As Good as New: Exploring the Drivers and Barriers of Second-Hand Clothing Consumption

Abstract

Globally, most of the clothing of textile clothing ends up in landfill or is incinerated. The environmental impacts of the textile industry are driving the need to consider alternative models which would reduce textile waste and increase textile reuse. The selling and consumption of second-hand clothing is one such solution. The Baltic2Hand project aims to promote re-use of textiles and decrease textile waste by developing circular business models and services for consumers in the central Baltic region. Therefore, the identification of drivers and barriers which impact consumer perceptions of second-hand clothing is vital. By reviewing relevant literature this article identifies enablers and barriers which impact upon second-hand textiles being perceived ‘’As Good as New.” The extent to which second-hand clothing retailers can influence upon these drivers and obstacles is also discussed. Within this article, lack of convenient shopping experience and perceptions of lower hygiene are identified as some of main barriers. Considerations for presenting and guarantying the freshness of second-hand clothing, and logically arranging and categorising second-hand clothing in both brick and mortar and online platforms, are recognized as possible solutions.