When on a budget and in need of upgrading their closet, college students are turning to secondhand clothing stores, or thrift stores. Personally, I work at Plato’s Closet and can confirm that most of our customers are college students.
Fun fact: Did you know that the creators of Plato’s Closet got the company idea based on their child’s school project? Lynn and Dennis Blum were inspired by the Greek philosopher Plato and his ideas on reusing and recycling; hence the idea of used clothing that is given a second chance at 75% off the original retail price.
But why is it that more young adults are relying on thrift stores? Here are the biggest reasons why:
- . It’s easier on a college budget
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College students are constantly balancing tuition, food, rent, gas, and social activities, which add up fast. Buying clothes from a secondhand store can actually make it easier to update a wardrobe without breaking the bank. Erin Hynes, a student contributor writer for Her Campus at the University of Missouri, discusses affordability and says secondhand shopping can help college students save money. People who shop secondhand save about $1,760 yearly, so even a few bucks per outfit makes a difference. For me, I didn’t grow up thrifting. My mom hated the idea of used clothes, but working at a thrift store changed that for me. Now, I realize thrifting helps keep clothes in use longer, so it saves money and, in a way, gives things a second chance.
- . You can find clothes that nobody else has
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Thrifting gives students access to vintage pieces, older styles, and one-of-a-kind statement items. Erin’s article points out that thrift store inventory constantly changes, making it easier to find pieces that aren’t on everyone’s clothing rack. Maybe you’ll snag early 2000s jeans, a vintage sweater, or something that really fits your aesthetic. Some stores even hold special events with clothing drops that draw in crowds, giving shoppers more reason to dig through the racks.
- . Thrifting has become trendy, not embarrassing
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Thrifting used to have more of a “cheap clothing” reputation, but now finding a unique piece can actually be considered fashionable. Social media made sure of that. TikTok hauls, Instagram outfit dumps, Pinterest inspiration, and showing off secondhand finds are now trendy, even brag-worthy. YPulse’s research specifically describes secondhand shopping as cool, trendy, and a way for young people to express individuality.
@savvimac via Instagram - . The thrill of finding something good
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When you find something good, it’s like a mini victory after sliding the squeaky hangers through the racks. It makes shopping feel more personal, more fun. Affordability is the biggest reason Gen Z buys secondhand products, but they may be more inclined than older generations because they enjoy the thrill of finding limited or sold-out items and experimenting with personal style. TikTok, Instagram, Depop, and other resale platforms have made thrift finds part of online fashion culture. The common term “thrift hauls” involves showing off and posting styling videos of the good finds, making the experience feel more like a fashion hunt than simply buying used clothes.
- . College students aren’t just buying clothes—they’re furnishing their lives
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Students are furnishing more than just their closets. Secondhand shops are accessible to college students for lamps, mirrors, kitchen appliances, and little decor pieces to design apartments on a budget. It’s a way to shape a lifestyle that feels unique without paying full retail price. Students can also thrift dorm decorations, furniture, books, jewelry, records, and more.
So if you haven’t considered taking a trip to your local thrift store, try it! You might even change up your whole lifestyle when it comes to shopping on a budget. Bring a friend, or don’t; that just means you’ll have a better chance of finding your next statement piece.