National Secondhand Wardrobe Day

National Secondhand Wardrobe Day is observed on August 25 and is the perfect holiday for anyone who values vintage style, saving money, and caring for the environment. By purchasing secondhand clothes, we can help reduce unnecessary consumption and keep perfectly wearable clothing out of landfills.

History

It is unclear who first established National Secondhand Wardrobe Day on August 25. The date may relate to the end of the summer holiday season, when many people organize their wardrobes to store away summer clothes and prepare for the coming colder months.

The tradition of reusing and passing down clothing is centuries old. Before the Industrial Revolution, new clothes were expensive and out of reach for many. Families often passed garments down from older to younger children, and it was common for wealthier individuals to give their gently used items to those less fortunate. This practice is reflected in American and European literature and is still common in many households today.

Interesting Facts

Every year, approximately 10.5 million tons of clothing end up in landfills. This is especially wasteful given that it takes about 700 gallons of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt. The planet’s resources are limited, so reusing clothing helps conserve water and reduce waste.

How to Take Part

• Clean out your closet, sort through your clothes, and donate anything you no longer wear to organizations like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or local charities.
• Sell your gently used clothing on platforms such as eBay or Etsy.
• Host your own charity or garage sale to give your clothes a second life.
• Visit a local secondhand or thrift store to find unique additions to your wardrobe.
• Spread the word about the holiday on social media using the hashtag #NationalSecondhandWardrobeDay.

When is National Secondhand Wardrobe Day in 2025?

National Secondhand Wardrobe Day is observed on August 25 each year.

Observations