1. Thrift-stores are cheap
If you think Target is cheap, think again. $15 for a shirt, $30 for a blazer? No thanks. If you play your cards right, a shirt at a thrift store could be as cheap as $2 and a blazer, $4. Plus, lots of thrift stores have days where everything is half off, certain items are a dollar each, etc. You really can’t beat thrift prices.
2. You'll add personality to your closet
Eccentric, colorful, quirky, whatever you want to call it, thrifting can add some signature pieces to your closet. I love my teal windbreaker from the 90’s, my $20 real leather jacket, and my vintage silk crazy floral print button-down. When I was 11, I had an awesome pair of purple sneakers with darker purple spots. And I didn’t pay much for any of them.
3. It’s ethical
Most of us are familiar with sweat-shops and child and slave labor in the clothing industry. If you’re not aware, check out this link. There are some companies and clothing brands that vow to ethically source materials and labor—do not use child labor at all—but these brands can be difficult to scout out, verify, and consistently shop from. These clothes can be expensive and have a small selection, or limited availability. This is a complex issue, but the easiest, most reliable way I have found to avoid putting my dollars toward slave labor is to shop second-hand. That way, I’m buying clothes from local or non-profit companies and getting the maximum use out of clothes that have already been made.
4. It’s fun!
Shopping at Goodwill or a local thrift shop is way more fun than regular shopping. For one thing, you don’t have sale signs and bejeweled mannequins assaulting your every step. Further, at a thrift-shop, you never know what you’ll find on a rack. At a normal clothing store, you can see everything on the rack from afar and your only task is to check for your size. Thrifting is like an elaborate scavenger hunt for something that is truly YOU.
5. You'll find higher-quality goods
Thrifting is a lot of luck, meaning you might have to go back and try again, but the huge advantage of shopping second-hand is that you never know what you’ll find. Whether you’re looking for new or almost-new designer brands at a fraction of the price, or low-priced vintage, chances are you’ll find something. I occasionally find tags-on high-end clothes from Banana Republic, J. Crew, etc. These clothes are reasonably priced since I’m buying them “used” but I also know I’m getting good quality. On the other hand, lots of times I find older clothes or vintage clothes. With the price of cotton rising, it’s hard to find clothes made from high-quality fabrics in stores without breaking my bank. Thrifting solves this problem for me, and at the end of a trip, I’m not left worrying that my shirt will disintegrate in the dryer after two uses.
6. It’s eco-friendly
The less we throw away, the better. You’ve heard it before—reduce, reuse, recycle. Consumerism in the United States is crazy—we throw everything away just to replace it. By shopping at thrift stores, you’re supporting a system that promotes reusing clothes, thus reducing the waste of clothes thrown away.
7. You'll support your local economy
Shopping at local thrift stores, as with any local business, is good for your community. Shopping local helps create jobs in your own community, as well as encouraging community members and vendors to be invested in the community’s future success. And so on—the benefits of shopping local are manifold. Rather than supporting big-name companies with potentially shady economic practices, keep your money and your loyalty close to home by shopping at locally-owned thrift-shops.
8. You'll support philanthropy
Many thrift-stores are religiously affiliated, and many are heavily supported by volunteer work. Good-hearted people in communities across the US invest time, money, and smiles into keeping thrift-shops up and running. By thrifting, you support the efforts of these kind people.
9. You'll support sustainable living
Thrift stores provide more affordable clothing and amenities to community members who cannot afford all new items. Shopping at thrift stores keeps them in business, thus sustaining this valuable resource for people across the socio-economic spectrum. Further, even if you can easily afford brand new clothes every time, buying used is a more prudent and sustainable way to shop.
10. It reminds you to give back
Shopping at thrift stores reminds you to donate your own clothes (etc). Rather than throwing stuff away, anything in decent condition can and should be donated—chances are, someone else can use it. Turn a thrifting day into a thrifting and spring cleaning extravaganza! Before bringing new-to-you fashion finds home, clean out your closet and donate items you’re done with. You will feel good, you’ll reduce clutter, and you’ll be actively supporting your community.
