The Best Websites for Ethically Updating Your Wardrobe
Autumn is officially in full swing, meaning now is the time to start revamping your wardrobe for the colder months to come.
But even though temperatures are dropping, the world is literally on fire, in case you haven’t noticed. As you buy things like clothes, it’s also important to think about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which emits more carbon than international flights and maritime shipping combined.
There’s already more than enough clothing that already exists in the world to help satisfy all your wardrobe needs. Of course, you can go to your regular thrift store to try to score some fall trends, but sometimes you just want to online shop. Thankfully, the future is now, meaning secondhand shopping or renting clothes from the comfort of your home has never been easier.
Below, here are our favorite destinations for sustainable secondhand shopping and renting online.
Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway San Francisco Ribbon Cutting with Mayor London BreedIf you’ve ever felt like your wallet can’t keep up with your ever-evolving clothing style, Rent the Runway is the perfect solution. Their system allows you to rent a number of articles of clothing at a time from a vast array of popular designers. Their most popular plan gets you eight pieces for $99 for the first two months. You can keep the clothes as long as you want until you decide it’s time to try something else. If you just can’t bear to say goodbye, you can buy a piece for a discounted price.
Shop here.
Nuuly
Do you ever find yourself browsing Free People’s website, mindlessly adding items to your cart, until you’ve suddenly accumulated thousands of dollars worth of clothes that you’ll realistically never own? We understand. Thankfully, URBN—the parent company of Urban Outfitters, Anthropolige, and Free People—has a clothing rental service called Nuuly, whereby you can get six pieces every month for $88. Because let’s face it, there’s a good chance you’re spending that much a month on those brands, anyway.
Shop here.Fashion to Figure Closet
It’s a disappointing fact that the vast majority of the fashion industry only serves women who are thin. The average American woman is between a size 16-18, although most major retailers usually only carry up to a 12 or 14 (if they have those sizes in stock, that is). The few plus size options that are out there also tend to be picked over, ill-fitting, or not as trendy as their straight-sized counterparts. That’s where Fashion to Figure Closet comes in—a clothing subscription service that’s meant specifically for women between sizes 12-24, and XL to 3XL.
FTF Closet allows you to choose a certain number of pieces for a flat monthly rate, depending on which tier of membership you choose. Whether you’re looking for professional office wear or a chic piece for your next night out (whenever that is), FTF Closet means you don’t have to miss out on the latest trends.
Shop here.
The RealReal
We get it—sometimes you just have to be a brand snob. If you’re looking to treat yourself while also treating the world nicely, The RealReal is your answer. The luxury consignment shop has become a go-to for fashionistas everywhere, offering just about every designer brand under the sun from Chanel to Off-White. You’re bound to find a steal, and nobody will know it was secondhand.
Shop here.
Etsy
Many thrift junkies already know of uber-popular thrifting apps like Depop and Poshmark. Though Etsy is by no means new to the online thrifting game, it’s a great place to score vintage pieces if you find that the influx of Depop resellers has been watering your choices down. Search for clothing brands you love, and go ahead and take a gander at home decor items as well. And, pro tip: Always sort your searches from low to high.
Shop here.
