Hi everyone,

My name is Alex and I’ve been thinking a lot about how the rising cost of living affects the Black community, especially when it comes to everyday essentials like food, housing and clothing. It feels like prices keep going up while wages and opportunities don’t always keep pace, and that puts a lot of pressure on families and young people.
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One small area where I’ve tried to adapt is the way I buy clothes. Instead of always going to big fast‑fashion brands, I’ve started using using used clothing more often. It helps me save money and also cuts down on waste, but it made me wonder about the bigger picture – who really benefits from our spending, and are there better ways to support Black‑owned businesses and our own communities?

I’d like to ask:

Have you changed the way you shop for clothes because of money, ethics or environmental reasons?

Do you think used clothing sites and thrifting are helpful options, or do they still have problems (quality, access, stigma, etc.)?

How can we balance saving money with supporting Black‑owned brands and local businesses?

I’d really like to hear your thoughts and experiences on this, and any ideas for practical solutions.