How To Join Secondhand September In Chicago
September is the perfect time to rethink the way we shop, clean out our closets, discover local designers, and give pre-loved clothing a second life. Secondhand September is an annual opportunity to challenge ourselves to shop secondhand, reuse what we already own, and support a more circular fashion system.
If you're in Chicago, there are plenty of ways to participate this month, from vintage festivals and clothing swaps to sustainable fashion events showcasing local designers. Here are some easy ways to celebrate Secondhand September in Chicago:
1. Shop Vintage at the Chicago Vintage Festival
September 20 | 12 PM–7 PM
Albany Park @ Wilson & Kedzie
Looking for a fun way to spend your weekend while shopping secondhand? Head to the Chicago Vintage Festival, Albany Park Edition. The festival brings together vintage and handmade vendors, food trucks, and members of Chicago's creative community at the vibrant Wilson & Kedzie intersection.
With vendors selling vintage clothing, accessories, handmade goods, and more, it's a great opportunity to browse for unique pieces without relying on traditional fast fashion retailers.
Whether you're hunting for a statement jacket, Y2K-inspired pieces, home goods, or just want to explore what local vendors have to offer, a vintage festival is such a fun secondhand shopping experience
2. Trade Your Clothes at the Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago Clothing Swap
September 20 | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Urban Rivers @ 905 W. Eastman Street
One of the most sustainable pieces in your wardrobe might be the one that's already hanging in someone else's closet. On September 20, Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago and Funk-it are hosting a scenic clothing swap at Urban Rivers on the Wild Mile.
The event is designed for anyone who wants to clean out their closet while sustainably finding something new to wear. Instead of sending unwanted clothes to the trash, participants can give their garments another opportunity to be worn and loved.
The swap is size-inclusive and welcomes clothing in all sizes as long as it is clean and in good condition. All-gender clothing is also accepted. And if your clothes don't find a new home during the event, the remaining garments will be donated to a local free store serving communities in need.
It's a great example of what Secondhand September can look like beyond simply buying used clothing: reuse what already exists, share resources, and keep garments circulating
3. Explore 100+ Vendors at Illinois Vintage Fest
September 26 | 11 AM–6 PM
Geneva Commons
Want an even bigger vintage-shopping adventure? Illinois Vintage Fest returns to Geneva Commons on September 26, 11 AM-6 PM. The outdoor event features 100+ vendors, with a focus on vintage clothing alongside home goods, collectibles, handmade items, artisans, and more.
For secondhand shoppers, events like this can be a great alternative to shopping at conventional retailers. You can discover one-of-a-kind pieces while directly supporting vintage sellers, small businesses, and independent creators.
The event is scheduled to be outdoors. If severe storms affect the September 26 event, organizers plan to be on-site the following day, September 27.
4. Learn More About Sustainable Fashion at the Sustainable Fashion Symposium
September 26 | 1–4 PM
$60 Chicago Theatre Works @ 1113 W. Belmont Ave.
Secondhand September isn't just about shopping. It's also a chance to learn why the fashion system needs to change. Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago is hosting its second annual Sustainable Fashion Symposium, bringing together community members with different backgrounds and interests to explore sustainable fashion, innovations, and local resources.
If you've ever wondered what makes fashion sustainable, or want to learn more about local solutions, this is a chance to go beyond just shopping sustainable fashion.
5. See Sustainable Designers at the Sustainable Fashion Show
September 26 | 4–8 PM
Chicago Theatre Works @ 1113 W. Belmont Ave.
After the symposium, stick around for the Sustainable Fashion Show, which kicks off Chicago's larger sustainable fashion celebration. The charity fashion show will feature designers participating in the Fall/Winter 2026 program, including Aesch Liman, Co., Arthouse, Patricia Quill, Tukii Tucker, and more.
Following the runway, attendees can meet the designers and learn more about the garments being presented. The Sustainable Fashion Show and Symposium are held at the same venue on the same day, and day passes are available as a discounted bundle that includes access to both events.
Make Secondhand September More Than just shopping
Secondhand September doesn't have to mean completely changing your wardrobe or spending money on vintage clothes every weekend. You can participate by shopping secondhand, swapping clothes with friends, repairing something you already own, buying from local vintage sellers, donating responsibly, learning about sustainable fashion, or simply wearing the clothes you already have.
And Chicago makes it easy to turn the month into a chance to connect with the city's growing sustainable-fashion community. So clean out your closet, bring your reusable shopping bag, explore a vintage market, trade something you no longer wear, and discover the designers and organizations working to create a more sustainable fashion future.
And I hope this September, instead of asking “What should I buy next?” try asking: “What already exists that I can give another life?”
XOXO, Ellie Rose