By Gina Nevin, Second Year, Business with Innovation
Bristol has somewhat of a reputation for being eco-conscious and it even has the third highest amount of charity shops per square mile (Co-operative Bank, 2025). So, what better way to thread these together than Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW). Running from 26th of September to 6th of October, SFW is an initiative from A Single Thread with countless community events taking place across Bristol.
Importantly, they showcase the many different ways one can limit their participation in fashion fashion from buying second-hand to repairing clothes you already own or swap clothes!
Emma Vincent
Bristol Folk House Clothes Swap
Bring up to five items in exchange for five tokens which you can then use to ‘buy’ items other people have bought in.
Date & Time: Friday 26th of September, 14:00 to 16:00
Where: Bristol Folk House Cafe (just off Park Street!)
Tickets: £3
This is specifically for people looking for clothing sized 16+ and XL+ and its free entry!
Date & Time: Sunday 27th of September, 12:00 to 15:00
Where: Sparks, Broadmead
Tickets: Free
Sustainable Fashion Week: Queer Joy!
Gay As Fuck and Snapshot are collaborating to celebrate queer, sustainable fashion with an exhibition, catwalk and DJ set at Hamilition House.
Date & Time: Friday 25th of September, 19:00 to 00:00
Where: Hamilton House, Stokes Croft
Tickets: £12 (final release!)
University of Bristol event: Give Knitting A Go
Why not take it one step further and make something! The University’s very own Knitting and Crochet Society are hosting a Give it a Go session.Tickets are available on the SU website.
Date & Time: Wednesday 30th September, 19:00 to 21:00
Where: Richmond Building, Clifton
Tickets: Free
A classic secondhand market with clothing, jewellery, tooth gems and bargain bins. What else could you ask for?
Date & Time: Saturday 3rd October, 11:00 to 17:00
Where: Victoria Methodist Church, Whiteladies Road
Tickets: Free to £3.50
Weaving Change runs workshops throughout the year as well as ‘Slow Fashion Socials’. This time its visible mending! All materials are provided so it should be a great way to get started repairing what you own and meet others interested in sustainable fashion.
Date & Time: Sunday 4th October, 14:00 to 16:00
Where: The Canteen, Stokes Croft
Tickets: £6
Emma Coleman
There are more events to be released so keep an eye out for anything that takes your fancy. Sustainable fashion is on the rise which is a good sign, but it relies on people saying no to the quick fix appeal of fast fashion.
Especially with Halloween and Christmas on the horizon, the attraction of buying lots of clothes new is approaching. If you are on the look out for unique pieces which do not hurt the planet, why not try buying your fashion second hand?
Featured image: Unsplash / Prudence Earl
Do you have a favourite second hand shop in Bristol?
