Latest news with #secondhandfashion
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
From beeswax to baby wipes: how to make your leather last a lifetime
Strong, beautiful and, if well looked after, endlessly long-lasting: leather has long been a staple of many of our wardrobes. And while there are ethical and environmental reasons to consider not buying new leather, the leather items you already own (or buy secondhand) could well outlast you, so it's important to look after them properly. So, how do you make sure your favourite items – from a handbag to a beloved jacket – last so that you can pass them down the generations? The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I spoke to experts to gather their tips and tricks for how best to clean, preserve and repair leather items, so that they keep being useful, and beautiful, for as long as possible. There are four main grades of leather. The highest are full grain and top grain, used for products such as designer handbags. Split leather is more affordable and made from a lower layer of the hide; depending on the way it has been finished, it can be smooth or soft to the touch. Split leather is generally less durable than the higher grades, but it's used for everything from shoes to clothing to upholstery. Bonded leather is essentially a composite material that contains leather fibres, and is cheaper and less durable still. The higher the grade, the longer the leather should last, says Antony Frith, owner of Shoe Healer, traditional cobblers in Doncaster. But you don't need different products or methods to look after the different kinds: 'As a rule, we treat them all the same,' he says. That may be true for most smooth leathers, but textured materials such as suede and nubuck, unusual leathers such as buffalo hide and those with special finishes need a different approach. If you're not sure what kind you're dealing with, take it to a local cobbler for advice. To remove everyday grime from smooth leather, use baby wipes, says Roque Furtado at JT Batchelor, a specialist leather supplier in London. Gently brush off any dry dust or dirt, then wipe over the leather, without scrubbing or rubbing too hard. If the grime is ingrained and that doesn't do the job, the next step is saddle soap, which comes as a bar, paste or spray. 'The spray is generally easiest to use,' Furtado says. JT Batchelor sells US brand Fiebing's, but there are plenty of others available (try Decathlon). Again, brush off dry dirt, then, using a damp cloth, work up a lather with the soap and rub gently over the leather. Rinse the cloth and wipe away any remaining foam. For textured materials such as suede and nubuck, some (including Nike) recommend white vinegar. Put a little vinegar (you can dilute and use half water and half vinegar, if you prefer) on to a lint-free cloth and clean the area gently. Or brush with a suede brush and use a dedicated suede cleaning product. For patent finishes, just use a soft, damp cloth. 'You don't need to buy the products made by the brand selling you the bag or shoes,' says Dai Rees, designer and programme director for craft at the London College of Fashion. 'It will be the same compounds and materials as any other.' Hermès, for example, sells its own glycerine soap bar for leather for £40, while Lincoln Horse Care sells a similar bar for £6.99. Whatever product you use, always test it on a small inconspicuous area first, to check it doesn't alter the finish or affect the colour, and let it dry completely before using it on the rest of the item. How often you should clean your shoes depends on how frequently you wear them, and whether you're traipsing across muddy fields or hopping in and out of Ubers in them. But keeping the leather clean, nourished and in good condition should help them last longer. Aqua Wipes biodegradable plastic-free baby wipes £1.90 for a pack of 56 at Boots£5 for 12 packs of 12 at Amazon Tesco distilled vinegar 35p for 568ml at Tesco Lint-free cleaning cloths £3.99 for five at B&Q Solid glycerine soap for shoes and leather £3.99 for 150ml at Decathlon The Scratch Doctor suede and nubuck cleaner and brush £13.95 at B&Q£13.95 at Amazon What if you get a red wine stain on a cream bag or tomato sauce on a suede jacket? Your chances of getting it out depend somewhat on the kind of leather you have. Leather is generally processed in one of two ways: vegetable tanning or chrome tanning. Chrome creates a resistant surface, while vegetable methods, favoured by high-end and sustainable brands, leave the grain of the leather more open. 'Leather that has been vegetable tanned tends to have a more natural look, with a more open grain. It weathers beautifully, but it is more susceptible to moisture or marks. Chrome tanned leather tends to be smoother to the touch,' says Frith. When red wine splashes on to a chrome-tanned bag, 'it may repel the liquid', he says. But with vegetable tanned or older leather where the grain has opened up, it's likely to stain. That said, you might still be able to save it. First, use saddle soap, then let it dry completely. 