Sustainability in Fashion
Shame for secondhand converts to thrifting trend
Bella Lira ’21
Editor-in-Chief of Content
There has always been this stigma that fast fashion is the only socially acceptable clothing option; hand-me-downs or secondhand clothing are gross - until recently. Environmentalists and influencers everywhere have assisted in breaking that stigma by inviting thrifting onto their platforms. They have rebranded fashion rules and brought thrifting to high fashion.
It's a Wrap! thrift store in Burbank on Magnolia selling wardrobe and props donated from various films and TV shows.
“As a kid, I loved going to lots of thrift stores with my parents. There was a period where I thought it was embarrassing, and then I started to get older I realized they were really cool,” exclaimed actress Tessa Thompson.
Mens shirts from It's a Wrap!
Consider how an average consumer throws away 70 pounds of clothing per year. Globally we produce 13 million tons of textile waste, and 84% of clothing ends up in landfills! Additionally, textiles can take up to 200 + years to decompose in landfills. To help alleviate this issue, brands are finally incorporating sustainability into their marketing, such as Urban Outfitters’ Urban Renewal line or Patagonia’s Worn Wear program. More sustainable brands are starting to take flight as well.
When speaking about creative expression, artist Macklemore said, “Thrift shopping is really just an extension of me being that same kid going into a place that’s completely unconventional that has really endless possibilities in terms of outfits that you can put together and really just expressing yourself.”
Tips for Thrifters:
Make a list of what you are looking for before you get into the store. This tip is especially targeted to people who get easily distracted like me as it makes things so much easier!
Pinterest is the perfect outlet for inspiration! Get inspiration from your favorite Pinterest looks and make a board. This way, not only are you manifesting your future fits but focusing on what you want!
Avoid going on weekends (the two best days to thrift are Monday and Wednesday)
Use cash to your advantage! If you have trouble with limiting yourself and are on a budget, I recommend only bringing cash also; some thrift stores only take cash like the mom and pop ones! Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for a better price or if they will take less for an item; if you bring cash because some thrift stores will lower the price.
If you see something you like, put it in your shopping cart and go through everything at the end because it may not be there when you get back
Normally, I would recommend wearing a tank top and leggings. This makes it easy for you to easily try on clothes. Note: currently, most fitting rooms are closed
Keep an eye out for sale days!
Be careful: some stores will raise prices for popular brands like Levis right now
Always, always, always wash your finds before adding them to your closet and read the tags just in case they have special directions!
Patience is key; know that sometimes you’ll have lucky trips and some unlucky, but eventually, you will find the piece you're looking for
More pieces at It's a Wrap in Burbank!
Thrifted Levi's Jeans found in Goodwill.
Goodwill on Magnolia.
If you are more of an online shopper, there are several “thrift” websites where you can buy used products: clothing, home decor, accessories, and more. Some of these platforms include Depop, The Real Real, Etsy, Thredup. Personally, I have been obsessed with Depop!
Another root you can take is upcycling! Upcycling is taking your clothing piece and altering it; this could mean adding chains or buttons, cutting it, or reshaping it. If you’re like me, The Disney advertisement of Dove Cameron and her best friend upcycling always comes to mind.
Thank you, and happy thrifting! It is always an adventure, and there are many thrift stores all over Los Angeles. Pro tip: you can play our podcasts on your way to the store; we have new ones for each issue!