Rebecca Munton – Fast Fashion News https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk All the latest news about the fast fashion scene. Your first stop for urban and street wear brands Sat, 06 Jan 2024 11:54:35 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cropped-FFN-32x32.png Rebecca Munton – Fast Fashion News https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk 32 32 How To Start A Depop Shop Selling Vintage Clothes https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/how-to-start-a-depop-shop-selling-vintage-clothes/ Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:13:21 +0000 https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/?p=3652 This article was originally published at

Depop is an app-based marketplace that makes buying and selling clothes simple. That means it’s a great place for upcoming fashion sellers to find new buyers. And there were 35 million registered users in 2022 – most of whom are millennials and generation Z buyers. These fashion-conscious users have one eye on sustainability, so it’s the […]

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Depop is an app-based marketplace that makes buying and selling clothes simple. That means it’s a great place for upcoming fashion sellers to find new buyers. And there were 35 million registered users in 2022 – most of whom are millennials and generation Z buyers.

These fashion-conscious users have one eye on sustainability, so it’s the perfect platform for selling vintage, preloved, or ethically made clothes. Vintage clothing is on always on trend, in fact search terms are the same level as mens clothing and plus size clothing.

Vintage clothing is popular for several reasons, including timeless style, but it’s high quality garments so is the sustainable choice. There is high demand on Depop for it, so it makes sense to focus your shop on it. And all you need is a reputable vintage branded clothing wholesale retailer to make this dream a reality with authentic inventory.

So here’s our tips on how to start a Depop shop selling vintage clothes secondhand.

Pick A Great Name For Your Shop

Starting a Depop thift store does need a bit of planning. Choose a name that reflects the vibe of your brand, and highlights what you sell. Selling sneakers? Pick something that will make it easy for shoe-seekers to find you. This can be as simple as including the word ‘footwear’ in your name. The same principle applies to your brand aesthetic – if you’re selling mainly vintage or denim goods, reflect this in your store name.

If you’re not sure what you want to sell yet, or you don’t want to be tied down to a particular niche, you can use a broader shop name (though this may make it trickier for people to find your shop).

Choose Great Pieces For Your First Collection

Be choosy about what you include in your first Depop collection. Successful Depop shops listings sell quality, sought-after clothes – so start as you mean to go on by putting your best garms front and centre. Not only will this give your shop a great brand aesthetic, it’s also more likely to generate sales from the start.

At least while your shop is picking up speed, go for quality over quantity. Bear in mind 90% of Depop users are under 26 so make sure your clothing targets that demographic by focusing on vintage sportswear or retro styles and brands in demand.

selling clothes on depop
Good images are the key to success to a vintage clothing Depop shop

Take Great Photos

The most successful Depop shops all have one thing in common – top notch photos. The best images use models, good lighting, and interesting backdrops to create stylised photos that show your brand in its best light. Taking pro-looking photos can take a little time to set up, but shops with better photos can often charge more for their clothes. The time investment will be worth it when the profits start to stack up.

Build Momentum On Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool when it comes selling second-hand clothes. Create a launch day countdown on Instagram to get your followers excited about your next move. Make use of your Stories to drop hints and build momentum in the days leading up to the launch. It’ll give you great content for your social channels, and make sure you have a captive audience when you finally hit the launch button.

Write Accurate Descriptions

Lots of your Depop traffic will come from your product description details, so make sure they’re accurate for any potential buyer. List sizes, materials, and wash care instructions.

Use keywords to describe your garments and products, as well as where they can be used. Dresses for going out-out, collectable trainers and shoes for daywear, vintage jewellery and bags to style your outfit, jeans for every day, jackets for autumn and winter. All these terms don’t just help sales, they are also key for helping Depoppers find your shop.

Offer Free Delivery

Free delivery is a must for all kinds of online shopping – and Depop is no exception. Depop has a filter that allows shoppers to search by shops that offer free domestic delivery, so make sure you’re part of the free shipping crowd. Factor the cost of shipping into your item prices so you don’t lose money on delivery. Top tip: tracked shipping is a little more expensive, but it’ll give you and your buyers more peace of mind.

Have A Virtual Launch Party

Instagram Live is a great way to have a virtual launch party for your Depop shop. Plan out an online launch event for when your Depop shop finally drops – competitions, micro sales and games are great ways to engage with your buyers online while they shop. People also love to see the face behind the brand, so this is a way to let your personality shine through, and make people want to buy from your shop.

Leave Fair & Honest Reviews

Like all online marketplaces, Depop reviews play a massive part in sales. One rogue review can make or break your Depop shop, especially while it’s new – so do what you can to give your customers a great experience they’ll want to rave about. Make sure you rate your buyers, too – it’ll give you a chance to engage with customers and show them some love.

List New Items Regularly

Once you’ve launched your Depop shop, you need to keep it well-stocked with new items so there’s always something fresh for customers to snap up, even if second hand. List new items regularly so that when you start selling goods, your shop is still well-stocked. Make sure to announce new product lines and restocks across your social channels. Not sure what to stock next? Take a look at recent social media fashion trends to see what’s hot right now.

Be Inspired By Your Favourite Depop Shops

What is it you love about Depop? Channel this in your shop. While you should never copy from another shop or marketplace, it’s important to take inspiration where you find it. If you love a particular photography style, use this as inspiration for your own snaps. When you’re just starting out, it’s a great way to figure out what works for your shop.

This should also apply to pricing, as being competitive when new is essential.

Love the idea of starting your own Depop shop, but don’t know anything about creating a clothing brand? Check out our guide to starting your own fashion brand. From finding your niche to scaling up your business, this comprehensive guide will help you start your own fashion empire.

Did Etsy acquiring Depop change things?

New York-based marketplace Etsy bought Depop for an eye-popping $1.6 billion, purely to tap into the lucrative market there. The move was to target younger shoppers and rival small business start-ups in lockdown that embraced the movement to be more sustainable and buy used clothing rather than new. In his statement, Etsy CEO Josh Silverman eluded to this when he said:

“We are simply thrilled to be adding Depop — what we believe to be the resale home for Gen Z consumers — to the Etsy family. Depop is a vibrant, two-sided marketplace with a passionate community, a highly differentiated offering of unique items, and we believe significant potential to further scale,”

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The Ultimate Guide For Amazing Gel Balling Experience With Your Friends https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-for-amazing-gel-balling-experience-with-your-friends/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:53:31 +0000 https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/?p=8714 This article was originally published at

With technology and gadgets becoming a part of our lives, we often miss out on the joys of outdoor activity. For some fun in nature, gel balling can be an excellent adventure for you and your friends and family. With all the rules in place, it’s like playing paintball but with water pellets instead of […]

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With technology and gadgets becoming a part of our lives, we often miss out on the joys of outdoor activity. For some fun in nature, gel balling can be an excellent adventure for you and your friends and family. With all the rules in place, it’s like playing paintball but with water pellets instead of paintballs. A safe shooting experience, this high-intensity sport is perfect for those seeking a fun game to do outdoors!

In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss gear selection tips, strategies to up your game, and safety precautions that should always be taken when participating in this amazing tactical game of skill and luck. So read on to learn more about how you can create an unforgettable gel balling experience with your family and friends!

Friends in a field
Many social media platforms are alive with people who start playing this great new sport

What Is Gel Balling And How To Prepare For It 

Gel Balling is a popular outdoor sport, similar to paintball or airsoft, rapidly gaining fans on social media platforms worldwide. Participants engage in mock battles using specially designed gel blasters that shoot small, non toxic, soft gel balls similar to water beads. Before participating in Gel Balling, it is essential to prepare properly. So, you should look for gel balling guides to help you prepare. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Gel Balling enthusiast, preparing can help ensure a fun and safe experience.

