Second Hand September
Take part in Oxfam’s Second Hand September. Shop second hand to take a stance against fast fashion and dress for a fairer world.
Credit: Sane Seven
Cat Deeley is taking part in Second Hand September, will you join her?
This year, we’re delighted to be working with Cat Deeley as part of Second Hand September.
Cat has shopped second-hand her whole life and loves exploring different charity shops to see what she can find. Cat often wears second-hand clothing while presenting on TV and her wardrobe is full of preloved clothes she’s thrifted over the years.
With shopping second hand, you can find something completely unique, knowing the money has gone to a good cause and you’re giving those clothes a second chance of life. Second hand absolutely does not mean second best!”
Cat Deeley
A woman browses second hand clothes at an Oxfam festival shop at Glastonbury 2023. Photo: Sam Baggette / Oxfam.
What is second hand September?
Second Hand September is a moment for all of us to come together to choose a more planet-friendly way to shop.
There was a time when what we wore meant something. It said something about us and our community. But what does it mean today? A throwaway culture? Planet wrecking waste?
This September, take a stance against the impact of fast fashion by shopping second hand. Reclaim what style stands for. Dress for the world you want to see.
Explore slow fashion, sustainable fashion and ethical fashion, shop and donate second hand and help create a fairer world.
Why Second Hand September?
Fashion has become one of the most polluting industries on the planet.
It’s fuelling climate change. Whilst the people who have done the least to cause the climate crisis are being pushed further into poverty.
There’s mass-pollution from the production and transportation of clothes. A throwaway culture that leaves millions of clothes in landfill every year. And precious resources like water are being used up.
So, by recirculating our clothes – buying, wearing and donating second hand – we can help to reduce the demand. And this can help to reduce the damage to our planet.
Plus by shopping with Oxfam, you’re investing in the vital work our incredible partners and their local communities are doing around the world to fight climate change.
How do I get involved with Second Hand September?
Shop Second Hand with Oxfam
Second Hand September is the perfect time to explore your local Oxfam shop and see what one-of-a-kind treasures you can find.
Donate to recirculate
Second Hand September is a great excuse to have a much-needed wardrobe clear-out. Donating your pre-loved clothes gives them another life and raises vital funds to support our incredible partners around the world.
Explore our partnerships with other organisations
Find out how you can get a £5 M&S voucher just by donating clothes to your local Oxfam shop!
Visit us at one of our events:
- 6-8 September - Goodwood Revival: Oxfam are hosting a block printing workshop
- 12 Sept - Oxfam’s Style for Change Fashion Show - We are so excited to announce a new partnership with Vinted, the leading online marketplace dedicated to second-hand fashion. We’re collaborating on our star-studded fashion show at London Fashion Week this year, as part of Second Hand September. Follow us on Instagram to see behind the scenes, as well as the latest looks from the catwalk.
- 21-22 September - Festival of Thrift
- 20-22 September - Good Clothes Show
- 24 September - Blenheim Palace Re-Fashion Show with Cherwell Collective
- 28-29 September - Kings Cross Classic Car Boot Show
Dress for the World You Want this Second Hand September
Who can take part in Second Hand September?
Whatever your style, whatever your budget, Second Hand September is for everyone. Over the past few years, thousands of people have taken up the challenge of dressing for the world they want to see.
You can find inspiration by searching #SecondHandSeptember on Instagram – it's full of photos of people sharing the second hand gems they’ve found. You can also find some great tips on the Oxfam blog.
We've got a fantastic Fashion Detective Quiz for you to take part in! See if you can spot the designer gems in these second-hand hauls, without looking at the labels! Can you guess them all?
Olly Ross
Never taken part in Second Hand September?
Need some inspiration to take part? Read our 6 reasons to get involved in Second Hand September or learn how to go second hand beyond September.
Oxfam's guide to sustainable shopping
Not sure exactly where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered with some tips and product recommendations.
Download a ‘NO MORE FASHION VICTIMS’ Poster
British Fashion Designer and activist Katharine Hamnett is supporting Second Hand September this year by lending her famed ‘NO MORE FASHION VICTIMS’ slogan to the campaign. The slogan will appear on a limited edition run of donated second-hand t-shirts from Oxfam and will be sold in Oxfam shops from 1st September onwards. You can also show your support by downloading the poster.
Find your local Oxfam shop
Use our handy shop finder to see which Oxfam shop is closest to you.
Shop online with us
Find sustainable, ethical and second hand treasures on Oxfam's online shop.
Donate your pre-loved clothes
Donate to your local charity shop, by post, or through one of our trusted partners.