'Then you have to recolour it, and the best way to do that is with a spray dye that resurfaces the leather,' Frith says. He recommends Saphir's Tenax leather dye or Magix for smooth leather, while Saphir's Renovétine protects and revives suede and nubuck. There are no guarantees, of course, and as ever, you should test on a small section that can't be seen first. If in doubt, ask a local cobbler or professional cleaner for advice on the best approach. Saphir Tenax leather dye spray £15.95 for 150ml at eBay Magix leather dye spray £9.99 for 180ml at eBay Saphir Renovétine suede reviver spray £16.95 for 200ml at eBay£10.72 for 200ml at Amazon 'Treat leather as the skin it is,' says Sarah Spicer, shoemaker at Green Shoes in Devon. 'It needs to be conditioned and moisturised.' For smooth leather, Frith says, 'the number one rule is that hard polish is no good. You've got to use a cream. If you leave a tin of shoe polish out, it will soon dry up and crack. And it will do the same thing to your shoes or bag. Cream nourishes.' Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Frith recommends Saphir, but there are plenty of other creams on the market. To use it, remove any dirt and make sure the shoes are dry, then apply using a soft cloth in circular motions. Rees, meanwhile, suggests using a soft cloth to apply beeswax (like this one), and Furtado recommends Chelsea Dubbin Leather Food, which has been made since the late 19th century. Apply with a soft cloth and leave overnight to sink in. Some experts recommend applying products like these whenever you clean your shoes, or once every four to six weeks. But don't overdo it, says Spicer. 'You can tell when things have been overconditioned because they feel greasy. You can be sparing.' For nubuck and suede, Furtado says a spray-on waterproofer is all you should use. Tesco and John Lewis stock Cherry Blossom shoe protector to stave off rain damage. Frith says nano sprays are 'superb'. These (such as Crep Protect) form a protective layer against moisture and oils – and might protect against stains, too. Follow the instructions on the packaging to find out how often you should spray them, as this varies. 'We sell some that recommend you spray every three to four weeks, and others that say every six months,' Frith says. If you get caught in the rain, don't dry leather by the radiator and don't use a hairdryer. Let it dry naturally, then treat it again with the right protective product. Saphir Crème Surfine shoe cream £9.75 for 50ml at eBay£9.20 for 50ml at Amazon Beeswax leather balsam £10.95 for 250ml at eBay Cherry Blossom Eco Ultra Repel £5.95 for 100ml at John Lewis Crep Protect £12 at Schuh£12 at JD Sports The Handbag Clinic leather care kit £19.99 at Amazon Always store leather items in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight, says Edyta Knapinska, handbag buyer at John Lewis, as it will prolong their life. Stow handbags in your wardrobe or a cupboard, inside a protective dust bag if you can. Sometimes these are thrown in when you buy a bag. If not, you can buy them (such as these ones made by Hayden Hill) to keep bags clean and dust-free. Dunelm and Ikea have a range of shoe cabinets. Sunlight is particularly damaging when leather is vegetable tanned, as it will literally tan. 'If you keep one shoe in the sun and the other in the shade, the one in the sun will end up darker.' A boot-shaper will help avoid creases and strain on the zip from being folded, while some people swear by shoe trees for looking after favourite shoes, particularly those only worn occasionally. Frith says cedar is the best wood for these – it absorbs moisture and keeps them fresh. When storing leather jackets, Frith says: 'Leather is heavy and if you hang it from one point, it will sag and lose its shape. So use a sturdy hanger, not a coat hook.' Look for broad, rounded ends to keep the shoulders in shape, like on this one from John Lewis. For long-term storage of leather jackets, Frith recommends first airing well (that can be outside, or anywhere air circulates, just not in a wardrobe), then hanging the jacket in a zip-up polythene garment bag. 'Leather takes in moisture from the air and even from our bodies when we use it every day. But when you put these things away for a long time, the leather can dry out,' he says. 'A polythene zip-up bag, like those you get from the dry cleaners, or even just a big polythene bag, will control the airflow. It won't be completely airtight, but it will keep some moisture in and protect the leather from drying out.' Eloise sliding shoe storage cabinet £63.20 at Dunelm Dasco boot shaper £18.50 at Charles Clinkard Suit hanger £8 at John Lewis Moth-proof garment bag £12.22 at Amazon Secondhand leather often has a wonderful patina and lived-in quality. But vintage leather can need a bit of love to bring it back to life. Charity shops and online stores such as Vinted and Vestiaire Collective are great hunting grounds for preloved leather jackets, bags and shoes, but check that a piece is not beyond repair before you buy, says Frith. 'It's much harder to restore and renovate old, worn or damaged leather than it is to take care of leather that is still in good shape,' he says. 'Where possible, check for signs of dryness or cracking. The leather on a briefcase or secondhand handbag might have survived well, but the cotton stitching could be deteriorating. So, when you're buying anything at all, it's good to stress test the leather and the stitching. Because you might find one day it just falls apart.' Pull and manipulate seams and any areas that look a bit tired, to make sure there are no signs of disintegration. For online purchases, where you can't hold the item in your hands, ask sellers to provide closeup photos of the areas that are most prone to cracking or strain – seams, straps or handles, zips and creases. If you decide to buy, look after the item well and you'll be able to enjoy it for a long time to come. Sandra Haurant is a journalist who has been writing for the Guardian for more than two decades. One of her favourite things is speaking to experts with a real passion for what they do, and pouring their knowledge into articles. Another of her favourite things is her dog, who has long hoped she will pitch a piece on pet spas
