The appeal of “thrifting” has grown on the younger generations throughout the last century. In the past, many people were judged and looked down upon for wearing secondhand clothing. Now, thrifting is receiving its rightful recognition as a more exciting and sustainable shopping experience.
In comparison to buying fast fashion, thrifting is a guilt free alternative because shopping secondhand supports the reuse and repurposing of pre-loved clothing. Purchasing from fast fashion companies perpetuates the cycle of overconsumption, overproduction, and excessive pollution – three factors that are driving our planet toward desolation.
With the addition of online thrift markets, buying secondhand has never been more convenient. Apps like Depop, Poshmark, and Mercari have risen in popularity amongst tech-savvy consumers. These apps allow users to buy, sell, and trade clothing items for prices agreed upon by both parties.
While browsing your “feed” is the platform’s intended use, it’s also possible to search for items which is a helpful feature when you’re looking for something specific. You’re able to search by product, brand, color, or price revealing a plethora of results. Best of all, with a cellphone app, you can thrift from anywhere at any time.
Related Articles: Reselling Business: A Growing Circular Economy in Fashion | Black Friday: A Dark Day for Our Planet
There’s truly nothing like the in-store, thrifting experience though. The element of surprise will keep you in suspense as you comb through racks and dig through bins. A certain fabric may catch your eye from afar, but you’ll still have to see every piece in between in case you’re overlooking a hidden gem.
There’s no predicting what you may find at a thrift store. The store’s stock hinges upon clothing from the community in the surrounding area. Whether you’re in a city, suburb, or rural town, you can find a wide range of styles with prominent personalities. Something is bound to speak to you. So, after gawking at its reasonable price, you’ll be checking out, bagging it up (in your reusable shopping bag of course), and bringing it home to join your closet.
But the adventure continues. The compliments you’ll receive on your new-to-you piece of clothing or accessory will likely warrant some inquiries about where you purchased it. This is your time to shine. As the savviest shopper, you’ll bashfully appreciate their interest and break the news gently saying, “I actually thrifted this.”
They may feel disappointed because thrifting implies uniqueness and duplication; you have found a diamond in the rough. But a mutual appreciation for good deals will unite you again when you share the incredible price you scored the item for. Thrifting is not just a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s ethical, sustainable, economical, and much more thrilling than fast fashion.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com. — In the Featured Photo: Hanging Jeans. Featured Photo Credit: Waldemar Brandt.
