Some people love thrifting, while others don’t. The clothes and the things seem shitty, and even though some people got some cool stuff from the thrift store, they probably were just fortunate. I mean, all that stuff is old; it’s probably dirty. Why would you want someone’s discarded things? All that stuff is something someone used to have but doesn’t anymore. People going there are a bit odd, and why be around all those weird characters? Finding something you like takes time and energy.
Is it ok to buy thrift?
Thrifting is not for everyone, but it is worth it if you want to try it. While a large amount of these items are donated by people who used to own the things, many of them come from stores that have no use for them anymore. Thrifting is environmentally friendly and primarily ethical in its practices. In the slightest way, it dismantles the need for capitalism because you are not marketed for and stand up to the unethical practices of fast fashion. Even though there are some minor issues with thrifting and thrift stores, buying thrift is more than ok.
Consuming goods, whether from small businesses or not, add to pollution and waste. The items you see new at the stores came in packaging thrown away a few days before. Even when you are buying “green” products, they come to the stores wrapped in plastic and styrofoam. Even the products that were not purchased in time at the store or have minor damages are thrown away, so buying new leads to items stuck at a dump site.
Buying things at the thrift store gives items a second life. Instead of letting something end up at the waste, you are repurposing it to provide it with new life. With the troubles of fast fashion companies like Shein and Fashion Nova, the world is starting to be overpopulated with shitty synthetic and unethical working practices. Thrift stores offer well-made items and fabric for a lower and more affordable price. Yes, they may need to be altered to be useful, but good clothes must be changed and fixed to have longevity. Because of cheap fashion, we have forgotten that things shouldn’t fall apart. Thrift stores also allow fashion and trends to be dictated by the consumer, not the corporation. By becoming a trendsetter with higher-end vintage styles, you, the consumer, are dismantling all the lousy working practices of fast fashion.
However, it doesn’t mean that thrift store clothes are necessarily perfection. Thrift stores receive a large number of donations every single day. Because of the large number of contributions, workers cannot compete with the cleaning practices and maintenance needed to keep the store running. First, check to see if there are any holes or if there are stains. Then, ensure that whatever you bring home, you wash right after. Generally, you should clean anything before you start wearing it, but that is especially true for thrift store items.
Thrifting fights off the evils of capitalism. You are not buying anything marketed for you, but you are buying things you would like to buy. Fashion isn’t dictated, style isn’t taught, and you purchase solely for what you need or would like. Corporations and capitalism thrive under the guise of creating competition for companies. Still, with thrift stores, you are not buying into that. Yes, not buying, in general, is better, but purchasing things that aren’t manufactured for that moment’s purchase is a great start. Also, buying things that don’t support the corporation that made them allows you to not give profit to those that are morally corrupt. Your money doesn’t go to their pockets.
Thrift stores are a great solution to the ethical and environmental issues we face today. However, it does struggle. Reselling items can benefit any entrepreneur, but it has some problems with the thrifting market. Due to capitalism, buying and reselling things for high prices causes thrift stores to increase their pricing to compete in the market. Also, some thrift store companies have known issues with unethical working practices. However, moral purchasing and sustainable living do need to come in small increments. When it comes to thrifting, it is ok to use it as an asset.
