Buying second-hand & repairing: Sustainable clothing - saves money and protects the environment
Lukas Niebuhr
· 23.11.2023
The sustainability trend has been fighting against mass consumption for years. Companies such as Amazon and Zalando are encouraging us to order more and more - and often for no real reason. The outdoor outfitter Bergzeit speaks of an average of 40% of our clothing hanging unworn in our wardrobes. This not only makes mass consumption expensive and pollutes the environment, but is also largely superfluous.
If your cycling clothing tears or shows signs of wear, there are cheaper and, above all, more environmentally friendly solutions than immediately throwing the next product into your online shopping basket. Many brands and companies have recognised that they too can benefit from a circular economy if they create the right offer.
Norronas RE initiative
The Norwegian outdoor specialist Norrona is offering its first brand-owned second-hand shop REuse in its new flagship store in Oslo. Norrona's so-called RE initiative has been integrated into many areas of the company: Visitors to the Norrona House can have their products repaired at REpair, shop for outlet clothes at REduced prices and, if necessary, have them adjusted to their own sizes at REfit.
Products that are no longer used can be REcycled, equipment for the coming season can be REfreshed and new items can even be tried out before buying them in the REntal shop. The concept runs through the brand and will contribute to the sustainable goals for the 100th anniversary in 2029. "To achieve zero waste, we need to focus on a circular economy approach, which is a fascinating business model," explains Norrona CEO Jorgen Jorgensen in a press release.
Ortlieb's repair service
Ortlieb has been offering a repair service since the company was founded. In line with the motto "repair instead of buy new", the manufacturer also endeavours to contribute to the circular economy. Customers can find spare parts for their products on the website. The range of services on offer is also set to grow continuously: According to the manufacturer, its partners are now being trained as repair professionals so that, in addition to specialist retailers, they are also able to repair defects on site worldwide and thus save on delivery routes.
Ortlieb wants to set an additional example with the Repairweeks and is offering a 40% discount on repairs at all participating service points this year. Customers in Germany can still benefit from the repair discount at service dealers until 26 November 2023. If you don't have time to take your defective product to a service dealer, you can also fill out an online form and send it by post.
Incidentally, the reason for the introduction of Repair Weeks was the strong need at Ortlieb to capitalise on the phenomenon that had spilled over from the USA. Black Friday to do something about it. After all, the day on which retailers ring in the Christmas season with dizzying discount battles symbolises unbridled mass consumption.
Sustainability tips from Bergzeit
Outdoor outfitter Bergzeit is also trying to draw attention to the sustainability problem with facts and tips and show how easy it is to protect the environment by making conscious purchasing and repair decisions when it comes to clothing. The annual "Used Clothes Day" draws attention to the enormous consumption of textiles and aims to encourage more second-hand purchases. Bergzeit is also in favour of second-hand goods and says that Generation Z is a role model, with more than half of the under-20s in a study conducted by the brand stating that they use online second-hand shops for mountain and outdoor sports items.
Buying second-hand boosts a circular economy which, in addition to price benefits for the end consumer, also has environmental benefits. Many people are not aware of how many tonnes of CO2 are caused by the textile industry. The figures vary in different reports, but are sometimes estimated at up to 10% of total global emissions. Bergzeit also states that on average 40% of the clothes in , which hang unworn in the wardrobe...
To further support the second-hand trend, Bergzeit has been offering its own online platform since last summer. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can use the Bergzeit RE-USE platform to find used items and sell their own. Manufacturers can also use the platform to sell their returned items.
Recycle correctly: care & protect, then repair - finally back into the cycle
By the way: Proper care of cycling clothing is also sustainable. After all, you'll be able to enjoy them for longer. Take merino wool, for example. Laundry made from this natural fibre must never be washed with detergents containing the enzyme protease; it breaks down the keratin contained in merino wool and leads to hole-forming wool erosion. Fabric softener should also be avoided as it damages the impregnation of functional clothing. Powder detergents are just as taboo when washing trousers and jackets with a membrane as the spin cycle. After all, a high-tech jacket is not a cotton sock.
A little more care is therefore advisable when washing high-quality functional clothing, then it will also last a particularly long time. And if something does break, the zip is torn or a seam tears: no big deal, it can be repaired. Only at the very end, when the former functional membrane is just dust trickling out of the inner lining and nothing really works anymore, should a garment be recycled. The materials are far too valuable to simply throw them in the bin.
Repair cafés & sustainability tips from the DAV
The three examples presented above show different approaches to protecting the environment in relation to the consumption of clothing. However, there are other providers of repair services and the like who are committed to a sustainable future.
One well-known example is the so-called Repair Cafés. There are said to be over 1000 of them in Germany. Repair Cafés are self-help workshops where people can repair their own products with the expert help of volunteers. The service is free of charge and is financed by donations.
The German Alpine Association (DAV) is also committed to the issue of sustainability and provides information on the topic of functional clothing, including the fabrics and chemicals used to manufacture functional clothing. These are often harmful to the environment, which is why the DAV is clearly in favour of recycling and also names the pioneers in the industry.
You can also be more environmentally friendly and sustainable if you are careful when choosing care and cleaning products. It is particularly important to avoid polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). These are used to impregnate clothing and are not only harmful to the environment but also to health. Certain seals are regarded as an indication of fair and sustainable cycling clothing, including Bluesign, Fairtrade, OEKO-TEX Made in Green or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). You can find more information on the eco-balance of sportswear and the significance of the labels in our article here: How green is bike clothing?
Numerous other manufacturers offer a repair service - a selection:
- Rapha: The brand offers a free repair service for the entire service life of its products. Only proof of purchase is required. However, Rapha reserves the right to refuse repairs and to offer alternative solutions in such cases where possible.
- Patagonia: According to the motto "If it's broken fix it", the brand is committed to repairs. A free repair service is currently offered, video tutorials for independent repairs are available online and other questions on the subject are also answered on the homepage.
- Ryzon: The brand offers a repair service for products purchased 60 days or more ago, but generally not before 1 June 2021. If the purchase was made longer ago, a repair can still be requested. If it is a product defect, the repair is free of charge. If it is your own fault, you will be charged 10-20 euros. Crash replacement is also an interesting offer.
- Apidura: Video tutorials for independent repairs are available for various products on the brand's website. The brand also has its own repair team.
Conclusion on sustainable cycling clothing
Sustainable cycling clothing is becoming increasingly popular. Many brands and organisations are showing how it can be done and using certain campaigns to encourage people to think about their own textile consumption. It doesn't always have to be a new item that replaces a garment that has ended up in the bin. Repairs or second-hand purchases are good for both the environment and your wallet. And if you do want something completely new, you can also contribute to a more sustainable future with clothing and accessories made from recycled materials. The brands and organisations presented here are just a few examples of many others that are committed to sustainability.
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
