If you have been on the receiving end of your dad’s hand-me-downs or artefacts from your mom, you understand the priceless sentiment that comes along with it. If you haven’t, allow me to explain a similarly interesting concept – Thrifting. In 2020, thrifting is not limited to clothes and accessories. From used furniture to refurbished photo frames – it’s all fair game and here’s everything you need to know about it.

What is Thrifting?

Thrifting refers to the process of selling and buying pre-loved goods at fabulously cheaper rates. It has gone from being a step by the church to help the less privileged, to a vacation spot for the environmentally conscious.

 Earlier, thrift stores were mostly limited to antique out-of-use furniture and shady bronze lanterns. But as we welcomed a modern era, thrift stores became a hotspot for t-shirts and jeans cheaper than sushi. Pre-used luxury items are also a big part of the picture, and now, these stores are a ritual for anyone looking to save the planet fashionably. 

Slow fashion is considerably expensive despite its many advantages, and thrifting here is a great way to do your part without breaking your wallet.

Vintage Thrift Platforms

The problem with buying from consignment stores is that there are way too many options, and we can’t always vouch for their legitimacy. That is where established vintage thrift platforms come into play. Here, people with great taste separate the authentic items from the counterfeit and make it easier for us to buy them. 

With most of these stores, not only do you get to purchase charming old Italian skirts and shirts but also get to re-sell them. While some stores prefer selling pre-loved vintage clothing, others dig deeper to find unused vintage items and even create customized pieces out of unsold stock. This way, you get an array of options to choose from.

Why thrift?

What is so unique about buying pre-used vintage clothing, you ask? Well, for starters, they’re vintage, which means they come with an exciting history that cannot be duplicated by high-street brands, making them one-of-a-kind. So unless someone is fortunate enough or is an adaptation of Dr Strange, you’re the sole wearer of this item. That feeling itself can be pretty priceless. (I finally understand Phoebe’s obsession with flea markets on Friends). 

Secondly, these stores are committed to propagating the mentality of ethical consumer practices among their customers. Mass market fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and an increasing debate around the fast fashion brands is out of concern for underpayment of workers, unethical working conditions, and lack of environmental good. 

According to a study published in Environmental Health, “Globally, 80 billion pieces of new clothing are purchased each year, translating into $1.2 trillion annually for the fashion industry. The majority of these products are assembled in China and Bangladesh. At the same time, the US consumes more clothing and textiles than any other country in the world”. Thrift stores are a small but necessary step to combat this.

Sounds impressive, right? Unfortunately – not to everyone. Thrift and vintage stores are still pretty obsolete for many. The reason is simple. Most people would instead flaunt newer, trendier pieces than return to the last-season, pre-used apparel provided by thrift stores. 

Plus, as far as vintage clothing is concerned, their tags are generally pricier than fast fashion brands so when consumers get to choose between newer, cheaper items and old, expensive pieces, they tend to choose the former. Quantity over Quality is generally the high-street fashion mantra. 

However, the world is slowly catching up with online vintage stores, especially since the pandemic. Better late than never, right? Today, whether you’re a guy looking for vintage Nike hoodies or a girl looking for studded corsets, thrift stores have it all. You could be a Carrie Bradshaw fan, or a Rajesh Khanna one, either way – you’re bound to find your signature look. You know what they say – ‘Nothing haunts us like the vintage we didn’t buy!’