Secondhand September and the Case for Sustainable Uniforms
Each September, a growing movement challenges consumers to pause before purchasing something new. Known as Secondhand September, this campaign encourages people to shop preloved items instead of buying brand-new clothing, reducing textile waste and extending the lifespan of garments. While many think of thrifted fashion as everyday wear, there’s one category that often gets overlooked in the sustainability conversation: uniforms.
Uniforms—military, school, corporate, or service-based—carry both practical and symbolic value. They represent professionalism, identity, and tradition. But they also come with a high environmental footprint, from the specialized fabrics used for durability to the strict manufacturing standards required for consistency. With rising costs in both textile production and consumer goods, the resale and repurposing of uniforms has never been more relevant.
Why Uniforms Belong in the Secondhand Conversation
Unlike fast fashion, uniforms are built to last. Military fatigues, service dress coats, and workwear are designed with durability, weather resistance, and years of use in mind. When these garments enter the secondhand market, they often retain much of their integrity and function. Buying secondhand uniforms not only saves money but also diverts high-quality textiles from landfills.
In the military and professional worlds, secondhand uniforms can also help with accessibility. New recruits, students, and employees often face the financial burden of outfitting themselves to regulation standards. Purchasing used uniforms—whether from surplus stores, online resellers, or consignment shops—offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution without compromising appearance.
The Environmental Impact
Globally, the textile industry contributes significantly to carbon emissions and water consumption. By extending the life of a single uniform, we reduce the demand for new production and ease the strain on resources. Secondhand September highlights how individual choices, such as buying a preloved blazer or pair of trousers, add up to systemic change. In the case of uniforms, the effect is amplified because these garments are typically replaced on a schedule rather than worn until they are threadbare. That means there is a consistent stream of gently used uniforms available for recirculation.
Beyond the Rack: Resale, Consignment, and Community
Uniform consignment has become a quiet but powerful sector of the resale economy. Parents of students, graduating cadets, and retiring professionals often pass on uniforms through formal exchange programs or local consignment shops. Some military families even set up informal “uniform swaps” to ease costs for incoming members. This not only supports sustainability but also fosters community and tradition, ensuring that garments with history continue to serve a purpose.
One particular need is for maternity uniforms. These uniforms are worn for a short amount of time and are typically in excellent condition, but sometimes difficult to procure.
A Call to Action
This Secondhand September, consider looking beyond everyday fashion and thinking about uniforms. Whether you’re joining a service organization, outfitting a student, or entering the workforce, choosing secondhand uniforms can reduce waste, save money, and honor the craftsmanship built into these garments.
Sustainability isn’t just about style—it’s about responsibility. And with uniforms, the case for secondhand isn’t just practical; it’s powerful. At Second Tour Uniforms, our inventory comes from service members who no longer wear or need their uniforms. They receive 50 - 70% of the final selling price of the uniforms they consign with us. Our customers are active duty service members who are looking for an alternative to paying full retail price for uniform pieces they need.