Fall is here, and you know what that means: it’s time for a wardrobe makeover. But this year, instead of heading to Urban Outfitters or Shein to look for your fall clothes, try Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, or your local thrift shop. Here are five reasons why thrifting beats regular shopping:
1. It’s better for the environment.
I think we’re all aware of the current controversy surrounding fast fashion. We know it’s terrible for the environment and the factory workers. However, many people think of fast fashion as just cheap companies such as Shein and Zaful, but the reality is that many more expensive brands also use unsustainable practices, such as Urban Outfitters and Zara. It’s virtually impossible to find brands that are entirely ethical, so why even bother trying? Just buy your clothing second hand. It’s a perfect way to introduce recycling into clothing shopping. And while you’re at it, bring your old clothes in as a donation.
2. It’s cheaper.
Although we know fast fashion is bad, we’re college students, and we can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars on an ethical pair of jeans from a sustainable brand. Enter thrift shopping! Literally everything you find is a good deal. Jeans at Goodwill cost about four dollars a pair, and why spend more when you can spend less?
3. You support the local community.
Most thrift stores donate their funds to local community projects or charities. They are often transparent about where the money goes. Goodwill, for example, is a nonprofit whose funds go towards community programming, such as job training or classes for people struggling to find traditional employment due to disabilities. Thus, even if you spend a little too much money, you won’t feel guilty about it!
4. Your clothes will be unique.
You never have to worry about someone wearing the same top as you. Everything you find in a thrift store is one of a kind and probably has a cool backstory to it as well. Honestly, I always get more compliments on my thrifted clothes than the basic clothes I get from chain stores.
5. It’s more gratifying.
A good find at a thrift store is ten times more exciting than a good find somewhere else! Anything for which you have to work for is more exciting. Finding a cute top in a giant Goodwill is much more thrilling than at Urban Outfitters, where all the clothes are curated to a specific style and you can basically expect what you’ll find.
Shopping for ethical clothing shouldn’t have to be ridiculously expensive and limited to people of a certain class. We’re all entitled to want to redo our wardrobes, especially as the seasons change. And personally, when I thrift shop, I don’t feel bad about my purchases at all!