Thrift Shopping: Good for More Than You Think

I have been thrift shopping for approximately 5 years now. Of course, in the beginning I had a much different mindset than I do now. I used to look for articles of clothing that I would find in my favorite stores (Forever 21, American Eagle, etc.). This worked out for me, and I would come home with tops and bottoms that fit into my wardrobe along with everything else that I previously owned from those retail companies. Over time my mindset has developed and changed. When I go thrift shopping now I look for unique pieces that I can already envision myself wearing or potentially wearing after a couple of alterations (hemming, cropping, or adding other fabrics/buttons). I also take into consideration the pieces that I already own at home and think about what would complement them in different outfits. After much consideration and imagining potential additions to my wardrobe, I often come home with new ideas. Some days I am more fortunate than others. The days that I come home with heaps of new thrifted treasures keeps my passion for finding new creations high and balances those days that I may come home with nothing. I love the variety of clothing offered in thrift stores. The likelihood of someone else having the exact same piece is slim to none. Every shirt, skirt, and pair of shoes has their own unique story that I will never know, but adds to its own character. Sustainable clothing is the future and second-hand clothing is a combination of both the past and the future. With increasing awareness of the deteriorating health of our environment, the demand for eco-friendly fashion is on the rise. Virtual water is a concept that explains the unseen consumption of water used in the production of clothes, shoes, and accessories such as purses. It can take 2,700 liters of water to produce the cotton needed to make a single T-shirt, and 2,257 gallons of water to make a single pair of leather shoes (1). We have been stressing the environment for centuries now, abusing our easy access to freshwater, and now we are facing the consequences. However, instead of ignoring the crisis, everyone needs to do their share to contribute to our sustainable future. Thrift shopping is a fantastic start. Not only purchasing from, but also donating to your local second-hand stores. I go through my closet after every season and donate anything I did not wear over the past couple of months. If everyone made it a point to purchase from corporate retail stores less frequently, it would make enough of a difference to matter. Over time, a little hobby I enjoyed doing, turned into a passion and my primary method of shopping for clothes. Clean out your closets and make a stop at your local second-hand stores, not only to benefit you, but also to benefit our planet.