Your Complete Guide To Secondhand Sequins For The Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, festive clothing adorned with sequins, glitter, and other embellishments becomes increasingly popular. While these eye-catching designs add sparkle and cheer to celebrations, they also raise significant environmental concerns. The production, use and disposal of sequins contribute to a growing problem in the fashion industry of textile waste and pollution. According to Oxfam:

• 1.7 million sequined items of clothing and accessories will end up in landfill, as 5 per cent admit they throw out their sequins once they’re finished with them
• Party-goers wear outfits just five times before casting them aside
• In Britain alone, folks purchase 33 million new sequinned garments and accessories 
• Most sequins are plastic and don’t biodegrade, meaning they will remain in landfills for years to come

Due to the popularity of fast fashion, characterized by low-cost, trendy clothing produced quickly, has further exacerbated the issue. Holiday clothing, often designed for short-term use, is frequently worn just a few times before being discarded. This disposable culture not only leads to immense waste but also promotes the exploitation of workers in the Global South, where many of these garments are produced under poor working conditions. There is nothing holly or jolly about that.

So, how can we sparkle without the negative impact? One of the most effective ways to combat the waste generated by holiday clothing is to embrace secondhand shopping. Thrift stores, consignment shops and online marketplaces offer a treasure trove of pre-loved garments, including unique and often high-quality sequin-embellished pieces. By choosing secondhand, consumers can significantly reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the festive spirit and save money while doing it. Use what already exists and take the demand off the overproduction of new holiday items. Pro Tip: Invest in one or two special secondhand pieces and wear them for many Christmases to come. You can get creative with your styling to mix things up from year to year.

Want a place to start? We have selected 10 stunning sequin pieces on secondhand resale app, Poshmark. This is just a very small sample of what can be found but we hope it inspires you to choose secondhand sequins this holiday season. —Jen Pistor

1. Sequin Robe + Pants. Seller is @jacgirlsclub / Robe $57, Pants $48
2. Sequin Peep Toe Pumps.  Seller is @themakeovershop / Shoes $24
3. Black Sequin Skirt. Seller is @enethinggoes / Skirt $40
4. Sequin Bag. Seller is @bernadinther / Bag $17
5. Sequin Camisole.  Seller is @pricedverd / Top $35
6. Sequin Dress. Seller is @dylfashions / Dress $80
7. Sequin Belt Bag.  Seller is @glampunkqueen / Bag $36
8. Sequin Top. Seller is @sandysgreatgarb / Top $28
9. Vintage Sequin Crossbody Bag.  Seller is @mak701 / Bag $70
10. Sequin + Knit Toque and Scarf Set.  Seller is @faithcasement / Set $26