I often get asked questions like, “I love your style! Where do you shop?”, or “I love your outfit! Where did you get your shirt?”. There’s a good chance I will answer by saying I thrifted everything that’s on my body. My closet is full of various colors and styles of clothing that have been tracked down and purchased from thrift stores. I’ve been thrifting for about eight years now, and I’m so glad that it’s becoming a trendy pass-time. There are so many benefits to it.
- Thrifting is more environmentally sustainable.
With the rise of fast fashion industries taking over today’s trends, the health of the environment is struggling to keep up with the demand. By purchasing something from the thrift store, it is a second-hand item that does not need to go through the production process in order for you to own. People recycle the clothes they don’t want anymore, and you pick it up instead of it going into the landfill. And when you have an item you no longer need, you can donate it to a thrift store and continue the cycle.
- Thrifting is cost-efficient.
One of the best parts about thrift shopping is leaving the store with ten new items without breaking the bank. Most thrift stores that I’ve been to sell shirts for $1-$2, pants for around $4-$5, and shoes for $5-$10. Especially when shopping for a special event, it is really nice to be able to find something affordable. Also, books are usually only 50 cents!
- Thrifting is fun!
Because every single item on the rack is unique, I find it so entertaining to dive into the store’s collection and see what people have left behind. Sometimes I’ll find t-shirts with unironically hilarious sayings, books about the ancient myths of mermaids, and Spongebob Squarepants patterned pants. Sifting through the absurd items makes the experience one-of-a-kind.
- Dare to be unique with your personal style.
While you’re thrifting, it is more than likely that you will run into many vintage or funky items that may make you cringe or laugh at first. But, having an open mind can lead you to find so many unexpected treasures. In my opinion, the best part about thrifting is experimenting with uncommon or untrendy pieces of clothing and creating outfits out of the unexpected. I have really built an individual aesthetic for myself that I know no one else can duplicate.