This response has become more and more common in recent years, and this is because thrifting has steadily grown in popularity, particularly among young people.
But if you’re sitting there thinking you have no idea what “thrifting” is, then you wouldn’t be the first.
New terminology is created around old concepts all the time, and chances are, you do know what thrifting is.
You may even already be doing it! In this article, we will define thrifting and tell you all you need to know about the activity. If this is of interest to you, then read on!
What Is Thrifting?
Thrifting is a term used to replace second-hand shopping. It is typically used when talking about shopping for clothes, but it can also be used when talking about furniture, books, etc, too!
There are typically stores dedicated to thrifting, known as “thrift stores.” People will typically donate their clothes to these stores and they will be sold for low prices.
This means that thrifting is not exclusive to vintage clothing, but any type of clothing that is second-hand, no matter when it was made or in style.
However, you are likely to find amazing vintage clothing at thrift stores for an amazing, affordable price!
Why Do People Go Thrifting?
So why exactly is thrifting popular?
Let’s check out some reasons for the growing popularity of thrifting below:
1. It’s Affordable
Second-hand clothing is often far more affordable than the clothing you can find in branded stores, designer or not. Your dollars go further in a thrift store, so it’s only natural people will flock there for amazing deals!
2. It’s Sustainable
Fast fashion shopping harms the environment, with many clothes ending up in landfills. People are beginning to understand the importance of buying used items.
By donating and buying donated clothes you are recycling, and this helps to reduce your carbon footprint and reduces the need for factories to constantly produce new clothing.
Many people like to thrift as a way of avoiding fast fashion and making more sustainable choices.
3. It Allows For Unique Fashion Choices
Fast fashion stores typically follow the trends of today, but thrift stores offer more clothing variety, including vintage items, and the chance for an individual to find their personal style.
Where Can You Go Thrifting?
Thrift stores are only one of many options when it comes to thrifting. You can also thrift at flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, or donation centers!
Thrifting is also becoming more and more popular online. Websites like Depop, Poshmark, Etsy, and eBay offer second-hand clothing that users can purchase for affordable prices, from the comfort of their own homes.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Online Thrifting?
Here are some pros and cons of online thrifting!
Pros Of Online Thrifting
Online thrifting comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Like in-person thrift shopping, it’s affordable, sustainable, and will allow for unique fashion choices.
Typically, online thrifting will usually offer more clothing varieties when compared to thrift stores. It is easier to find items that you want because you can filter out searches and find items by size, category, brand, style, color, etc.
This filter system also allows you to compare similar items from different brands to determine which you like better.
Cons Of Online Thrifting
However, it comes with its own disadvantages that going thrift shopping in person does not.
Unable To Assess Item Quality
For one thing, thrifting or retail shopping in person allows you to see the items and assess their quality.
Thrifting online should allow for this too, and many sellers will inform potential buyers of any damage or stains on the clothing so they can make an informed purchase.
However, this is always a risk when shopping online that you do not find when thrifting yourself.
Unable To Assess Size
On top of that, you are able to try clothes on in stores before making a purchase to determine if the item is going to fit you.
This is impossible to do when thrifting online, and if an item does not fit you either need to sell it yourself or donate it, which can be an inconvenience.
The Risk Of Scammers
There is also the risk that you are being scammed when you thrift online.
Online thrifting means you are relying on other individuals to deliver, and often there are bad-natured people out there looking to take advantage of others by ripping them off.
Although, typically online thrift stores will have systems in place to protect both sellers and buyers from scammers, such as a buyer protection policy.
How To Thrift
Here are the best ways to thrift, both at an actual thrift store and online!
Thrift Stores
When thrift shopping in person, it can be fun to go with friends. You can help each other find clothing and explore different styles together.
Typically, you will have to search through reams of clothes packed tightly together on a rack, so you will need a good eye if you want to find the best items.
Items are often grouped together by category, such as sweaters, skirts, etc, although sometimes, items will be grouped together by color.
Online Thrifting
To thrift online, make sure you are purchasing items through the online store so you are protected by the store’s policies. You can search for an item and then filter the searches to find one that will be perfect for you.
For example, if you’re looking for a sweatshirt, you could type “sweatshirt” into the search bar and then filter by size, color, and brand, and search among those options.
Final Thoughts
Thrifting is the term used to describe second-hand shopping, typically for clothes but it can also be used to describe investing in second-hand furniture, books, etc.
You can thrift in person or online. It is very popular because it allows people to invest in great quality clothes for affordable prices.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