Choosing The Right Equipment And Safety Gear 

When it comes to choosing the right equipment and safety gear for any activity, it’s crucial to prioritise safety above all else. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner, there’s nothing more important than to stay safe by protecting yourself from potential harm from the gel balls and blasters. Each piece of safety gear, from helmets to gloves, to eye protection and knee pads, has a specific purpose and is designed to keep you safe in different scenarios.

It’s essential to research and find the equipment best suited for your activity and personal needs. Be bold and ask for recommendations or advice from experts in the field, as they can provide helpful insights and tips on which gear to choose. Remember, investing in high-quality equipment, gel blasters, gel balls, and protective gear may cost more upfront, but it’s a small price to pay for your long-term well-being and enjoyment of your activity.

Setting Up The Field 

When it comes to setting up the course, there are a lot of different factors to consider. One major consideration is where to play. Do you have access to a local park or sports field, or will you need to create your own playing surface? Once you have a location in mind, it’s crucial to determine what rules will apply to your battlefield. Different sports and activities have specific rules and regulations, so be sure to do your research and ensure that you’re prepared for any specific requirements.

Tactics And Strategies To Dominate Your Friends 

Have you ever found yourself constantly losing to your friends in games or competitions? Well, it’s time to turn the tables and dominate them with some fun strategic moves. First off, make sure to study your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses so that you can anticipate their next move and counter it.

Next, don’t be afraid to take risks and try new tactics; this is one of the main reasons you can throw your friends off and give you a competitive advantage. Lastly, maintain a confident and composed demeanour throughout the game or competition to show your teams that you mean business. Remember, with the right tactics and strategies, and you can become your friends’ champion. 

Crafting Your Own Gel Ball Accessories For A Unique Look

Crafting your own gel ball clothes and accessories to wear is a fun and creative way to add a touch of uniqueness to your game. Not only do they look incredibly cool, but they can also be customised to fit your playstyle perfectly. From specialised holsters to stylised ammunition boxes, and blasters, your exciting options are endless. Experiment with different colours, textures, and embellishments to create something unique. And with the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself, the best things are that you’ll stand out from the crowd in more ways than one. 

Friends sitting around on gelballing adventure
A fun game with guns to compare with paintball and laser tag that all your friends can enjoy

After reading this blog post, you should better understand Gel Balling and how to best prepare for your own gel balling sports shooting experience. From choosing the right equipment and safety gear to setting up the field, the perfect tactical strategies to taking your competition game face to another level with crafting your own accessories, it’s time for you to embark on a unique gel balling adventure that will give you an excellent way to get that adrenaline rush!

Now put on your favourite combat outfits, grab some gel balls, gel blasters, protective gear and head out to target practice. With so many ways to customise and upgrade your setup for ultimate performance, who knows – maybe you’ll go from beginner to a master gel ball warrior in no time. So suit up and get gel balling!

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How Calvin Klein Reinvented And Revolutionised Underwear https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/how-calvin-klein-reinvented-underwear/ Tue, 01 Mar 2022 08:50:03 +0000 https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/?p=3468 This article was originally published at

No fashion house has a more enduring tie with underwear than Calvin Klein. Often imitated, never bettered, the undisputed champion of the undies since their first collection launched in 1982. Although already a big name in fashion, thanks to the success of their womenswear collections and designer jeans in the 1970s, it was the launch […]

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No fashion house has a more enduring tie with underwear than Calvin Klein. Often imitated, never bettered, the undisputed champion of the undies since their first collection launched in 1982.

Although already a big name in fashion, thanks to the success of their womenswear collections and designer jeans in the 1970s, it was the launch of their underwear lines that made Calvin Klein Inc one of the most successful designers in fashion history – and ensured the apparel brand will forever be associated with competing fashion brand designer intimates.

Before the 1980s, for men, underpants were all about practicality. From bland white Y-fronts to baggy boxer shorts, there were a range of styles on the market, but few remain popular today. Advertising campaigns for men’s underwear were designed to appeal to women, since it was wives and girlfriends and mothers who actually bought the products. 

