Sustainability

At Pete & Harry, we believe that some of the most sustainable clothes are the ones that already exist.

The environmental impact of clothing begins long before a garment reaches our wardrobe. Growing and producing fibres, spinning, weaving, dyeing, manufacturing and transportation all require resources. According to the European Environment Agency, textile consumption is among the areas of European consumption with the greatest environmental and climate impact. In 2022, the supply chain behind textile consumption in the EU generated an estimated 159 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, around 355 kg per person. (European Environment Agency)

Water is another important part of the equation. Around 85% of the water used to produce textiles consumed in Europe is used outside Europe, largely in countries where fibres and garments are produced. This can contribute to both water scarcity and water pollution in producing regions. (European Environment Agency)

Globally, UNEP estimates that the textile industry is responsible for approximately 2–8% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. (UNEP - UN Environment Programme)

The value of wearing something for longer

This is where longevity matters.

The environmental cost of manufacturing a garment has already been incurred by the time it reaches its first owner. Keeping that garment in use for longer allows more use to be gained from the resources that went into making it.

Research by environmental organisation WRAP has estimated that extending the active life of clothing by just nine months can reduce its carbon, water and waste footprints by up to 20%. (Wrap NGO)

For us, this is one of the strongest arguments for choosing quality in the first place.

A well-made jacket, coat, pair of shoes or piece of knitwear can often be worn for many years. It can be maintained, repaired and eventually passed on to someone else rather than replaced.

There is already plenty out there

Europeans consumed an average of approximately 19 kg of clothing, footwear and household textiles per person in 2022. During the same year, EU countries generated almost 7 million tonnes of textile waste, around 16 kg per person. (European Environment Agency)

At the same time, wardrobes are full of excellent garments that are no longer being worn.

Second hand creates an opportunity to connect the two: extending the life of existing products while giving someone else access to quality clothing without requiring another new garment to be produced in its place.

Buy better. Wear longer. Pass it on.

We do not believe that buying second hand makes fashion impact-free. Shipping, cleaning, packaging and everyday use all have an environmental footprint, and buying something pre-owned only creates a meaningful benefit if it is actually used.

Instead, we believe in a simple principle: make better use of what already exists.

Buy things worth keeping.
Wear them often.
Take care of them.
And when they no longer belong in your wardrobe, let someone else continue the story.

Quality deserves a second life.