Over the last few years, shopping at consignment shops, or “thrifting,” has become more popular, and I’ve recently gotten into it myself.
There are several benefits to thrifting, but I originally got into thrifting to find a cheaper alternative to a more expensive piece of trendy clothing. I first went to the thrift store because I wanted to buy a pair of “mom jeans” that have been in style recently. I thought about buying them at American Eagle for around $60, but then I found a pair at Goodwill for $4.
Thrifting was obviously the better option in this case, and I was thrilled when I got something I liked so much for such a cheap price.
Thrifting is an affordable way to buy new clothing, homeware, etc., which is particularly appealing for college students. Depending where you go, you can get clothes and other things for less than $5 per item.
As students, it can be hard for many of us to afford things we need, like clothes, but thrifting can make it easier. You can easily get several things you need for less than $20.
Thrifting is also a more sustainable, ethical way of buying new clothing for yourself because you’re recycling clothing instead of buying it new from a company that probably makes their clothing in factories overseas.
With the alarming pace climate change is progressing, sustainability in any aspect of life is even more important than before.
Some people debate whether it’s acceptable to thrift solely to find trendy pieces when you are not in financial need. However, I think any reason to thrift is an acceptable reason because of how it helps recycle clothing and reduces your personal impact on the environment.
Of all the places I’ve been thrifting, Goodwill has been my favorite because I’ve found some of my favorite clothing pieces there for as little as $3 or $4. Owl’s Nest is also a local favorite, but it tends to be more expensive than Goodwill.
If you’ve never been thrifting or haven’t been recently, I recommend taking a trip to one of the local thrift stores and seeing what you can find. It can help the environment and save you money.