An advertisement for Wolsey from the 1970s reads, “It’s amazing how little it takes to change a man.” But this kind of advertising soon seemed reductive compared with Calvin Klein’s fresh take on producing and marketing their undergarments.

Women’s underwear was not much different, functional cotton bras and panties for comfort, with trendy thongs coming initialling in the 70’s and becoming mainstream in the 90’s. Intimate undergarments in the 60’s were nightgowns and peignoir sets

Shop Now at End.

Olympian Underwear

With a fresh, timeless product, and simple, clever ad campaigns with provocative imagery, Calvin Klein single-handedly changed the game by flexing the established rules of men’s underwear marketing. Yes, women traditionally bought men’s undergarments – but that didn’t have to be the case forever.

Olympic Athlete Tom Hintnaus models Calvin Klein underwear campaign
Tom Hintnaus Calvin Klein campaign

In their first campaign, Olympic athlete Tom Hintnaus lies back against a wall, his bronzed body glowing in his sun. Front and centre of the photo is Hintnaus’ Calvin Klein underwear. According to Diana Edkins, in an interview with American Photographer, the photo “made men the focal point of sexual attention; for the first time, they were sold as sexual objects, not breadwinners or authority figures.”

The photo presented something new: a marketing campaign that would appeal to both men and women. The undies, really, was neither here nor there – as Klein himself once said, “The only way to advertise is by not focusing on the product.” The photo – and by association, the underwear – gave men permission to want to feel desirable and confident, to embrace their sexuality in a way that would appeal to both themselves, and to their wives and girlfriends. To feel sexy when at their most vulnerable.

And it worked like a charm as retail sales soared with shoppers who bought into the understated luxury of the wardrobe staples designed by one of the biggest fashion houses. It’s well known that your choice of underwear makes or breaks your outfits, but for the first time fashionistas wanted their undergarments to be seen.

Kate Moss & Marky Mark: The Ultimate 90s Duo

Marky Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss Calvin Klein
Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss Calvin Klein campaign

Later campaigns, such as the famous 90s advertisements featuring Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg, showcased further unique aspects of Calvin Klein underwear collection that would soon be mimicked by every other fashion house and designer.

The jacquard waistband bore a logo that could be seen above the waistband of jeans – which were, incidentally, another of Calvin Klein’s most successful products up to that point. The branded underwear was worn to be seen, using the big stars of the time to garner more attention.

Not only that, but now women’s and men’s underwear could be created and advertised together. Only the cut differentiated the styles aimed at each gender – both featured the same fabric, details, simple elastic waistband and neutral colour palette. They aimed to present the genders as equals: flesh was on show, always, but both his models showed skin in more or less equal measure.

The Calvin Klein underwear revolution was about more than just marketing, although it’s difficult to overstate just how transformative and trailblazing these early campaigns were.

Even now, almost every designer of men’s underwear mimics the original CK design in some way. Most brands feature their logo on the waistband of the men’s boxers Briefs. Jersey shorts have seen a boom in popularity. The elasticated jacquard material waistband remains a practical, popular underclothes solution. And for women essential women’s monogram bralettes, available for all sizes and weight.

In Your Feelings

Much of the success stems from how they make the wearer feel. Even today, almost 40 years after the Tom Hintnaus campaign, Calvin Klein is the most recognisable premium underwear brand you can buy. The simplicity of the design appeals to people from a huge variety of subcultures and clans, from modern metrosexual male to high fashion follower to confident jack-the-lad.

Even men who aren’t wearing CK underwear are likely to be wearing a Calvin Klein pastiche. Wearing their underwear tells others you have confidence, that you’re desirable – that you take pride in your appearance. Wearing Calvin’s under inexpensive high-street-brand jeans can give you greater status than wearing designer outerwear. That’s the power of the Calvin Klein underwear brand and the iconic logo waistband.

calvin klein underwearFollowing the success of the underwear collections, fashion moguls began to design their other clothes around the idea of wearing undies that’s designed to be seen. Low-rise jeans became popular in the 90s, which made it even easier to display the status symbol that is Calvin Klein clothing.

