What was once viewed as low-budget shopping turned into a trend due to mainstream media. Thrifting became popular in the 1980’s and 1990’s due to the vintage “statement” pieces often found for lower prices. Thrift stores became the new go-to places for fashion-forward individuals to express themselves while remaining on budget.
Thrift stores often have versatility compared to regular retail stores because they acquire clothing from all eras. Thrifting has become a new hobby among Gen Z, as they are on the hunt for new and rare finds you wouldn’t commonly find among retail stores.
Thrifting has been modernized by transforming from in-person to online, using apps like Depop, TheRealReal, Etsy, Ebay and more.
These sites provide an online marketplace for customers to thrift freely, buying and selling items for cheap. These sites have unique products crafted by different people from all around the world.
Thrifting has been a safe haven for many low income houses that could not afford the newest or trendy clothes. Many families have benefited from the service of secondhand clothing thrift stores have provided.
The stigmas regarding thrift stores have been replaced, now claiming thrift stores are sustainable and ethical for our environment. Concerns about it being an unclean way of shopping and for poor people has been feathered out because, as a society, we have realized how ethical and sustainable it is. Thrifting reduces consumerism rates.
Thrifitng has created a huge impact on our environment and how much waste is being exported into landfills. Our society has become obsessed with the notion of consumerism, which, in turn, makes these companies produce more, reducing our percentage of natural resources.
“Thrifting keeps clothing in use for longer, which can help limit wasted resources through decreased demand for new products”.
Thrifting allows shoppers to look into someone else’s wardrobe and see their personality throughout their clothing. It also provides a personal experience because it is second-hand clothing and can often feel like a game of dress-up.
Although the world has been introduced to “fast-fashion”, we often take comfort in thrift stores because of the treasure hunt type thrill it provides rather than the impersonal searching online.
Over the years, thrifting has been transformed into a new trend among our population as we become more aware of our climate issues.
We often associate style with money, which is an incorrect assumption. You do not need the newest or best designer items and accessories to stand out.
We ourselves are unique in our own ways which is expressed through our clothing, thrifting is just another outlet for you to express your identity while being environmentally and money conscious.