Used clothing shopping trend threat to fast fashion in Türkiye

Türkiye’s youth shopping trend signals a growing awareness among of the need for more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in the fashion industry.

Türkiye is grappling with the environmental consequences arising from its fashion industry. Statistics reveal that nearly 25 percent of the youth in Türkiye frequently renew their wardrobes, inspired by fast fashion outlets, contributing to harmful landfill waste and excessive carbon emissions.

A ray of hope is the rising popularity of thrift shopping, which not only addresses the textile waste crisis but also fosters recycling and nature preservation.

The secondhand market is flourishing, as consumers gain a deeper appreciation for nature and the need for sustainable practices,” said an Istanbul-based antiquarian.

Advocates for the secondhand market emphasized its role in the circular economy. Unlike fast fashion, which produces lower-quality garments often discarded after a mere 10 wears, thrift shopping offers longer-lasting clothes that can be resold multiple times, creating less waste.

As more consumers in Türkiye realize the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment and labor, they are choosing secondhand apparel as a more sustainable and socially acceptable In the past, wearing used clothes was seen as normal, but with the rise of industrialization and mass production, it became stigmatized. However, as times change, especially for students with limited budgets, buying secondhand clothes has become a practical and environmentally conscious choice.

Proponents of used clothing say modern clothing lacks the durability and quality found in older garments, which could last for a decade or more.



This shift in production and consumer behavior has led to an abundance of textile waste, particularly affecting underdeveloped and Third World countries.

To combat this waste, they suggest thrift stores like Topkapi Bit Pazar, Ferikoy Bit Pazar, Bakirkoy, and popular e-commerce platforms like Letgo and Dolap in Istanbul, where people can find unique vintage pieces and contribute to a more sustainable future.