As a result, they sparked a huge change in the way underwear was considered by the fashion world – rather than a practical garment to be hidden by your regular clothes, it became the foundation for your outfit. The reason you’d choose to wear a certain pair of jeans. The cornerstone of confidence.

Modernising Underwear Marketing

Recent Calvin Klein underwear campaigns have incorporated more modern marketing techniques – featuring a heady list of influencers, their #MyCalvins campaign recreated the success of earlier campaigns for the Instagram generation. The underwear is essentially the same as it has always been – although their colour palette has expanded somewhat, the linchpin of their product will always be the classic black-and-white jersey shorts.

But despite the time shift, so many elements of their original campaigns still work – the influence brought by hiring big-name models, the simple greyscale photography, and the use of a tagline that appeals to a generation. 

Calvin Klein didn’t just revolutionise underwear – they changed fashion marketing and design forever. They pioneered a total mindset change in the fashion industry – something upcoming clothing designers should strive to achieve in order to become an enduring fashion force.

Who is Fashion Designer Calvin Klein?

Calvin Klein was born in 1942 in the Bronx, New York, to a Jewish family. His life has parallels with fellow fashion design alumnus Ralph Lauren (born 1939 also in the Bronx to Jewish parents).

Klein attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan and New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. At 20 he began a couture apprenticeship at Dan Millstein, a high-end suit and coat manufacturer in New York. A few years later met his mentor Baron de Gunzburg, who as editor of Vogue opened doors into the Fashion Industry for the budding designer.

calvin klein jeansIn 1968 at the age of 24 started Calvin Klein Limited with Barry Schwartz launching with coats and dresses out of the York Hotel. Klein’s womenswear collection got high praise at New York Fashion Week, drawing a comparison with Yves Saint Laurent and appearing on the cover of Vogue in September 1969.

In 1971 Klein expanded into Sportswear, Blazers, and Lingerie to critical acclaim and they signed licenses for scarves, shoes, belts, furs, sunglasses, bedsheets, cosmetics, jeans, and menswear. Calvin Klein jeans in the mid-’70s kick-started the designer jeans craze and claimed they sold 200’000 pairs in the first week.

Since 2002 CK has been owned by PVH (Phillips van Heusen group), and continue to manufacturer wardrobe essentials with unbeatable quality and a superior fit, from iconic denim jeans, sleek dresses, sensual bikinis and loungewear ranges, cool trainers and high heels.

The birth of the designer label

Jeffery banks, a design assistant for Calvin Klein claimed credit for first putting the iconic logo on the garments, saying that for a present for Klein he silkscreened the logo onto a T-shirt. Schwartz then created similar t-shirts for his fashion runway staff and this led to a demand to be added to collections.

From the success of designer jeans, Calvin Klein’s take on underwear changed consumer demand from plain packs of three white briefs, to the branded colourways we see today

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How To Promote Your Clothing Brand On Social Media https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/how-to-promote-your-clothing-brand-on-social-media/ Wed, 09 Jun 2021 13:31:39 +0000 https://www.fastfashionnews.co.uk/?p=3564 This article was originally published at

It can be tough for aspiring fashion brands to cut through the noise on social media and reach new fans. With millions of hashtags and viral videos being flung across the internet each day, it’s a challenge to be seen. But for your fashion brand to succeed, that’s exactly what you’ve got to do. Whether […]

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It can be tough for aspiring fashion brands to cut through the noise on social media and reach new fans. With millions of hashtags and viral videos being flung across the internet each day, it’s a challenge to be seen. But for your fashion brand to succeed, that’s exactly what you’ve got to do. Whether you’re selling vintage garments, haute couture, or bold streetwear, check out these tips for promoting your clothing brand on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels.

Define Your Brand

Are your clothes for teenagers or twenty-somethings? Do you design athleisure wear, or dresses for going out-out? It’s important to decide what you do, and who your ideal customers are. That way, you can run in their circles rather than spending time promoting your brand to people who aren’t likely to buy.

