In recent years, thrift shopping for clothing has become popular amongst the masses. Originally something quirky hipsters did, consignment shopping has become the latest trend amongst fashionistas everywhere. With the popularity of websites such as TheRealReal and Poshmark, vintage clothing and accessories have become more accessible to those without a vintage shop near them. While some may see this as just another fad, this trend does have some positive benefits to society and the environment.
1. Thrifting cuts down on the waste produced by textile production.
Annually, consumers throw away an average of 70 pounds of clothes per year. Because of this, the fashion industry ends up generating 4% of the world's waste (92 million tons) which can become far more toxic than e-waste. Luckily, that's where thrift shopping for clothes comes in. When you shop consignment, you're supporting a circular economy where clothes can get a second chance at life rather than being thrown away. If we could thrift a little more maybe then we could cut down on the amount of waste produced by clothing!
2. Shopping at small vintage stores stimulates the local economy.
While I enjoy shopping on websites like TheRealReal and Etsy, there's just something special about buying from a local vintage/consignment shop. The people who own it are passionate about what they do and try to curate the best selection of vintage pieces for you to shop and try on. Sometimes, they even have some interesting stories to go along with the pieces that you are buying. By shopping at small, locally owned businesses you are also bringing money into the local market, which in turn, brings much-needed life into the local downtown scene. Search up some cool vintage stores near you and make a whole trip out of it.
3. You can bring unique pieces into your wardrobe.
Ever dreamed of owning something that no one else has? Well, now you can! When you shop vintage, you can find some really cool pieces that no one else has in their collection. Finding a great vintage piece has the power to change your entire wardrobe and even your mood. I know that whenever I wear my vintage Yves Saint Laurent blazer from the 80s, I feel like the most stylish person in the room (especially when I pair it with my vintage Hermes scarf and Celine bag).
4. Vintage clothing can be made into something new.
Sometimes, instead of buying fabric, designers will deconstruct vintage pieces and remake them into something totally different. This practice called "upcycling" has been around for ages, starting in the Victorian era (but don't quote me on that). Ladies would take old dresses (sometimes, dresses from the 1700s) and recreate them to fit into the fashion landscape at the time. It was a far less expensive way for ladies to get the latest fashions without having to spend copious amounts of money at the dressmaker to create a new dress. Upcycling can also be an excellent way to bring in some extra income if you become good at it or a great way to keep your wardrobe small and capsule-like.
5. It's just so friggin' cool.
Honestly, shopping vintage is just so cool. You can find the most excellent pieces just by chance, in the most obscure kinds of places. It's also a fun way to spend some time with friends or family. Wherever you are in the world, always be sure to search up a local vintage shop to sneak a peek at their collection. You'll never know what you might find in the biggest of cities or the smallest of towns.