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Vinnies brings the thrill of op-shopping online
If you love op-shopping for one-of-a-kind gems, the thrill of the hunt just got a whole lot easier. Starting from the 29th of May, the St Vincent de Paul Society of New South Wales has officially launched Vinnies Finds — a new online platform offering a handpicked selection of second-hand fashion, all available at the click of a button.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rising Prices, Falling Confidence: Secondhand Retail Steps Up
The introduction of unpredictable tariff policies, especially targeting goods from China, during President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office has created significant uncertainty in the global supply chain. CNBC and SurveyMonkey's Small Business Confidence Index for the second quarter found that 70 percent of small businesses believe the U.S. is heading toward a recession. The trade war has driven some brands to increase their prices and others to pause their orders for the next season until there's more clarity. Many others are planning mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, the consumer confidence index dropped 7.9 points to 86.0 in April, the lowest reading since May 2020. More from Sourcing Journal MySize Bets On Fashion Resale With Percentil Acquisition Up Close: In Conversation with Archive Co-founder and CEO Emily Gittins ThredUp Launches Vintage Popup with Beyond Retro For apparel, conversations about shopping secondhand are growing as consumers begin to revisit the savings hacks that helped their wallets during the height of the pandemic and the Great Recession. 'Secondhand is tariff-free, local and sustainable. It's going to be an even better option than ever moving forward,' said Aarian Frye, marketing coordinator at Buffalo Exchange. ThredUp, one of the world's largest online resale platforms for apparel, shoes and accessories, is convinced of secondhand fashion's impact in the future. Last week the company announced it would be removing branded resale fees and introducing a suite of enhanced services to its Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) partners. RaaS powers resale shops and clean put programs for brands and retailers like Madewell, Reformation and Abercrombie, helping them deliver customizable, scalable experiences to consumers. By making RaaS technology and infrastructure open source, ThredUp aims to enable more brands to build impactful circular programs. During the company's Q1 2025 earnings call, ThredUp co-founder and CEO James Reinhart said that if tariffs drive increases in new apparel prices, it may enhance the comparative value proposition for consumers who shop for used clothing on ThredUp. While it's too early to attribute any short-term changes to specific economic factors, David Eagles, chief operating officer for Goodwill Industries International, is closely monitoring the performance of the U.S. nonprofit's retail arm. However, if prices rise, he said the value proposition of secondhand becomes even more compelling and Goodwill becomes even more essential to the communities it serves. 'Economic uncertainty often drives more people to seek value and durability, which aligns with Goodwill's strengths. Over the last year, we have seen consumers make more intentional choices—stretching their dollars while supporting local job creation and environmental impact,' Eagles said. 'Tariffs won't affect secondhand directly, but as the cost of living goes up as a result and as clothing prices increase, we expect more people to turn towards secondhand shops like Buffalo Exchange to sell their closet cleanout and to find the styles and deals they were used to pre-tariffs,' Frye said. The Tucson, Ariz.-based company follows a circular business model, sourcing its secondhand merchandise directly from consumers for more than 40 stores in the U.S. 'Because we're already such a budget-friendly option, we haven't seen any noticeable shifts in consumer spending yet, but we'll be interested to see what happens over the next few months,' Frye said. In general, Buffalo Exchange's business does well during economic downturns, as affordability becomes a higher priority for most consumers. The retailer anticipates increased demand for secondhand high-end luxury shoes, handbags and accessories. 