Recently shopping in a second-hand shop in Dublin, I got talking to the shop owner who spoke about how it is becoming increasingly difficult to source good quality used clothing as fast fashion has been rapidly on the rise over the last twenty years. It’s challenging for vintage shop owners to get their hands on non-High Street, obscure brands to hang on their rails to satisfy the avid thrift shoppers.

Nevertheless, the popularity of shopping in charity and thrift shops continues with these retail outlets getting busier all the time. There is a bit of work involved when browsing through second hand clothes as many of us might find we have better hanging in our own wardrobes. But that’s the challenge, to seek out the good finds that are off season and something no one else will have. There is a certain thrill in discovering that alternative quality piece of clothing, at a good price, sometimes donating to a worthy cause.

No longer looked down upon, thrifting is now considered a smarter way of shopping being the environmentally friendly and sustainable choice. Pegged as ‘recommerce’ or the 'anti-fast movement', shoppers are becoming swappers believing in ‘out with the old old, in with the new old.’ There are many popular online platforms where you can buy and sell clothes, like Vinted and Depop. Although I haven’t used them, they are ideal for making some extra cash or finding branded items for less.

The thrifting or second-hand market is only going in one direction. Now with big fashion brands increasingly embracing this ideal, it feels like the future is only getting brighter for the circular economy.