Make Your Brand Easy To Find

Make sure you use a social media handle that matches your brand name. If your brand name is already taken, try adding a word like “UK” or “fashion” or “couture” to the end of it, depending on your brand’s vibe. Definitely don’t use your personal account to promote your brand (or at least, not exclusively). Not only will people find it tricky to find your company, but it might lose you followers.

fashion brand on instagram

Take Great Photos

You don’t need a fancy camera to take great photos – but you do need good lighting, a fun backdrop, and people willing to model your clothes. Streetwear looks great in urban areas, while high fashion brands can give their clothes that couture feel by styling them in a luxury hotel or grand hall. Whatever you do, don’t resort to retro Ebay-style photos of clothes spread out on your bed.

Be Active

Unless you’re already a big brand – think ASOS or JD Sports – your social media won’t run itself. In fact, even big brands have worked hard on their campaigns to maintain and maximise their social media momentum. You need to engage with your potential customers as a matter of routine – which means likes, comments, and regular posts and killer videos.

Optimise Your Best Channels

While it’s great to have a presence on all social media platforms, you shouldn’t spend an equal amount of time maintaining each of them. After all, most clothing brands will find way more customers on Instagram than on LinkedIn. Run your social media channels alongside each other for a few months to see which generates most engagement and sales. Then switch your focus to your best performing platforms so you can make the most of your time. Consider direct to consumer marketplaces like eBay or Depop.

Reward Your Customers

If one of your customers has taken the time to tag you in their #OOTD, show them some love! The reward doesn’t have to be huge – you could send them a cheeky 5% discount code for their next order, or just shout them out in your next Instagram story. People love a bit of back-and-forth with great social media brands, so make sure to highlight your best customers.

Run Competitions

To run a successful competition, you’ll need a bit of a following already – but it’s a great way to spread the word about your brand. Most clothing competitions offer vouchers or sought-after products with broad appeal, to maximise the number of entrants. Ask people to follow and tag you in their stories and posts, along with 5 of their besties. Giveaways like this are sure to enhance your social media presence.

Use Hashtags Effectively

Don’t rely on hashtags to do all the work for you. While they’re a valuable way of becoming part of a conversation, the most popular hashtags are so saturated that it’s unlikely many people will see your posts within them. Use more niche hashtags to improve the chances of your post being viewed by your ideal customers. And make sure to create your own brand hashtag that you use in all your posts.

Make It Easy To Buy Online

Your social campaigns may be killer, but to maximise sales, you’ve got to make it simple for people to buy your products. The more hoops you make your customers jump through, the more people will drop off before they check out. Make use of Instagram Shopping and Facebook for Business so people can buy swiftly and simply.

importance of fashion on social media

Work With Micro-Influencers

We’re not necessarily talking about Kim Kardashian here. Many micro-influencers (people with more than 5,000 followers, for example) love working with upcoming brands to promote their products in exchange for payment and/or freebies. Find micro-influencers with followers who match your ideal customers, then reach out to them to see if they’d be willing to partner up. Be prepared to negotiate, and make them aware of what you expect to achieve from the partnership – whether it’s an uptick in sales, followers, or both.

Crowdfund Your Next Product Line

If you have a band of loyal brand ambassadors, crowdfunding is a great way to raise money for your next product line launch. Use your social media platforms to raise awareness of your crowdfunding campaign. Offer great rewards to people who donate the big bucks to your brand. It’s a great way to solidify your existing customer relationships and to build new ones.

Hire A Social Media Executive

When your brand takes off, a social media exec can be an invaluable member of your team. When they’re savvy with your brand voice and posting schedule, they can take care of the posts, and stay engaged with your customers all day long – leaving you free to get back to designing incredible new clothes for your followers.

Looking for more ways to promote your clothing brand in 2021? Check out our retailer secrets and get more insider info on creating, marketing, and shopping with incredible independent fashion brands. 

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