Sustainable Fashion: Our top HK destinations to shop or donate preloved clothes
Adapted from original article published on Sept 20 2022.
Space in Hong Kong is limited. We feel the squeeze of our apartment, and see our closets filled up to the brim at the start of every season. When we decide it is finally time to declutter...what should we do with the clothes we once loved, anyway?
Please, do not mention the garbage bin. On average, 400 tons of textiles – equivalent to four swimming pools’ worth of clothes - are dumped into Hong Kong’s landfills every day. Popular clothing brands like Cotton On, Uniqlo, Zara, and H&M have initiated second-hand collection and recycling programs, which allows us to donate old clothes irrespective of the brand or condition. Still, textile waste remains a significant issue facing our environment today.
As this summer comes to an end, there’s no excuse for us not to opt for sustainable shopping options. For those looking to donate, sell, or shop sustainably at alternative shops, there are options according to your shopping preferences. Here is a list of shops, online stores, and charities where you can donate used clothing or purchase second-hand items in excellent condition, including high-end fashion.
1.For those who prefer shopping in person
Salvation Army Family Stores
With 15 locations across Hong Kong, the Salvation Army Family Store has long been a haven for those who enjoy thrift shopping for second-hand clothing and unique finds. Prices are affordable, with the added benefit of reducing waste and discovering unique items. Here you can find an ever-changing collection of second-hand clothing, books, home décor, and other knick-knacks. The stores also operate as collection points for your used clothes, books, and household items, allowing you to shop guilt-free after making room in your apartment.
Locations on Hong Kong Island:
· Aberdeen: No. 218, Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen
· Chai Wan: Shop 29-30, Yue On House, Yue Wan Estate, Chai Wan
· Kennedy Town: Shop A, G/F., Ivy On Belcher's, 26 Belcher's Street, Western District
· North Point: Shop B,39 Java Road, North Point
· Sai Wan Ho: G/F, Shop 1, i-UniQ Grand, 147-157 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho
· Tin Hau: Shops 1-4, G/F, Hing Hon Building, 26-36 King's Road, Tin Hau
· Wanchai: G/F &1/ F, Tiffan Tower, 199 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai
Green Ladies & Green Little
Green Ladies, a social enterprise by St. James Settlement, is the first social eco-enterprise operated by a consignment model in Hong Kong. Simply put, this means that you can make some extra cash while supporting an eco-friendly business. In addition to promoting sustainable fashion through consignment, the organization also supports employment among middle-aged women. Green Ladies has also branched out to children’s range – Green Little – so you can sell your branded children’s clothes. The price range is higher than your typical thrift stores, but you’re likely to find more high-end brands and quality pieces here. On the Hong Kong side, there are two outlets in Wan Chai, though consignment slots are almost always filled for months on end at these stores. You’d have better luck at their Tsuen Wan outlet if you’d like to sell your clothes.
Locations on Hong Kong Island:
· Wan Chai C C Wu Branch: Shop 8-9, UG, C. C. Wu Shopping Arcade, 302-308 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
· Wan Chai Blue House Outlet: G/F, 4 Hing Wan Street, Wanchai
Website: https://www.gl.sjs.org.hk/
Mee & Gee
Perhaps one of the city’s most popular destinations for second-hand vintage clothing, Mee & Gee is a treasure-trove for affordable items as low as HK$10. While they do not accept clothing donations, if you’re looking for a blazer for work or a funky costume for a party, Mee & Gee has them – somewhere among the racks. If you have the time and patience to go through the large inventory and tightly packed racks, you can find fantastic items, from Japanese vintage dresses to European formal wear to Hawaiian shirts. Do note though, they do not allow you to try on any clothes and do not accept refund, so check before your purchase.
Locations on Hong Kong Island:
· Central: 9 Li Yuen St W, Central
· Wan Chai: 3 Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai
Website: https://www.facebook.com/meegeeco/
Located in Causeway Bay, A break 93 specializes in selling branded pre-owned clothing, channelling unsold items to charities, or offering them at discounted rates after 40 days. They accept consignments on seasonal branded women’s clothing, menswear, bags, and shoes. Besides their physical store, their online shop showcases a diverse collection of women apparels.
