The concept of sustainable fashion has grown in popularity in recent years, as U.S. consumers have become more aware of the environmental and human costs of fast fashion.

In stark contrast to fast fashion, sustainable fashion prioritizes worker well-being, environmental consciousness, and waste reduction.

Secondhand shopping is one way that shoppers can reap the benefits of sustainable shopping while not sacrificing style. And it’s going mainstream.

“The U.S. secondhand market is expected to more than double by 2026, reaching $82 billion,” reported thredUP in a news release.

Major brands are shifting the fashion industry towards patterns of greater sustainability, as they respond to consumer demands for change.

In Huntsville, three local entrepreneurs are making this national trend accessible to local shoppers.

Anna Rojas and Caleb Shaw, co-owners of One Man’s Vintage, and Sannon Healy, owner of Off The Rack, are spreading their love of vintage and consignment clothing while simultaneously satisfying consumers’ desire for more sustainable options.

Rojas and Shaw, partners in both business and life, met in college and bonded over a mutual love of thrifting vintage apparel.

Rojas told the Huntsville Business Journal that social media is propelling the popularity of sustainable fashion and vintage shopping.

She says customers see their favorite TikTok personalities posting vintage hauls, and they want to recreate that shopping experience for themselves.

“As Huntsville has grown, people come here who may be more familiar with vintage in Chicago, or vintage in New York. When they get to Huntsville they already know about vintage, and they want to find a local vintage store,” Rojas told the Business Journal.

Shaw adds that a trend towards nostalgia for the recent past also inspires their clients.

“Nostalgia is a big factor. We mainly focus on the 1980s and ‘90s. It’s always cool to see people’s unique experiences with specific pieces they see in here,” Shaw told the Journal.

Vintage shoppers, expressing themselves through popular throwback styles, are giving a second life to each piece they save.

The Huntsville vintage market gravitates towards “anything space related, for sure,” Shaw told the Business Journal, “NASA, Star Wars, and NASCAR are also really popular.”

Owner of Off the Rack, Shannon Healy, offers customers sustainable fashion pieces coming from modern brands

Shannon Healy, owner of Off The Rack, caters to shoppers looking for sustainable fashion pieces that were produced more recently. All clothing pieces in this upscale consignment shop are less than three years old.

While special occasions such as prom, homecoming, weddings, and events are Healy’s bread and butter, she also carries everyday dresses and women’s workwear.

“We’ve recently started to carry more elevated brands. We’ve got Hugo Boss, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Alice and Olivia,” Healy told the Business Journal.

Shopping consignment allows customers to access luxury brands that might otherwise be above their typical price point.

“One of the most exciting parts about doing consignment in Huntsville is we have so many government, Department of Defence, and military folks here that have come from other places. They are bringing dresses from brand names and stores that we don’t have locally,” Healy told the Journal.

In addition to benefiting the environment in the long term, consignment shoppers experience immediate financial benefits.

At Off The Rack, dresses that have been gently used are 50 – 70% off of the original price, Healy told the Journal. New dresses, that have never been worn, are 30 – 50% off of the tag price.

Whether shoppers come into Off The Rack for a casual cotton dress or a high-end evening gown, Healy wants each client to leave the store feeling great about herself.

“We want every woman who comes in, regardless of her age or her size, to leave in a dress that is going to make her feel confident and beautiful. And we hugely believe that this is possible,” Healy told the Business Journal.

For Huntsville shoppers, sustainable fashion means personalized service, access to one-of-a-kind pieces, and the chance to access a national trend without ever leaving town.

Find Off The Rack on their website, on Instagram at @offtherack256, and on Facebook. Off The Rack is located at 2004 Byrd Spring Road.

Find One Man’s Vintage on their website and on Instagram at onemans_vintage. One Man’s Vintage is located at 100 Jefferson Street North, Unit 147/148.