Our Ethos

Velvet Revival is not just about selling cool vintage clothing, but giving you an alternative to the fast fashion and throw-away culture that has taken over our society and polluted our world.

Every garment we rescue helps reduce waste and keep quality clothing in circulation, because the most sustainable garment is one that already exists. Research from the European recycling industry shows that for each item of high- or medium-quality clothing reused, 3kg of CO2 is saved — roughly equivalent to a ten-mile drive in a petrol car.

Up to 85% of textiles go into landfills each year. Every second, one bin lorry full of textiles is landfilled or incinerated — and we know from experience that some of it is brand new.

That’s why we believe synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels, like polyester, nylon and acrylic, also deserve a second chance. In fact it’s more important that we rehome synthetic garments than those made from natural fibres, like leather, which will biodegrade over time.

Extending the life of a polyester jacket by another 20 years is far better than sending it to landfill or incineration — where it will break down into microplastics that might end up in the food chain (and us!) and release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

We also believe they simply don’t make clothes like they used to.

Many clothes made in the 1970s, 80s and 90s were crafted using heavier fabrics, stronger stitching and higher manufacturing standards than much of today’s fashion brands. A well-made vintage leather jacket or denim shirt can last for decades, while many modern alternatives are designed to be replaced much sooner. You can literally feel the difference.

Community is also important to us at Velvet Revival, which is why we’ve become a Community Interest Company (known as a ‘kick’). It means that everything we do, from the clothes we sell to the events we put on, is to the benefit of the community we serve.

Shopping with us isn’t just saving you money, it’s supporting the local community and saving the world too. Not bad, eh?

Neil Froggatt
Founder & Sustainability Director
Velvet Revival