usedclothing

Used clothing, also known as secondhand clothing, refers to garments that have been previously worn and are resold, donated, or recycled. It includes thrifted items, vintage pieces, and consignments for resale. The used-clothing sector operates through charity shops, independent thrift stores, online marketplaces, and wholesale recyclers, and it intersects with both consumer fashion and textile recycling streams.

Sorting and processing: Donated garments are sorted by condition, type, size, and season. Usable items may be sold in retail channels or donated to communities; damaged or unsellable textiles may be recycled into rags, insulation, or new fibers through mechanical or chemical recycling. Global trade of used clothes has grown since the late 20th century and involves exporters, middlemen, and importing markets.

Environmental and social aspects: Reuse extends garment lifespans and can reduce energy and water use compared with new clothing. It also lowers landfill waste. Case studies show mixed effects: it can support livelihoods in low-income regions, but can disrupt local textile mills and create waste if shipments exceed demand. Ethical concerns include labor conditions in sorting centers and chemical contamination in some garments.

Markets and consumers: Consumers buy used clothing in charity shops, thrift chains, flea markets, and online platforms such as Depop, Poshmark, and eBay. Trends include vintage fashion and upcycling. Some brands support used clothing programs or take-back schemes.

Policy and governance: Many countries regulate textile donation, waste management, and import of secondhand clothing. Some regions ban or restrict used-clothing imports to prevent dumping. Certifications and standards address labeling and chemical safety; sustainability labels are emerging.