By: Elizabeth Bretl / brete28@uwgb.edu
Public perception of thrifting has shifted significantly in recent years. More consumers are choosing used items over newly manufactured products. “According to Business Insider, more than 100 billion garments are produced each year, about three-fourths of which end up in landfills, per Vox… that means 75 percent of the fashion industry’s output is unnecessary and goes unused,” quoted an article in Elle Magazine.
Racks of clothing at Green Door Thrift (Picture Credits: Elizabeth Bretl)
Thrifting has gained increasing popularity among younger demographics. “Accelerating these numbers is Generation Z, whose members have embraced secondhand fashion faster than any other age group and account for over 40% of global consumers,” stated an NPR article. “I started thrifting to discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that add character to my home. I’ve found that vintage items often have better quality and more charm than modern ones. Thrifting also allows me to save money while supporting local organizations,” said Miranda Logerquist, a recent graduate of UW-Oshkosh.
Besides clothing and dishes, books are a frequent item that gets donated (Picture Credits: Elizabeth Bretl)
Social media plays a role in how people are starting to view thrifting. Whether it is through “What I thrifted vs. How I styled” videos or influencers giving their thrifting hauls, more people are becoming aware of the benefits associated with thrifting. “Young people are generally more open to experimenting with styles and reinventing different versions of themselves,” stated an NPR article. Thrifting can be viewed as an outlet for creative expression. Whether through clothes, furniture, jewelry, or knick-knacks, thrifting can appeal to a variety of interests and preferences.
Dishware lined on the racks of a thrift store (Picture Credits: Elizabeth Bretl)
Shopping secondhand offers several advantages, including the potential for significant cost savings. As many college students prepare to move out for the first time, finding ways to reduce expenses becomes increasingly important. “Thrifting also allows me to save money while supporting local organizations,” said Logerquist.
If someone does not have time to shop in person, there are numerous online resale websites that are cost-efficient. Some of those websites include: The RealReal, Thredup, Poshmark, and Depop. Students can also sell clothes that they no longer wear on the websites. Instead of throwing away the clothes, it is more environmentally friendly to resell, and it provides a way to make extra cash.
Earrings inserted through playing cards (Picture Credits)
Another benefit to thrifting is the environmental impact it leaves. With fast fashion being a common occurrence throughout stores, shopping secondhand brings a second life to garments that would have quickly been thrown away. “According to an analysis by Business Insider, fashion production comprises 10% of total global carbon emissions, as much as the emissions generated by the European Union. The industry dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year… emissions from textile manufacturing alone are projected to skyrocket by 60% by 2030,” said earth.org.
Younger generations have become more aware of the harmful effects the fashion industry has on the planet. “Environmental sustainability has become a significant priority influencing the shopping choices of young consumers, according to the 2019 State of Fashion report, a yearly report on trends within the global fashion industry,” said NPR.
Racks of clothing at Sunshine House Resale Store (Picture Credits: Elizabeth Bretl)
Although there are many benefits to thrifting, Logerquist reported on some downsides when it comes to thrifting. “Thrifting takes patience. If you’re searching for a specific item, whether it’s clothing, furniture, or something else, you must go regularly and understand that you won’t always find what you’re looking for. Another downside is digging through a lot of junk. People donate all kinds of things, including stained clothes and random stuff that probably should not have been thrown away. Resellers can also make it tougher to find good pieces since some treat it like a full-time job. And as thrift stores catch on, pieces are starting to go up, which can take away from the original appeal of thrifting,” said Logerquist.
But there is a flip side. A worker at Sunshine House Resale Store said, “We price things based on what we would pay for it.” Not every thrift store is the same, so not every piece will be priced higher or lower.
Thrifting takes patience, but the rewards outweigh the negatives. “People constantly move or hide items in random spots, so that perfect piece you’re looking for might not be where it “belongs.” Another tip I have is to go regularly. The best finds usually go fast, so showing up when new items hit the floor gives you first pick. Even just popping in for 10 minutes regularly can help you score way more treasures,” said Logerquist.
By saving money, finding unique finds, and being sustainable, thrifting is becoming a trend that everyone can participate in. Logerquist stated, “Thrifting has helped me save money and decorate my home in a way that really reflects my style. It allows me to find unique pieces that you can’t get in regular stores. Over time, it became a fun hobby that makes me happy. Additionally, it’s rewarding knowing I’m supporting local shops and giving things a second life.”