Secondhand Stories with Secondhand Clothes: Finding Sustainable Fashion D.C.

By Safiya Farooq (4/6/25) — Washington, D.C.

I didn’t expect to find so much meaning in a pair of pants. But walking through the streets of Georgetown on a crisp afternoon, weaving in and out of secondhand stores, I started thinking about how much clothing says about us—our style, our values, and, whether we realize it or not, our impact on the world. In Washington, D.C. alone, clothing waste is a growing problem. The EPA estimates textiles make up about 6% of all landfill materials—millions of pounds of clothing tossed every year, much of it still wearable, still beautiful, still useful.

That’s why it felt refreshing- even hopeful—to see a different story unfolding on these racks. Georgetown, a scenic walk from where NYUDC is located, has always had its charm, but this time, I wasn’t here for the cupcakes or the canal views. I was here chasing a quieter kind of revolution: sustainability stitched into every seam.

One of the first spots I stepped into was Reddz Trading, its bold red storefront impossible to miss. Inside, the pace was electric. Racks were being refilled almost constantly, and the inventory was a mix of high-quality, designer pieces and everyday staples—like a fashion treasure hunt in real-time.

Reddz buys items for cash or trade and keeps them moving. What struck me most was the variety of customers. Sustainability in fashion isn’t limited to one type of person—people of all ages, backgrounds, and styles were shopping at Reddz Trading. Whether they meant to or not, they were helping the one thing we all have in common: the planet.

A few blocks away, I came across Ella-Rue, and the energy shifted completely. Framed by a mint-green storefront and potted greenery, the boutique felt soft and luxurious before I even stepped inside. This wasn’t just consignment—it was curated.

On one rack, a delicate blush-pink dress with floral prints; on another, a sharp tweed jacket that looked straight off a runway. Jewelry, handbags, and even high-end designer pieces sat alongside newer ready-to-wear brands. Ella-Rue didn’t just promote secondhand shopping—they made it aspirational and even better: fun! 

And then there was Home Court.

With its clean black fixtures and glowing neon sign, Home Court blends modern design with a street style. The racks held everything from denim to designer streetwear to sneakers. But what makes Home Court more than just a place to get limited finds is the mindset behind it.

I had the chance to speak with True, who’s been part of the Home Court journey for nearly seven years. His story, like the store, began with the simple act of trading sneakers.

Safiya: So, just what inspired you to work here, first of all? What's your journey with Home Court?

True: I got into Home Court maybe about six or seven years ago. I started as a friend, coming in to sell clothes and shoes and buy, sell, and trade shoes. Then from there, the owner of this business and I kinda became good friends, and then he was thinking about growing the business—marketing and everything in between—so I decided to join the team and help him out.

Safiya: Nice! So when it comes to sustainability with fashion, how would you define it, or what does it mean to you personally?

True: We like the idea of upcycling fashion and clothes items. Obviously, they're material items, but in this world—this modern era—fashion's become super saturated. Fast fashion's definitely become an issue with environmental problems in the world. So just the idea of like, they say one man's trash is another man's treasure, it's the best way to go about it. Instead of throwing out items you paid your hard-earned money for, you can upcycle—sell it, get money back, or give it away.

Safiya: And then last question—what advice do you have for people who come in or just customers who are looking to be more sustainable but still want to look good?

True: Honestly, just never be afraid to buy pre-owned. I know people worry about germs and all that, but that’s what laundry is for. Not only does it save you money and let you find rare or high-end pieces at a fraction of the price, but it's also an investment. You know the stuff you're buying is quality, and later when you’re done with it, you can sell it and put that money toward something else. That’s sustainability that makes sense.

By the end of my walk, what stayed with me wasn’t just the clothes (though I did love the earrings I picked up from Ella-Rue)—it was the realization that sustainability and style can absolutely coexist without compromise. As True put it, it’s “sustainability that makes sense.” That “new” doesn’t always mean better—it just means different. And sometimes, different is exactly what we need.

Sources: https://textilerecyclingquotes.com/washington-dc-textile-recycling/