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3 Reasons why you Should Start Thrifting

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.

Those who know me, know that within the last year I’ve become the biggest advocate of thrifting. In fact, most weekends, you can find me scouring local thrift stores ranging from the local Goodwill to the Goodwill Bins about a half hour away. If you find yourself wondering about the excitement of thrifting or even just simply want to learn more about thrifting in itself, then I advise you to keep reading. Here are three reasons why you should start thrifting.

1. It’s affordable 

This reason is pretty obvious and is one of the more prominent reasons why people begin thrifting. Thrifting allows you to buy clothes at half the cost it would be at regular stores like American Eagle. Thrifting also allows you to buy different pieces for different budgets. Looking to find a collection of mugs for your apartment? Head to your local thrift store to score a pretty sweet deal. Why pay $50 for a pair of jeans, when you can pay $5 for them? Or even why pay $100 for a pair of Nike Air Forces when you can find them at a thrift store for $15? Thrift stores are the way to add unique pieces to your closet on a tight college student budget. 

2. It’s good for the environment 

You’ve probably heard enough about all the harm that fast fashion does, especially in regard to the company’s underpaid workers. If you want to go against fast fashion and still shop for interesting pieces to add to your wardrobe, then thrifting is the perfect way to do that! Instead of buying fast fashion, invest in sustainable fashion. Thrifting allows you to help the environment by buying second-hand items, especially clothes, and giving them new life! I especially find that thrift stores give new life to everything and I mean everything. Walking down the aisles of thrift stores, you discover items and pieces that you never thought you needed, but now find the perfect place for them in your apartment or wardrobe! 

3. It provides one-of-a-kind pieces 

Thrifting has allowed me to add a variety of one-of-a-kind pieces to my closet. Ranging from graphic tees to grandpa-esque sweaters, the thrift store has so many different options to offer. If you’re looking to build your own fashion, and have pieces in your closet that no one else has then the thrift store is the perfect place for you. Some of my favorite days are spent scouring the racks, searching for a new piece to bring home. Whether it’s adding another crewneck to my collection or finding a pair of Levis, the thrift store has become my favorite place to buy clothes.

Thrifting may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is definitely worth a try! Happy thrifting!

Serena is a Junior at the University of Pittsburgh who is majoring in English Writing with minors in Creative Writing and Legal Studies. When she's not writing short stories for class, Serena loves to write for HC Pitt, listen to music, and watch Jersey Shore!