Pre-owned Fashion Deserves a Second Chance in South Africa

What Is Happening In Our Backyard

As South Africans, it’s important for us to know the facts. A recent legal review reported that only about 13% of textiles in South Africa are recycled, and less than 1% is recycled back into the supply chain.

Approximately 62% of apparel production waste is sent directly to landfills, highlighting the severe lack of reuse and recycling.

Why These Numbers Matter For Pre-owned Fashion

Landfill overload

South Africa recycles just 13%, so most discarded items end up in landfill, clogging space and harming ecosystems. Repurposing pre-owned fashion helps prevent this.

Environmental cost

Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics. Dyes and decomposing textiles pollute water and soil. Giving garments a second life directly reduces their impact.

Circular opportunity

With almost no textile-to-textile recycling available in South Africa, buying and selling pre-owned fashion helps keep clothes in use for longer — instead of adding to landfill. This is part of building a circular economy, where fashion is reused, not wasted.

Economic benefit

Turning pre-owned garments into wearable, desirable style offers real value to customers and supports local businesses, rather than fueling the waste stream.

The Stigma

The old view of second-hand fashion — cluttered, worn, and forgotten.

Let’s be honest — second-hand fashion still carries a stigma. People often picture hand-me-downs, falling-apart shoes, and worn-out stuff someone should have donated.

Even the word “thrift” feels off to me. I used to visit those markets — it was “old”-smelling, faded clothes and rails of items that looked like a garage sale.

Things are very different today.

Pre-Owned Is The New Normal

Pre-owned fashion has changed — and not just here in South Africa. Around the world, people are choosing second-hand for the style, the savings, and the sustainability. Platforms like Love Luxury are reselling high-end pieces like Hermès and Chanel and doing it in curated boutiques, not flea markets.

It is no longer unusual to see someone proudly carrying a pre-owned or vintage designer bag.

Where The Shopping Cart Comes In

Karen Millen Dress - Luxury with a second life.

As time passes, our size fluctuates, our style changes, and we are left with clothes that just do not work anymore — some worn once, some forgotten, and some bought in every colour “just in case.”

Queue The Shopping Cart. We give these barely-worn, often standout pieces the chance to shine, ready to offer you that feeling of confidence when you find your perfect fit — giving fashion a new lease on life. We want to reduce waste and promote recycling. This is why we use recycled packaging where possible.

An additional perk — as these pieces were once “owned,” worn or not, this reduces the for-sale price. Every item is something we would proudly wear ourselves.

We have one country. Let us keep her safe.

Ready For Pre-owned?

Pre-owned Zara dress, restyled with ease — proof that great fashion deserves a second round.

Whether you are looking for something designer or that staple basic, we have a variety of pre-owned options — from dresses to shoes and handbags, including luxury brands. We offer peace of mind and you never need to worry about being scammed. All our pieces on The Shopping Cart includes detailed descriptions and photos, so you always know what you are getting. No surprises.

We want you to be happy and look your best.