Our addiction to fast fashion may show little sign of abating, but the costs both to the environment and those working to produce high street garments mean many are seeking an alternative approach to stylish dressing.

This is where the growing market for vintage, pre-loved clothes comes in, giving people the chance to dress well in a more ethical way. We sent reporter Rhys Griffiths for a makeover and the chance to find out more...

Like many blokes, clothes shopping isn't top of my list when it comes to ways to spend my leisure time.

I like to think I dress as well as the next man, but there's something about stuffy, brightly-lit changing rooms that just sends me into a tailspin. Probably deeply-buried memories of being dragged around the shops as an unwilling child.

That said, if all clothes shopping experiences could be as fun and eye-opening as my morning with the lovely team at Bounce Vintage on the Old High Street in Folkestone, then perhaps I could be converted.

I'm through the doors before the shop opens to the public - how very exclusive - and welcomed by owner Rachel Kitchen, store manager Amber Gamgee and stylist Constance MacQueen.

I've provided them with my sizes in advance, and they have selected five outfits for me which showcase their most popular looks.

There are a number of staples which are always in demand, both here in the Creative Quarter and at Bounce's second shop on Mercery Lane in Canterbury.

These include rugged American workwear from brands like Carhartt, European blue chore jackets and retro sportswear.

Eyeing up the styles arrayed on the rail in front of me, it looks like I will be gradually eased out of my fashion comfort zone.

The first look, however, is one I'm definitely a fan of.

Constance has teamed a classic combination of brown lace-up boots and Levi's jeans with a plaid shirt, a Champion sweater and a rugged Carhartt body warmer.

Checking out my reflection, I am impressed. Everything fits perfectly, and it's an outfit I could definitely see myself wearing.

That said, I am not entirely convinced by Constance's addition of a bold purple beret. But what the heck, it's not everyday you get to strut around the place modelling vintage looks, so I'm game and strike a pose for our snapper.

With one eye on the clock and the rapidly-approaching opening of the shop, I'm soon back in the changing rooms.

But not before I ask Bounce owner Rachel - who runs the business with partner Saul - about the boom in demand for pre-loved clothing.

"There is definitely an increase in demand for vintage," she said.

"This has grown out of a strong desire amongst people for sustainable products, including clothing.

"It is exciting that vintage and the circular economy is becoming mainstream. Many people have had enough of fast fashion. They realise the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment and are wanting something different.

"Buying vintage and pre-loved is not only about enjoying unique and classic fashion pieces, it's taking a step away from the unethical and unsustainable fast fashion mentality.

"Vintage is the perfect antidote to fast fashion."

Fast fashion would be an apt description of my morning - as I'm out of one set of garments and into the next in no time.

Having sampled the rather muted tones and textures of workwear from the States, I'm now taking a trip across the Channel with a Gallic-flavoured ensemble of blue chore coat, a striped Breton top and a pop of colour in the form of a red neck scarf arranged with great precision by our stylist.

The neckerchief certainly lends the outfit a raffish edge.

I can't say it's an accessory I'm likely to add to my repertoire any time soon. But I'm learning from Constance that it's these little touches that elevate the look, from something everyday to a style that'll make you stand out from the crowd.

"That's the beauty of vintage clothing, it is for everyone and can be worn however you want to wear it," Rachel said.

"We were very happy to discover that our customers at both shops come from a wonderfully broad demographic.

"One of the brilliant things about vintage clothes is that the size or gender doesn't really matter.

"For example, petite customers often buy XXL denim jackets, while 28" waist skaters are buying 38" waist Dickies to be worn super baggy with a belt.

"The thing about vintage is the discovery.

"Going out and finding a gem in a vintage shop creates a much stronger bond with your clothing than you normally get when buying a new item from a fashion retailer."

My next look showcases some Aztec-inspired prints which, my hosts inform me, are very much in at the moment.

It's a style I could definitely see myself wearing.

I am also beginning to think that the key for transforming the look of the less fashion-conscious among us could be the assistance of a stylist with a real eye for items that complement one another.

So far I have worn staples of my own wardrobe - brown leather boots, jeans, a chore jacket - but it's noticeable just how well the combinations selected by Constance sit together. She definitely knows her stuff.

Which is why I am more than happy as she walks me to the edge of my fashion comfort zone, and gives me an almighty shove over it.

Apparently the next outfit is very 'Gucci'.

I am not particularly au fait with the catwalks of Paris and Milan, so I have to take her word for it that having a massive cartoon of Donald Duck emblazoned across your chest is all the rage in the fashion capitals of the world.

Emerging from the changing rooms under multiple layers, and starting to feel a little hot under the collar, I am naturally delighted to find the shop is now open.

The shoppers catching a glance at my outfit appear bemused and amused in equal measure.

But we're really hitting our stride now, and before long our photographer has me positioned in the shop window in full view of passers-by on the Old High Street.

By now the staff are having a whale of a time, as am I, and they are keen to accessorise wherever possible.

Which is how I come to be dressed in a look I'm calling 'babushka chic' - a headscarf worthy of any Russian granny and a pair of rather loud sunglasses.

And so to my final outfit. Which in terms of understatement and everyday dressing makes the Disney-inspired combo look like something I'd throw on to pop to the shops.

I'm instructed to don an all-in-one jumpsuit, a very snazzy ski jacket and some retro 80s sunglasses, all apparently inspired by Wham's iconic Last Christmas video.

Whether I'd be winning any style points on the slopes, who's to say, but it's certainly be an eye-opening experience.

If you are tired of the throw-away disposable nature of high street fashion, there's never been a better time to give vintage a go.