Depop is an ever growing market, popular amongst young people to sell used clothes. A mix of Instagram and eBay, the app has been downloaded over 3 million times.
Some Depop users have a source of income from their account, steadily buying and reselling clothes when they are no longer wanted. An example of a fairly successful Depop user is Natalie, who has been using Depop for over a year and has made money selling her own clothes.
With nearly 2000 followers, Natalie's page seems to keep growing and at one point was featured on the top 10 best sellers in the UK. I thought it would be interesting to interview Natalie and get an insight into the attraction of Depop and second hand fashion.
How did you start building this Depop following you have now?
My Depop following started without me really realising, in that I was gaining random followers all the time without selling, but then as I started to sell my old clothes I kept gaining and gaining, especially when the amount I was selling increased.
How important do you think buying and selling second hand fashion is?
For the purposes of environment, preventing fast fashion by buying second hand and recycling clothes is really important. If you don’t love an item what’s the point in just throwing away into a rubbish bin when there is most likely someone out there who would love it? For the purpose of earning money, buying and selling second hand is hugely important. I’ve found incredible branded pieces in charity shops that retail at £50, and have purchased it for under £5. Any form of earning or saving money is important to me.
What are your main reasons for buying second hand?
I love to find a bargain. The most satisfying thing for me is wearing a unique piece of clothing that nobody else has, and knowing I got it for less than £10. I love looking through my wardrobe and seeing that Half of it is second hand or thrifted, and all are such quality pieces.
Who do you think could benefit the most from buying second hand?
Anyone can benefit from buying second hand. At my age, I am consistently telling my friends “come charity shopping with me!” “Use depop!” Because they will seriously benefit as uni students from earning money or saving those much needed pennies all while getting a large amount of quality items.
When you buy clothing, do you ever consider the environmental impact of your decisions?
Yes, I feel that I’m benefitting in that I am consistently recycling old clothes, I will never throw anything in a bin to sit in landfill for years. I either sell, or donate to charity shops so that others can give some love to my unwanted pieces.
In turn, does this influence your buying decisions, for example you may buy more sustainable clothing?
In terms of buying more sustainably, I guess I do spend more money on pieces I know will last me a long time or be in my wardrobe as a staple for ages.
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