'Many consumers are paring down excess clothing purchases in favor of capsule wardrobes, and by investing in secondhand designer accessories, they can still participate in current trends and experiment with their personal style without overspending,' Frye said. When it comes to the price of secondhand fashion, the law of supply and demand does not apply to Goodwill. Eagles said Goodwill's pricing remains grounded in 'community affordability.' 'While we monitor trends, our goal is not to capitalize on price shifts but to ensure access to quality goods and continue funding our mission services. We balance fair pricing with the responsibility of stewarding the donated goods our community provides,' he said. Frye doesn't anticipate any changes to Buffalo Exchange's 'buy, sell, trade' strategy. Trained buyers at each store pay sellers 25 percent of the selling price in cash or 50 percent of the selling price in store credit for items they purchase. 'We haven't adjusted our pricing strategy at all—we pay customers for their clothes, so we want to make sure both sellers and shoppers equally benefit from the prices we set,' Frye said. 'There are plenty of resale options out there for those looking to sell and others looking to purchase, but Buffalo Exchange offers an unbeatable combination of convenience and value.' Goodwill's stores offer both affordability and purpose, and none of that is possible without donors who see their used goods as doing good for others, Eagles said. 'We see increased interest in secondhand shopping as an opportunity to meet rising demand while staying true to our mission—providing affordable goods and funding job training and employment services in communities across the country. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are uniquely positioned to serve as both a safety net and a stepping-stone, while also advancing sustainability by keeping usable goods in circulation and out of landfills,' he said. While community donations remain the foundation of Goodwill's model, the retailer is exploring other channels that could help meet an increase in demand for goods. Eagles said Goodwill is expanding innovative supply partnerships with brands and producers who are increasingly seeking scalable, responsible solutions for their inventory. 'Their supply chains often end where ours begins—and that creates a powerful opportunity to extend product life and reduce waste while providing more local community good,' he said. Secondhand retailers are watching how tariffs may impact other aspects of operating a business such as fuel and the packing and transporting of their goods. 'If we see prices rise, we will manage those pressures carefully. Our focus remains on using every donation and every sale to help someone prepare for and succeed in the workforce, while also contributing to a more circular economy,' Eagle said. According to Frye, Buffalo Exchange faces some unavoidable extra expenses, such as the cost of shipping clothing from full-price stores to outlet locations in places like Nogales, Ariz. and San Antonio, Texas. The company's strategy of sourcing clothing locally—by having each store buy from its surrounding community—helps stabilize overall costs. Frye maintains that shopping secondhand isn't just a trend or a result of financial uncertainty, and rising retail prices highlight what Buffalo Exchange's longtime customers already know: they can find high-quality, desirable items for much less than retail. However, the relentless pace of unprecedented events in recent years has highlighted the need for alternatives to traditional retail. In times of uncertainty, secondhand shopping offers consumers and retailers stability and resilience. Buffalo Exchange is exploring ways to make shopping and selling easier, including recently introducing a digital waitlist system to make selling more convenient. 'We always have a steady and reliable stream of sellers, but we are exploring new ways to connect with the communities we operate in to make secondhand and sustainability accessible to all. We're beginning to experiment with on-site selling events at student housing complexes for university students,' Frye said. During challenging economic times, Goodwill plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities through its mission-driven services. 'What we're seeing is an increased awareness of the value of reuse—and the role donors play in strengthening local communities. If we see prices rise, it reminds people that secondhand is smart, sustainable, and socially impactful,' Eagles said. Goodwill stands ready to meet that growing demand, not just by offering affordable goods, but by transforming donations into workforce opportunities and by partnering with businesses to create more sustainable supply chain solutions at scale. Goodwill's donated goods retail business supports one of the largest job training and employment services networks in the U.S. Every purchase helps fund programs that provide hands-on skills training, career navigation, and support for individuals overcoming barriers to work, helping more people get back on their feet and thrive. By choosing Goodwill, Eagles said shoppers not only save money, they also contribute to a stronger, more resilient workforce. 'The Goodwill mission is more important than ever as the job market becomes increasingly specialized and AI and automation more prevalent,' he added. In 2024, Goodwill helped more than 2.1 million people access employment and support services. Over 141,000 of these people found jobs within Goodwill or with other employers. 'We are seeing record demand for services that help people learn new skills, reenter the workforce, seek better-paying jobs and achieve economic independence. As industries evolve, many individuals need support to adapt and succeed in the modern economy,' Eagles said. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Jordon Hudson sends message with new outfit at Maine beauty pageant after Bill Belichick's appearance
