According to Merriam-Webster, to “thrift” is to use money carefully. Thrifting can be financially beneficial, as used clothes are often sold for less than they were originally sold for when new. For this reason, shoppers on a budget may gravitate towards thrift stores, as it gives them an opportunity to wear used name-brand clothes for a lower price. Because of this, thrift stores have become more professional and well known, more and more young people have fueled the trend, and thrifting has begun to grow at a rate of 7 percent per year among consumers. 

At PHS, some students are notorious for their bold and trendy fashion style, such as senior humanities students Solomiya Brannman and Alison Wang. When asked if they either of them thrift, both of them answered affirmatively. Wang mentioned that she enjoys the searching aspect of thrifting, especially when she reaps great rewards. 

“Even though not every trip is successful, the fact that the selection is so different every time keeps it interesting. The challenge in searching without knowing what you’ll get is also more fulfilling than buying new clothes,” said Wang.

 Brannman also commented on how frequently she thrifts: because of the increased accessibility.

 “[I thrift] whenever I get the opportunity to. More than retail shopping… It’s cheaper, good for the environment, [and] you can find super unique pieces,” said Brannman.

The environmental aspects also play a major role in the budget-friendliness of thrifting. 

“After researching the environmental impact of the fashion industry, I realized how much I was consuming and wasting… So thrifting was the best option that aligned with my environmental and financial morals,” said Wang. 

According to Affinity magazine, each person in America wastes around 27 kg of clothing per year due to the fast fashion industry, which produces inexpensive clothes of low quality to appeal to a larger audience. Thrifting can be considered a good alternative to this waste, as it does not  stimulate this business if people buy clothes that are already in circulation.

Thrifting has an extensive history, especially in America. According to ThredUp, a popular online thrift store, thrifting companies like Goodwill and the Salvation Army began in America in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. While they existed, many were suspicious of their credibility, as using clothes that had been previously owned was less popular than buying new clothes of the very latest fashions. 

Thrift stores took off  tremendously during the Great Depression. Because of the stock market crash, many began to benefit from the low price of thrifted clothes. Appreciation for a once underestimated business rose rapidly. However, after the Depression ended, thrifting was put on the back burner as new trends and cultural norms morphed throughout decades. 

When the stock market again crashed in 2008, thrift stores resurged as well. Today, the stigma around thrifting has broken as people are trying to be more daring and inventive with styles, rather than simply following the norm. For example, fashion television shows like America’s Next Top Model have started introducing challenges like using second hand clothes to design an outfit.

Thrifting can be a great alternative for those who are on a budget, looking to be more sustainable, or want to diversify their wardrobe. Visiting a local thrift store can be the first step in developing a more fashion-forward and sustainable planet!