Why is thrifting more expensive?
Even considering this rising popularity, the mass influx of affluent teenagers thrifting for fun every weekend likely contributes more to rising costs than individual resellers do. Along with rising rent costs and inflation, with large thrift store chains, the incessant factor of corporate greed comes also into play.
Thrift shopping is good for the environment because it keeps clothes out of landfills, reduces carbon and chemical pollution caused by clothing production, and lowers water consumption. Most thrift shops also support local charities, which some could be for environmental causes.
Secondhand shops almost always tend to have designer brands at a big discount. What's more, there is no more waiting for next season's collection: most thrift stores receive clothing donations every day, meaning most of the clothes at these stores is new-in, and as varied as the people donating them.
"Thrift shopping isn't hygienic."
Alfiya adds, “Most fast fashion items have chemical additives that are harmful for the body which is why, as a rule of thumb, it is recommended that new clothes be washed before wearing. A thrift store, on the other hand, only sells washed clothing.
Reselling thrift items for higher prices and profiting off something that people largely depend on is what makes this practice unethical. The gentrification of thrift stores causes prices to increase, making access to affordable clothing and items much more difficult for lower-income communities.
In the case of thrifting, gentrification is the ever-growing business of going to thrift stores, buying things of value, and reselling for a profit. In other words, taking the practice of secondhand shopping, historically utilized by low-income people, and popularizing it to appeal to the richer population.
Different people have their reasons for choosing thrifting as an alternative to fast fashion. By purchasing secondhand clothing or home goods, you can save money, find unique pieces and reduce your carbon footprint. Many individuals and families rely on local thrift stores to find clothing at affordable prices.
It can take months and even years for these materials to fully break down in landfills! By choosing to buy secondhand clothing instead of brand new, you reduce waste and help the planet. In this way, thrift shopping is the ultimate way to live out the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto!
Choosing to go thrift shopping reduces waste significantly, since fewer clothes will need to be produced. Less clothing means fewer textiles and fabrics will end up in enormous piles in a landfill. Fashion trends may come and go, often far too quickly for the planet.
The source of the remaining compounds that made up that vintage smell were environmental contaminants like car exhaust, gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, food and perfume or, as the team at P & G put it, “the odor molecule peaks form a record of the odors” that the garments were exposed to over its life.
Is thrifting really cheaper?
Still Worth It
Is thrifting more time consuming than buying traditional retail? Yes, it is. But it's cheaper, it's more fun because it feels like a quest, you can find one-of-a-kind items, and you won't look like a clone of everyone else. Know your budget, know what you're looking for, and know the rules of thrifting.
It's also great for the environment. If you choose thrifting over fast fashion, you are helping cut back your fashion-footprint. There will always be a concern when it comes to second-hand shopping, but the real concern should be aimed at the unnecessary waste. Nowadays, second-hand shopping isn't only done in-store.
- Baby cribs and car seats. ...
- Helmets. ...
- Makeup. ...
- Mattresses. ...
- Smartphones. ...
- Knives and blenders. ...
- Toy chests without a safety hinge. ...
- Anything that might have lead paint.
Thrifting, then, is cemented as a viable alternative to purchasing mass-produced fast fashion goods or sustainably-crafted, but costlier, garments. Yet, the issue becomes more layered when one takes into account that thrifting is essentially a byproduct of fast fashion and mass consumerism.
Bed Bugs and Thrift Shops
Bed bugs are great hitchhikers. They can be brought into thrift stores on clothing, furniture and other used items from bed bug-infested homes. Bed bugs are very good at hiding and sometimes very difficult to find. Tiny holes, cracks and upholstery seams are often bed bug hiding places.
While thrifting began in the late 19th century, it didn't gain popularity until the early 2000s. Unfortunately, the fashion industry can harm the environment, and people in the early 2000s wanted to reduce the harmful effects of the industry.
The action of thrifting itself is not wrong; however, reselling thrifted items for higher prices and taking resources away from those who need them is unethical.
Believe it or not, you can make meaningful money as a thrift store flipper. The most successful flippers make over $100k per year reselling their thrift store finds. If you do a quick Google search, you'll find many stores of people pulling big numbers from reselling all sorts of items.
