In the past decade, thrifting has become very prevalent resulting in the popularity of fast fashion, stores that have inexpensive products rapidly produced by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends. As a result, fast fashion has negatively impacted the environment and clothing production. There are poor working conditions, and large amounts of wastewater and chemicals containing toxic substances being released into our lands. Fast fashion can also lead to textile waste, dangerous synthetic chemicals or lead in some clothing, and human rights abuses. I am referring to stores that many of us shop at in the mall, such as Forever 21, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Urban Outfitters, Zara, and Uniqlo.
How can we be sustainable and where will I shop now?
Try thrifting. It has become a ‘rising trend’ in the past few years to find vintage, unique items you would not expect to buy or add to your wardrobe that is environmentally sustainable!
Tips:
- Wash everything you have bought BEFORE you wear it
Washing your purchases before using them is the most crucial piece of advice I can give for shopping second-hand. Usually, when thrift stores receive donations, employees do not wash the clothing before placing it on the rack you will be searching through. Also, separate the new purchases from your current clothing using a different washing machine load. After washing and drying the clothes, be sure to check inside and outside of the clothes.
An alternative to the washing machine is to fill the sink with warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar. Next, place the items in a dishpan or laundry basin. Then, soak the garments for several minutes. Finally, put the clothes on a clean towel to dry to ensure the water can escape the clothing.
For more information on how to clean your thrifted finds:
How to clean your thrift shop finds
- If your store has a dressing room, try the clothes you like on!
When you go thrifting, wear versatile and solid color clothing to visualize how you could style the garment, so you can see how the item appears on yourself based on what you usually wear. Check thoroughly for how tattered the garments are and how it fits you.
- Make sure to carefully check and inspect the quality of the clothing you are considering buying.
Carefully inspecting the clothes you are considering purchasing is necessary to maximize and be sensible regarding your purchase. To ensure if the purchase is a worthwhile investment, check to ensure the item is not tattered, stretched, torn, or includes stains. Inspect the front, back, and inside of the clothing thoroughly, and try it on to gauge whether the fabric feels uncomfortable. Purchasing comparable items you would regularly wear will be a practical purchase since you are most likely to wear the clothing frequently, which is beneficial if you are on a budget. Before purchasing the items, make sure to ask the thrift store workers about their return policy.
- Consider the price of the clothes you are thinking about buying.
As you sift through the clothing racks evaluating each item, consider what you are buying and determine if it is worth the price and the quality. If you have the chance to purchase a newer, similar clothing item that you would get more use out of, and the quality is better, I suggest buying the new garment. I think you should buy the better quality garment that fits you well, makes you feel confident, and if there is a better color or pattern you like instead of the thrift store item. Especially if it is worn, stretched out, particularly if purchasing business-casual or formal clothing.
- Set a budget
When you go thrift shopping, it is tempting to make a pile of everything that you like. Set a realistic budget, determine the number of items you would like to purchase, think about the garments you are specifically looking for, and the purpose of the garment you want to buy. To accomplish spending a reasonable amount, a goal you can achieve while thrift shopping is to purchase an outfit consisting of a shirt and pants.
- Check out ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop
Even though these thrifting websites are inadequate to assess the material or appearance on your body, many thrifting websites have categories where you can categorize by size, condition, style of clothing, or price range. ThredUp even filters clothing that pertains to the amount of wear and tear and the quality of the garment. These websites allow you to resell your old clothes and make money. There is an abundance of great deals on good clothes that usually are pricey at the original store. Want to make money quickly? Sell your used clothing on your own time using Depop, Poshmark, or ThredUp.
- Go to the men’s section
Personally, the men’s section is very underrated in any store, especially thrift stores. Solid color crewneck t-shirts are the most comfortable, baggy, and versatile shirts that are in my closet. The graphic shirt designs are different, which can be surprisingly better than the women’s section. You will be surprised how a basic collared shirt, winter coat, hoodie/crew neck, or graphic shirt/jersey could be a fashionable, unexpected, and comfortable staple day-to-day.
