of thing that don’t spark anymore (some of them are the things I use only for short time). I resold them to second-hand store and paid far less than what I paid in new condition. Collectively, I felt guilty because I realized that buying new things unintentionally is just a waste of money, but highly cost for the environment.
5. Better for the environment
There are already (more than) enough things exist in this world, so, why don’t we give a new life and a better use for them? By buying things that have already existed, we can actually help lessening resources exploitation. It can’t be neglected that new stuffs come in packaging too! While used goods don’t need any new resources and usually come unpackaged. Buying second-hand is really helpful to keep things out of landfill!
6. It helps me to give a better use of my money
Many of second-hand or thrift stores are independent store run by family or private. By buying their stuffs, we can actually support local community, save more money and spend more on donation. Why bother to buy new things when we can give a better use for something that already existed? In fact, we could probably have spent our money on better things than owning (new) stuffs.
7. It is super fun hunting game!
When it comes to buying second-hand, sometimes, you cannot expect what you’ll find! When you’re lucky, you can find more than you search. I’ve found Vans shoes and Columbia shoes in perfect condition and perfect size! Have I mentioned about a full set of wooden tableware I found recently only for 900¥? If you can’t find something you want, be patience, it’s not the end of the world. Maybe God is saying that it’s better to not having all of them at one time! At least, that’s what I believe hahaha
As you have read all benefits of buying second-hand items above, now I will give some tips how to shop second-hand! Mostly, I use these steps when I buy second-hand garments, but other items than that are also applicable too. If you’re buying other than garments, please at least read point ①③⑤⑥. So, here are the tips!
1. Make a list!
Making a shopping list is really helpful narrowing your search. Just simply write lists in your smart phone or scrapped paper can help you for better navigation and save more time. Stop buying what-if occasion stuffs and buy ONLY the things that meet your needs!
2. Dress lightly!
When I have a plan to buy second hand clothes, I usually wear a tank top inside my jacket and jogging pants, so I can easily try on any items without taking much time to take them off. It’s so time saving!
3. Bring your own bag!
Used goods usually come unpackaged, but the store itself provides you plastic bags as the part of their service. But, you can easily refuse it by bringing your own bag to the store. Remember, no need for excessive plastic bags :)
4. Search for material info! Not the looks!
When you go to second-hand store, it doesn’t mean you just randomly pick whatever items with the cheapest price. Shop smart and check the label info before you buy! The looks can deceive you, but label info can’t. It won’t lie. I sometimes find clothes with typical design I like, but if they are made from synthetic fabric, I’ll definitely give up on them. I search not only for the looks, but also the quality. For clothes (except for athletic ware), I always favor for 100% natural fiber as it will last me for long time and require low maintenance than synthetic one. However, synthetic mixed fabrics can have very similar looks with clothes with natural fibers, so to make it sure you need to touch it and check the label.
5. Inspect thoroughly!
When buying second-hand you need to be really aware of the smallest detail. I always check thoroughly and carefully for every item I’d like to purchase, whether it has holes, stain or other defects. In Japan, they have quality ranges from AA (very good), A (good), B (decent), C (poor). So, the staff usually differ the price when the items in AA condition. But searching second-hand clothes in Indonesia is different. You need to see meticulously for every item you’d like to buy.
6. Search the one with resale value!
Searching something that has resale value is one thing you need to consider too. So, when you are bored with your clothes but they’re in pretty decent condition, you can resale it again for someone who may love it more than you. It helps your wardrobe regulation out of landfill.
7. Try it on!
When you have clothes you like, don’t hesitate to try it on just to make sure it looks good on you. Maybe you find little bigger size, but unsure whether it still good on you or not. Or maybe you like particular design, but unsure because you rarely wear such design. Don’t waste your time and go to the change room! :)
There are so much fun buying second-hand than a new one! This is an alternative to lessen consumerism in our throwaway society! In my wardrobe, ¼ of them are probably come from second-hand store. I personally think shopping second hand is really a great way to fill your stylish needs while saving money and helping the environment.
Have not convinced yet? Give second-hand treasure hunt a try! :)
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