Thrifting has become more popular over the years as more people look for affordable and unique secondhand items. It allows shoppers to find items they really like, but at a lower price than they could usually find in a regular retailer. The main goal of thrifting is to spend less money on unique items while being more sustainable. Many people thrift for the thrill of finding items that aren’t available in regular stores anymore.
When people shop for cheaper and more unique pieces of clothing in a thrift or resale store, they’re also helping the environment. Thrifting reduces waste, decreases the demand for new clothes, and keeps clothing out of landfills. According to voguebusiness.com, since the 2000s, clothing quality has declined significantly, so finding vintage clothing at thrift stores has become more popular.
As noted in this March 2024 article on The Fluco Beat, fast fashion refers to cheaply produced clothes that copy the newest styles and reach stores very quickly. Examples of fast fashion include Shein, Zara, H&M, and Forever 21. While fast fashion makes it easier to find trendy clothes, it can harm the Earth in many ways, such as polluting water, releasing microplastics, and generating massive amounts of textile waste in landfills.
“Although I don’t go thrifting, it is a good way to help the environment, and if you really go looking, you can find some nice stuff,” said senior Karsyn Fennell.
Some popular styles associated with thrifting include Indie Sleaze, Y2K, and grandpa sweaters. According to InStyle, the Indie Sleaze style is a messy take on vintage fashion, consisting of chunky belts, rocker tees, layered clothing, and maxi skirts. The Y2K aesthetic mixes futuristic and retro vibes inspired by the late 1990s and early 2000s. Key elements include low rise jeans, bold patterns and colors, velour tracksuits, and logomania (brand logos written all over clothing and accessories). Grandpa sweaters are vintage inspired, comfortable pieces centered around cozy, oversized knitwear like cardigans and vests.
“I thrift a lot, and Goodwill is a really good option. Also, at yard sales, you can find some nice things there too,” said senior Lila Gochenour.
Thrifting can also save you money, since it is significantly cheaper than buying new, allowing you to find high quality clothes for less. Another benefit is that you can find vintage pieces no longer sold in mainstream stores, helping you build a unique closet. Thrifting also allows you to experiment with different styles without spending a lot. Some other community-based benefits include profits from thrift stores support local charities, and thrift stores provide employment. Thrifting is a simple, stylish, and responsible choice that benefits both your budget and the environment.
However, not everyone agrees that thifting is a good idea. Ellexyfy.com states that thrifting is a bad choice as it can lead to “Gentrification Thrifting,” meaning, if everyone goes to thrift stores, clothing will be less accessible to longtime community members. While gentrification can affect local thrift stores, thrifting itself remains an option for people of all backgrounds. If gentrification concerns you, consider shopping at stores like Plato’s Closet and Uptown Cheapskate, which focus on resale and trends rather than providing affordable clothing.
There are many ways to shop, donate, or get involved with local thrift stores, including the Goodwill location at 85 Heritage Drive, Palmyra, outside the Turkey Sag entrance of Lake Monticello. They are open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm.
If you’d like to donate clothes or shop, you can visit goodwill.org or salvationarmyusa.org to find your nearest location and drop-off directions. These stores accept a variety of items, from clothing to furniture. They do not accept hazardous materials, large household appliances, or items in poor condition.
