Let’s talk about a key aspect of sustainability in fashion: buying and selling pre-loved clothing. With growing awareness of mass production and overconsumption, more Australians are shifting their spending habits to embrace sustainability. Building an eco-friendly wardrobe looks different for everyone, but buying pre-loved items is a great start. It not only extends the life of clothing but also adds unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to your collection. Why blend in when you can stand out? To explore this further, we spoke with Let’s Take Two, a Fitzroy-based Rent-A-Rack store that sells pre-loved clothing, footwear, and accessories. Read on to learn how they make sustainable fashion accessible and how you can incorporate it into your life.
How can we take the first step into buying pre-loved fashion in an industry that is so largely based on fluctuating trends and what’s-hot-what’s not?
Whatever the current trend may be; low-rise jeans, animal prints, skirts, bucket hats, – you can find it preloved as most of these “trends” have already circulated more than once in the fashion sphere. However, the best part of thrifting is finding something special just for you, something you love – not necessarily what’s trending.
According to a 2024 report from eBay, 70 per cent of Australians surveyed own at least one pre-loved fashion item, and 31 percent are actively trying to avoid contributing to fast fashion. It’s awesome to see Aussies becoming more aware of sustainable choices! Having worked in the fashion industry my whole life, I’ve witnessed firsthand the waste created by fast fashion.
What elements should you look out for in a garment or accessory when buying pre-loved fashion?
We often see two types of shoppers: those on the hunt for something specific and those casually browsing until they find that one piece they fall in love with. “Quality is key,” we tell them. When selecting an item, examine it closely. We only accept pieces in good condition, or we ask clients to note any issues, like a missing button. We even partner with a local seamstress in Clifton Hill to repair quality items at our own expense if needed, though occasionally something might slip through the cracks.
For longevity, we always encourage shoppers to look for second-hand pieces made from natural fibres like linen, cotton, and wool. These materials not only last longer but maintain their shape and integrity better over time, making them a smart, sustainable choice.
Do you believe buying pre-loved items is the next vital step away from impulse purchases or have we not quite transitioned away from that behaviour yet?
Preloved seems to be not a trend, it’s a new, sensible and sustainable way of shopping. It’s not just buying preloved items that is the next step; it’s also selling them. That’s why we decided to provide a space to allow people to sell their items.
Buying preloved is also educational as customers realise how much they have been spending on new clothes – preloved items are generally priced at or below 1/3 the original, so this is surely going to affect our buying habits into the future.
How have you seen the pre-loved and vintage market evolve in Melbourne and do you feel it is growing at a promising rate?
A common misconception is that rent-a-rack stores, including ours, are solely vintage shops. While we do feature vintage pieces, our collection encompasses a wide variety of styles. For instance, one rack showcases items from a high-powered executive who has chosen to downsize and embrace minimalism, passing on her cherished possessions for others to enjoy. This rack is filled with high-end brands, many worn only once or twice for corporate events.
We also offer a rack curated by a designer specialising in vintage items, providing an authentic selection. Additionally, a well-known Melbourne celebrity is selling her collection of Adidas Originals, alongside racks from individuals simply decluttering their closets.
Overall, the vintage market is thriving and evolving, expanding beyond vintage alone to include an increasing range of pre-loved fashion.
Is maintenance and care of a used item trickier than buying it firsthand? How can we keep these items in their usability loop for long?
Preloved items should be treated as you would a new item, they have just been loved a bit longer, that’s all!
Care will depend on the item, for example, leather and denim will be better than new if it’s been used and loved. When you buy pre-loved, treat them well, follow the care instructions, store them correctly and eventually sell or donate them back into the mix – they will probably be classed as vintage at that stage!
A stigma exists for some consumers around buying ‘used’ clothes, as well as social pressure to constantly buy new items. Have you encountered this while setting up your business?
I understand that this may have been the case in the past. My father-in-law once asked if people were embarrassed to buy used clothes, which suggests there might be a generational stigma attached to second-hand shopping. However, times have changed. I recently read that Gen Z is leading the charge in the second-hand market, with 80% of them purchasing pre-loved goods.
That said, it’s not just younger generations embracing this shift. I have many wonderful older clients in Fitzroy who fully support the circular economy and love the concept of renting a rack and buying pre-loved pieces.
Cultural differences may also play a role. I grew up in Hong Kong, where second-hand stores were quite rare. Meanwhile, places like Japan, Korea, Thailand, and, of course, Melbourne have had thriving markets for buying and selling used clothing for as long as I can remember.
How can I become part of this sustainable movement – is it easy to rent a rack?
It’s very easy! Simply go online, register, and choose a rack and the system will create swing tags. Bring your items into the store and start selling. You can choose to rent your rack for a duration of six or 12 days- with the option of extending the rental if needed. It’s as easy as that!
Learn more about Let’s Take Two or rent a rack below.
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