Thrifting: Jump on the Bandwagon

Thrifting: jump on the bandwagon

Ruby Sarrow '25

Assistant Podcast Coordinator

Recently, a surge in the popularity of thrifting has occurred. Why do we love thrifting? Where’s

the appeal? What does it do for us, and more importantly, for our world?

Thrifting is commonly seen as shopping for used clothing at discounted prices, through

second-hand stores, garage and estate sales, or flea markets. But until recently, thrifting has not

appealed to the general public: so, when did that change?

Gen Z can be credited with the sudden resurgence for second-hand shopping. Not only do people

get excited about spending less money for unique and personal pieces, thrifting is also a fabulous

way to give back to our environment and community.

The beauty of thrift shopping is finding pieces for your wardrobe or home that are distinctive to

you. Buying clothes second-hand can allow the wearer the ability for self-expression, by finding

pieces that feel individual to your personal style, or can even give life to an otherwise replicable

outfit.

“Thrifting is satisfying because I put in the work to find something that feels like me, and [gives

me the ability to buy clothes other people aren’t wearing,” says Ailee Nishi ’25.

Currently, fashion makes up almost 8 percent of landfill waste. Each year, the world produces 92

million tons of textile waste. Of the 17 million tons of textile waste produced each year in the

U.S., less than 15 percent is recycled into new clothing. The good news is that through thrifting,

consumers can engage in an alternative form of shopping that is more rewarding for our world.

Oppositely to purchasing new clothing, thrifting reduces carbon emissions by 25 percent. So if

you are not already participating in second-hand shopping, seeing these numbers may just

change your mind.

If you’re looking to contribute to your wider community, donating to thrift stores or reselling your clothing can promote sustainability in your own and others’ closets. It is the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe and give those clothes another chance at life. Thrift stores tend to be great for any kind of donations, whether it’s clothes, books or home goods. Vintage stores are an easy option to get money back for donated clothes, but they generally look for higher-end and more curated clothing. If you are prepared to put in the work to make some money for yourself, there are various options for you to resell your clothing. Set up a sale in your front yard, run a booth at a flea market or create an account to list your clothing on reselling apps like Poshmark or Depop! Whether for a quick buck or as a functioning business, reselling can’t go wrong.

“My main source of income is selling clothes on Depop. My page feels like a little business!”

declared Berlynn Granier ’25.

In terms of some recommendations of spots to thrift, it is important to note that no store or site is guarantee to be tailored to your specific needs and interests. In a way, the beauty of thrifting is the work that plays into finding personal pieces—it makes the result much more rewarding! Personally, I love a good flea market: I look forward to our local Pierce College monthly vintage market held on the last Sunday of each month. Although I don’t have specific favorites for thrift stores, I find that the Goodwill’s and non-profit stores in downtown L.A. have the most fashion-forward clothing for my personal style. So go out there, and get thrifting!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse