The History Behind Second Hand September
September 13, 2024
Written by
Meredith Blechman

The History Behind Second Hand September

Archive is thrilled to be joining forces with nearly 20 of our brand partners in the US and UK to support Second Hand September this year, and to expand the reach and message behind the campaign first launched in 2019 by UK charity organization Oxfam. As this campaign has evolved, we wanted to share a history behind how this movement has grown, as more brands and consumers shift their behavior towards more sustainable shopping habits. 

How it started...

When the campaign initially launched in 2019, consumers were asked to sign up to a pledge to only shop second hand for 30 days. In that first year, over 50,000 people signed the pledge. In the years since, the campaign has evolved to highlight the positive environmental impact of choosing second hand first, and to continue to encourage circular shopping habits such as reselling, buying second hand, recycling, repairing, and donating. Numerous celebrities and influencers have helped to champion Second Hand September over the years, including Stella Tenant, Michaela Coel, Sienna Miller, Felicity Jones, and Miquita Oliver. In 2021, Emma Watson wore a dress created by designer Harris Reed from wedding dresses found in Oxfam shops. Oxfam has also hosted shows at London Fashion Week, which they will do again this year, helping to put pre-loved style on the fashion agenda.

Learn more

Looking to participate in Second Hand September? In the UK, you can shop second hand items at Oxfam stores or online. By shopping with Oxfam, money is raised to support people facing the worst effects of the climate crisis. You can also visit the Archive Second Hand September online hub, which aggregates all of the exciting activities hosted by our brand partners. We will update this regularly, adding new announcements throughout the month.

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