The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world after the oil industry with a contribution of 3 to 10% to global CO2 emissions*.
The surge of “Fast-Fashion” in recent decades has had devastating consequences on the environment and on the working conditions of employees in clothing manufacturing 
factories in emerging countries. Ten years ago, the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh caused the death of more than 1,100 workers in the workshops operated by major international fashion brands. This disaster profoundly called into question the production methods and working conditions employed by this industry and triggered the sustainable fashion movement which is booming today.
Sustainable fashion aims to extend the life of a garment and reduce its environmental impact. The approach is reflected in the choice of sustainable raw materials, manufacturing, production and distribution methods that are more respectful of the environment, and in the establishment of healthier and fairer working conditions for employees.
As a consumer, buying and wearing second-hand clothes is one way to contribute to this more sustainable fashion. This prolongs the life of fashion items and reduces both the amount of waste and the production of new clothes.
If the concept of second-hand is not new, we have been witnessing for some years a new craze of consumers and a proliferation of physical and online shops The world market for second-hand fashion is booming, it would be today estimated at 177 billion dollars and should almost double by 2027 to reach 350 billion dollars.
Overview of second-hand shops in the bay that sell French fashion brands. From storefront shops to ephemeral shops (pop-ups) and online platforms, you will be spoiled for choice for your next eco-responsible shopping trip!
Picky Monday and the Coven Project
Founded by French Leila Bernard, Picky Monday is an online store specializing in French children’s fashion that offers unique and like-new second-hand clothes, shoes and accessories for babies and children from 0 to 12 years old. You will find great classics such as Petit Bateau, Jacadi, and Bonpoint, but also European and American brands known for their style and quality (Boden, Hanna Anderssen, Tea Collection…). Twice a month a new collection of seasonal outfits is released, made up of second-hand clothes carefully selected for their style and quality.
In addition to its online store and pop-ups, Picky Monday now has a presence in the Coven Project space at 3369 Sacramento Street in San Francisco in collaboration with other eco-friendly businesses that also offer occasions in women’s fashion, jewelry and decoration.
The Parisiennes
Created by the French Karen Tussiot, Les Parisiennes is a second-hand clothing sales service with women’s, men’s and children’s collections from 0 to 12 years old. Karen carefully selects clothes from French, and European brands (Maje, Sandro, Soeur, Sézane, Chanel…) and now also some American brands to create a trendy Parisian style. Les Parisiennes meet up with you several times a year at pop-ups across San Francisco.
Mark your calendar, Les Parisiennes and Picky Monday will hold their next pop-up on June 9th and 10th in San Francisco, more info on this link.
The Designer Consigner
This Presidio Heights boutique offers a large range of labels including high-end and fashion-forward designer clothing and brands for work or chic events. It’s the perfect store to shop at when you need an outfit for a special event. You will also find a nice selection of French brands like Chanel or Zadig & Voltaire.
3548 Sacramento St San Francisco, CA 94118.
Wasteland
A true landmark and icon of second-hand shopping in San Francisco, the Haight Street department store has been recognized by major magazines like Vogue, Rolling Stone, Nylon and Paper as a one-of-a-kind treasure trove of designer, contemporary and vintage fashion. Wasteland today offers designer labels, modern and vintage brands from the 20s to the 90s, still in good condition and on-trend.
1660 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117.
The RealReal
Founded in 2011, this San Francisco-based retailer is an online and physical resale marketplace for authenticated luxury goods. The RealReal sells clothing, jewelry, watches, as well as art and home decor. With boutiques in Marin and Palo Alto, The RealReal offers you the leading and trendy brands of French fashion: Sandro, Maje, Zadig and Voltaire, Vanessa Bruno and accessories and leather goods from major French luxury brands such as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton…
www.therealreal.com
Fashionfile
One of the leading pre-owned luxury retailers and the exclusive re-commerce partner of Neiman Marcus, Fashionfile makes ultra-luxury pre-owned goods accessible through its online platform and physical stores attached to Neiman Marcus department stores and present in the big malls where you can drop off your clothes for resale by appointment. Find Fashionfile in San Francisco and Palo Alto.
More to discover in the Bay Area:
- Relove, 815 Polk St, San Francisco et 3258 Grand Ave, Oakland.
- Cris consignment, 1813 Polk St, San Francisco.
- Mary’s exchange, 1302 Castro St, San Francisco.
- Chloe’s closet, 451 Cortland Ave. and 616 Irving St., San Francisco.
- Crossroad trading, 1901 Fillmore St, San Francisco.
Also available online:
- Ba&sh, la plateforme seconde main
- L’application Curtsy
- Le groupe Facebook, French clothes and books in the USA.
*depending on the scope of calculation of the carbon impact, which may include emissions related to the production of raw materials, as well as textile production, its processing, its distribution, and its end of life.
