Second Hand September 2025

Second Hand September is an annual campaign that encourages people to avoid buying new clothes for the entire month of September. It aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and promote more sustainable ways of consuming fashion. By participating, individuals can reduce waste, support second-hand markets, and contribute to the global effort to slow down the harmful effects of overproduction and overconsumption in the fashion industry.

What is Second Hand September?

Second Hand September is a movement launched to encourage people to rethink their fashion habits and embrace second-hand shopping. With the fashion industry being one of the largest contributors to pollution, the campaign highlights the importance of reducing demand for new clothing and choosing pre-loved items instead. The campaign also supports circular fashion, which aims to extend the life of garments, reduce textile waste, and lessen the industry’s environmental footprint.

When is Second Hand September?

Second Hand September is observed throughout the month of September each year. It invites participants to commit to not buying new clothing for the 30 days of the month. This is a time to explore thrift stores, online second-hand marketplaces, vintage shops, or even swap clothes with friends and family. The goal is to make more conscious decisions about what we wear and how it affects the planet.

How to Get Involved

Here are several ways to take part in Second Hand September and make a positive impact:

• Shop Second-Hand: Visit local thrift stores, vintage shops, or explore online marketplaces to find unique, pre-loved fashion items. By buying second-hand, you reduce demand for new clothes and help keep textiles out of landfills.
• Host a Clothing Swap: Organise a clothing swap event with friends, family, or your community. Swapping clothes is a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without buying anything new.
• Repair and Reuse: Instead of discarding damaged clothes, learn basic sewing or take your items to a tailor to extend their life. Repairing garments helps reduce waste and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Donate Unwanted Clothes: If you have clothes you no longer wear, consider donating them to charities or thrift stores. Donating helps extend the life cycle of clothing and supports communities in need.
• Raise Awareness: Share your Second Hand September journey on social media, using hashtags and encouraging others to join the movement. Highlight the benefits of second-hand shopping and sustainable fashion choices.

History of Second Hand September

Second Hand September was launched by Oxfam in 2019 as part of its ongoing effort to promote sustainable fashion and reduce the environmental impact of clothing production. Since its inception, the campaign has grown into a global movement, with thousands of participants joining each year to challenge the norms of fast fashion. The campaign aims to shift consumer behavior towards more mindful shopping practices and to support second-hand markets as a key part of the solution to the fashion industry’s waste problem.

Relevant Hashtags

Join the conversation and spread the word about sustainable fashion with these hashtags:

• #SecondHandSeptember
• #SustainableFashion
• #FashionRevolution
• #ShopSecondHand
• #ThriftedFashion