Location: 4/F No.8, Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay
Website: https://www.abreak93.com/
Hula
Hula serves as an online platform retailing preloved designer women's wear from renowned brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. For those eager to try on items before purchase, Hula provides in-person appointments at their Central and Wong Chuk Hang locations, offering a first look at items not yet featured on their website.
Locations on Hong Kong Island:
· Central: G/F 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central
· Wong Chuk Hang: 5A Evergreen Industrial Mansion, 12 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang
Retykle
Moms with little growing giants - here’s something for you. Founded with the aim to recirculate the high rotation of children’s items, Retykle is an online platform for second-hand baby and kids' clothes, preloved maternity wear, and nursery goods. You can find preloved clothes up to 90% off or sell on Retykle’s online store, if your items fall under their list of brands and recycling criteria. Offering collection, cleaning, and delivery services, Retykle allows for cash or credit redemption post-sale. Items that do not meet their donation standards will be redirected to charity donations.
Website: https://retykle.com/
2. For those on a lookout for community events
JupYeah
JupYeah, meaning 'to take things’ or ‘pack up' in Cantonese, stands as an online platform fostering community sharing. Whether it's surplus clothes, shoes, electronics, stationery, or even items for pets, you can list them on the website for sale. Similarly, you can 'jup' items that catch your eye with no monetary exchange. JupYeah aims to cultivate a culture of sharing, and regularly organizes events and workshops to address waste management. Keep an eye out for their physical events and pop-ups on their social platforms.
Website: https://www.jupyeah.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jupyeah/ Instagram: @jupyeah
Swop Society
Organized by a community of fashion enthusiasts who are passionate about circular wardrobe rotation, Swop Society hosts pop-up swop events throughout Hong Kong as an accessible alternative to purchasing brand new items. Bring in your preloved items and trade them for the number of items you bring in. This community-driven approach promotes mindful consumption, allowing us to detox and trade items with value for value.
Website: https://www.swopsoc.com/
TOP Swop by Take Out Plastic
Take Out Plastic is a community-wide movement to reduce single-used plastics. Since its inception it has launched an array of sustainable community programs, including TOP Swop – a monthly, clothes swapping event run by volunteers. Participate in their events to exchange items and meet like-minded individuals committed to sustainability. Also, check out Take Out Plastic’s website for more information on recycling in Hong Kong.
3. For those who just want to get rid of their clothes
If you are looking for a place to recycle used clothes, Hong Kong has no shortage of charities who can benefit. With clothing collection banks conveniently located all around our neighbourhood, there is no excuse to clog up our landfills.
Community Used Clothes Recycling Bank Scheme
A government initiative operated by four NGOs – Friends of the Earth, Christian Action, Salvation Army, and Conservancy Association, used clothing are collected and redistributed to the less fortunate. Currently, there are 16 used clothes recycling banks in the Central and Western district, 13 in Wan Chai district, 9 in the Southern district and 15 in Eastern district. Keep an eye out for the colourful bins as you roam the streets – it might be just at your doorstep.
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth has set up over 200 used clothes collection points around Hong Kong, among which 61 are set up in housing estates all over the Hong Kong island. Collected items like clothes, shoes, and handbags would then be sent to the less fortunate or resold to places with high demand for used clothes. Proceeds made from the programme will be used in the operation and education work of Friends of the Earth.
Website: https://www.foe.org.hk/
Christian Action
Christian Action accepts all sorts of donations including brand-new or used clothing, accessories, toys, shoes, handbags, books, small appliances, and housewares. The items will then either be sold through Christian Action’s Community Sales Outlets or distributed to their beneficiaries in Hong Kong and rural areas in Qinghai, China. To know more about their Green Collection Programme, visit their website for more details.
Website: christian-action.org.hk