Jordon Hudson was all smiles and proved she really is a 'believer in the secondhand market' as she donned her lobster themed SuperBowl outfit for the final day of the Miss Maine contest. The 24-year-old beamed as she posed with her customized lobster bag - bedazzled to spell out "Save Maine Fishermen" in black rhinestones. Hudson, a former cheerleader, thanked fans who told her she looked stunning, and waved as she strutted her stuff ahead of the final rounds of the contest. She wore the same blue sequin dress with coral reef designs while attending Sports Illustrated 's Super Bowl event in February – with her glam inspired by her 'nautical family history'. The brunette bought both the dress and bag from Facebook Marketplace, and looked confident ahead of the final day of the Miss Maine contest in Portland, Maine. Speaking about her outfit in February, she said: 'I have a message that pays homage to my family and a message that I'd like to put out there and give a little bit of recognition to the fishermen in Maine. 'They need help, and hopefully through fashion, we can bring awareness to the fact that fishermen and lobstermen in Maine are struggling.' 'I'd like to use this national platform to bring attention to a small town issue. They need help, and hopefully through fashion, we can bring awareness to the fact that fishermen and lobstermen in Maine are struggling' 'I really believe in the secondhand market,' Hudson added, joking that it's 'better for the environment' and for her wallet. Hudson is preparing to strut her stuff on stage again, after Belichick, 73, swapped the sidelines for the front row to support his girlfriend. Hudson winked at her older beau from the stage as he watched her stun in a gold minidress as she hit the stage to introduce herself to cheers. He was welcomed by organizers keen to get a glimpse of the NFL legend, who was sat away from Hudson's family - close by a side exit for a quick getaway. The second runner up in 2024 confidently put her long legs on display during the preliminary swimsuit round, representing her hometown of Hancock. Her confidence comes after revealed that the brunette came close to dropping out of the contest amid being accused of 'controlling' her older lover. Sources close to the 'headstrong' 24-year-old cheerleader revealed that she had been thinking about dropping out after the disastrous CBS interview aired of her interrupting on behalf of 49-years-older beau. Hudson has been under siege for her role in their relationship for close to two weeks, in the run up to the contest in Portland, Maine. Those close to the brunette confirmed to that the backlash did make her consider dropping out, but her appetite to win after narrowly losing in 2024 meant she couldn't step away. One source told 'All the girls were so worried about her, they're all friends and she's been so quiet all week. 'It's not like her to not post on social media or be out of touch with everyone for that long. At the event in Portland, Maine, the beauty queen was spotted carrying a $3,500 Dior handbag, and she strutted on stage in her bikini to Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan. It remains to be seen whether Hudson will go one better than last year and win the competition, with the final results being revealed on Sunday. She could go on to compete in Miss USA 2025 if she wins the Miss Maine crown, and is no doubt hoping that her second bid will win her the top spot. It comes after reports that Belichick's family is 'digging into' Hudson, with fears she could tear down 'everything he's built,' despite the pair insisting their relationship is a happy one. The cringeworthy CBS interview sparked an outpouring of dismay around the relationship, from friends publicly vowing to intervene on Belichick's behalf to former players he coached questioning his sanity. Earlier Saturday, Hudson had been spotted wearing a green outfit for the Miss Maine pageant Belichick, exclusively reported, was not massively concerned by the backlash but it has now emerged that he is resuming his book tour with subtle signs that he might think he is better off without Hudson. Page Six claims that Belichick was joined by Brandon Faber, the former vice-president of communications at the Chicago Bears, instead of Hudson. 'Cooler heads may be starting to prevail,' Page Six quoted a source as saying. 'Her influence may be waning.' Belichick hit out at CBS as the backlash at Hudson intensified as a result of their interview. He accused CBS of using 'selectively edited clips' that have made Hudson the subject of ongoing ridicule. 'I repeatedly expressed to the reporter, Tony Dokoupil, and the producers that I preferred to keep the conversation centered on the book,' Belichick said.
