Circular Fashion: More Than Just Thrifting — A Movement That’s Here to Stay
- Amy Spark
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Let’s face it: fashion is fun, expressive, and empowering — but it also has a footprint. From overstuffed landfills to underpaid garment workers, the fast fashion industry has taken a toll. But there’s good news: consumers are getting smarter, and circular fashion is redefining what it means to dress with intention.
At FashionHumble.com, we believe style should be thoughtful, not disposable. That’s why we’re diving into the world of circular fashion — what it means, why it matters, and how it goes far beyond the thrift store rack. Whether you’re a seasoned secondhand shopper or just curious about eco-friendly fashion
swaps, this guide is for you.
♻️ What Is Circular Fashion?
Circular fashion is a system designed to keep clothing in use for as long as possible — through rewearing, reselling, recycling, repairing, and repurposing. Unlike the traditional linear model (make → wear → toss), circular fashion loops garments back into the system, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Think of it like giving your wardrobe a longer life cycle. Instead of one-time trends, circular fashion encourages us to shop for the long haul — with meaning, not just mood boards.
👗 Circular Fashion ≠ Just Thrifting
A common misconception? That circular fashion is only about digging through your local Goodwill bins. And while thrifting is a core part of the movement (we love a vintage gem!), circular fashion includes so much more:
Online resale platforms like ThredUP and Poshmark
Peer-to-peer swapping
Repair services & tailoring
Rental models (think Rent the Runway or HURR)
Upcycling and garment redesign
Take-back programs by sustainable brands
The point? Circular fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s an ecosystem — and there’s a role for everyone.
🛍️ Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Here’s the deal: over 100 billion garments are produced each year, and a shocking 92 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfills annually. That’s equivalent to a garbage truck of clothing being burned or buried every second.
Fast fashion made clothing cheaper and more accessible — but at a massive cost to the planet and people. Circular fashion pushes back against that by valuing longevity, care, and community over consumption.
When we buy secondhand, repair what we already own, or shop from resale platforms, we’re not just saving money — we’re actively reducing demand for virgin production.
🌐 ThredUP: The OG of Online Thrifting
Let’s talk about one of our favorite platforms in the resale game: ThredUP.
More than just a digital thrift store, ThredUP has become a powerhouse of circular fashion, making it incredibly easy to shop and sell pre-loved clothing — from everyday basics to premium designer pieces.
What sets it apart?
Massive selection: Women’s, kids, maternity, and even designer items
Clean UI: Filter by brand, condition, color, size — it’s thrift made modern
Clean Out Kits: Want to sell your clothes? Order a kit, fill it with pieces you’re done with, and send it back (they handle the rest)
It’s circular fashion with a side of convenience — and that’s why we’re big fans.
🛍️ Shop 10 Circular Style Picks We Love on ThredUP
(We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting slow fashion content.)
From vintage gems to designer steals, these are our latest faves — all sustainably sourced and style-forward.
Butter Yellow Ruffle Dress – $45.99
Alamour butter yellow mini dress 
Justdrew polka dot skirt 
Free People Patchwork Jacket
Nicholas maxi length Cardigan 
Mara Hoffman Preloved Summer Dress 
Sarto by Fanco Sarto Cowboy Boots in Cream 
Bailey 44 Lace Dress with Button Closure
Ballerina Flats (Like New) – $54.49
Margaux Ballerina Flat in Cream
✨ Click each to shop via ThredUP. Inventory changes fast, so snag them while they’re in stock!
🔄 Other Thrift Stores Doing It Right
While ThredUP leads the charge online, there are tons of other amazing resale stores that deserve love — both local gems and digital innovators.
✨
If you’re into indie aesthetics and street style, Depop is your playground. It’s peer-to-peer, so you’re shopping directly from other fashion lovers. You’ll find everything from Y2K corsets to vintage Levi’s — and sometimes even upcycled or reworked items.
🧵
This chain brings IRL and online secondhand together, curating trend-forward pieces and encouraging in-store trade-ins. Think of it as a Gen Z-friendly version of consignment shopping.
👖
Luxury lovers, this one’s for you. The RealReal specializes in authenticated secondhand designer goods. It’s circular fashion at the highest tier — minus the markup and guilt.
🔗 Pro tip: We’ll be linking to our favorite picks from these platforms regularly — stay tuned in the Shop section.
💡 How to Participate in the Circular Fashion Movement
You don’t have to overhaul your whole wardrobe to be circular. Start small and build from there:
Buy less, but better: Prioritize quality over quantity
Shop secondhand first: Whether it’s ThredUP, a local thrift, or Depop
Repair and rewear: A small fix can bring a favorite piece back to life
Host a swap: Trade clothes with friends or through online swap groups
Resell or donate mindfully: Give your clothes a second chance
Sustainability is not about perfection — it’s about progress.
✨ Circular = Chic
At FashionHumble, we believe that style doesn’t have to cost the earth — and circular fashion proves that. Whether it’s a pre-loved designer dress from ThredUP or a $27 vintage find from a local thrift, what matters is intention.
Circular fashion is where personal style meets planetary care. It’s not just a trend — it’s a return to fashion that values longevity, creativity, and community.
🛍️ Ready to refresh your wardrobe with purpose? Explore more eco-friendly fashion edits and curated shopping lists at FashionHumble.com. Follow us on Instagram @fashionhumbleofficial for daily feeds and sustainable style inspo.
