Other than the obvious big advantages of thrifting, like buying high-quality goods at low prices, it’s also great for the environment. Making secondhand purchases help keep clothes out of landfills. Thrift shopping keeps clothes and other products in circulation for a longer period of time.
In the past couple of years, maybe even before that, thrifting became a trend. It’s great that more people are donating and buying from consignment shops and thrift stores, but we have to remember that individuals from low-income communities rely on these stores. With the prices rising, because more people are going, this reduces the narrowed options for some people. This isn’t always the case, because there is an abundance of clothes and other goods, but it’s definitely something to be mindful about. It’s more common in Generation Z to go thrifting. I know this firsthand. In high school and even now (literally today) my friends and I would go. In high school, I didn’t need to be shopping at a consignment shop; I wanted to. Now, in college, I understand how important these stores are. I go sparingly with my friends when I can’t afford new clothes online or in stores. I am very privileged that I get to pick and choose when I need to go. Overall, I think shopping at thrift stores is amazing, especially today with all the fast fashion brands, which are the highest polluting industries in the world. Fast fashion also impacts many different human rights areas, especially exploiting cheap labor.
“A 2018 US Department of Labor report found evidence of forced and child labour in the fashion industry in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam and others.”
Just some fruit for thought. I linked an article below, “Fast Fashion’s Detrimental Effect on the Environment.” It’s a very informative read, if you want to check it out.
My friends and I went to a Goodwill store this afternoon (I wrote this on Sunday). It’s about 30 minutes from our school in another state. Sometimes when I go, I don’t find many clothes that I think I’ll wear. I usually don’t step out of my comfort zone. But if I do, then I end up buying clothes that collect dust in my closet. It’s a fine line.
Today, I bought some stuff that I’m so excited to wear. Before going, I had in my mind that I wanted to get clothes to wear in Italy. I wanted to dress in a more European style, and in clothes I normally wouldn’t wear. Why not, right? I’ll be in Italy!
Here are the items I purchased today:
- A K.L Collection cross the body cream and light brown handbag
- A light brown hat that says Rhode Island with a lighthouse
- White loafers with a black rim
- White loose-fitting mesh pants with pockets (need to be altered to fit better)
- A braided and woven small, long purse in a light metallic color
- A black dress, that’s kind of loose-fitting, with layers and thin straps which tie on the side
- A pair of Riveted Lee cream-colored cargo/jean pants
- A long skirt by August Silk that is multicolored with photos and words like “navigation, undersea,
- A long Coldwater Creek scarlet red dress with ruffles on the bottom
- A large salmon-colored men’s dress shirt
Now, these items are not things I would usually buy or envision myself wearing. But, I have so many different outfit ideas in my head. I imagine myself walking to my internship with the hot sun shining on my face, with a cup of coffee in hand, my new bag around me, a clip in my hair that lets out my layers, wearing my white pants and white loafers.
Thrifting is so fun because of the search and discovery of something new and unique that not everyone is wearing. It’s no secret that social media plays a huge role in fashion trends. I also participate in those trends, but wearing things that not everyone has and wearing things that aren’t considered “trendy” at the time is pretty liberating. I find my own style more and force myself out of my comfort zone. And if you don’t end up liking a piece of clothing, then you can donate it back.
I really recommend going to a thrift store with your friends. It’s a really enjoyable time.
Sources:
Fast Fashion’s Detrimental Effect on the Environment