- Go with someone!
Thrifting with others is a great way to spend time with your friends. My favorite part of thrifting with friends is looking for clothes my friends would not usually purchase themselves, and providing our honest opinion on what we try on. Shopping with friends allows you to channel your inner Queer Eye or What Not To Wear makeover host or contestant with each other. Inviting people that will provide their honest opinion, make you feel comfortable to go outside your comfort zone, and honestly express if the item fits you well or whether it is appealing or not. Their viewpoints will influence you to think about purchasing an item that you would not typically wear or change your perspective on the unattractive item on the rack that could be attractive if styled well.
- Find simple ways to upcycle or restyle the clothing.
There are numerous ways to upcycle a thrifted item, regardless of artistic or creative ability. Some examples of upcycling clothes are: bleaching half of a shirt, changing the style of the shirt, iron-on patches, dying it a different color, type-dying, changing the style or length of the garment, adding chains or studs are variations on how to upcycle an item. Feel inspired? Search upcycling tutorials on Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, or Google Images to find easy tutorials, including some that do not include sewing!
- Stay optimistic while you shop second-hand
Watching thrifting hauls on Youtube from Emma Chamberlain and Marla Catherine has sparked my interest in thrifting and staying open-minded while looking through racks of clothing, particularly when I find unappealing items I would never wear. In Emma and Marla’s videos, they have purchased the most unexpected clothing items I would not have considered buying myself. Yet, the clothes they have styled with their finds appear comfortable and appealing. As you sift through clothing, keep an open mind about what it can be complemented with, redesigned (if you are a crafty and fashion enthusiast, upcycle what you find!), and styled based upon what you usually wear. Explore Pinterest or Google Images for inspiration. Being open, innovative, and creative are the first steps to changing your style. Remember finding good quality second-hand items takes time, so continue to find new places to thrift and be patient while you shop!
- Purchase something you would usually wear, one staple or an ‘I don’t care’ outside of your comfort zone clothing.
If you aspire to change your style or become an experienced thrifter, it begins with small steps to become comfortable trying and wearing new clothes that are not your typical style. Find clothes you usually wear, yet discover an alternate way to style them. Also, buy clothes you usually would not wear to go outside your comfort zone.
To start becoming an experienced thrifter, focus on purchasing clothes that involve:
- A ‘do not care’ item you are alright with getting ruined and is versatile for any occasion. Finding a comfortable outfit is a closet must-have.
- A bold graphic t-shirt or patterned shirt
- Find an item you would feel comfortable wearing, which you would regularly wear.
- Find an unexpected item you like, but you would not know how to style. Purchase something that will allow you to go outside your comfort zone.
Even though thrifting for clothes can be time-consuming, and could leave you empty-handed, remember to have a good time, enjoy yourself, go outside your comfort zone, and have a fashion show with the clothes that you found.
- Inspect thoroughly when purchasing shoes
If you decide to purchase shoes, it is crucial to check whether the pair fits well, especially if they feel slightly uncomfortable. Inspect the heel quality by testing the strength tugging on it to determine whether the heel is wobbly or flimsy. Examine the comfortability and material quality of the shoe and insoles. Do not forget to check the inside, top, bottom, and toe boxes. Since the pairs of shoes are most likely unsanitized, wear socks whether you are trying on sandals or boots. If the soles are uncomfortable or worn, you can replace the old soles by adding insoles that you can purchase on Amazon, Target, Walmart, or a local shoe store.
- If you decide to purchase shoes, here is how to clean them:
- Wipe the inside of the shoe down with rubbing alcohol.
- Some people also use bleach. Mix 1/4 cup of bleach and water. Using a spray bottle, spritz the solution on the inside of the shoe.
- Be sure the liquid doesn’t mix with the outside of the shoe! Bleach could ruin the material.
- Air the shoes out overnight.
- If there are insoles, you should replace them.