Category: Thrift Stores

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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

10 Reasons to Thrift Shop Today

Just How Environmentally Friendly Is Thrifting? | Discover Magazine
10 Reasons to Thrift Shop Today

What is thrift shopping?

Thrift shopping, or “thrifting” for short, is buying items from charity or thrift shops. Sellers are often non-profit charitable organizations that sell goods at low prices. Goods are typically donated second-hand items and occasionally new items too.

Thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL are different from consignment shops, curated second-hand stores, and vintage stores, but they all typically sell second-hand items and sometimes new items at discounted prices as opposed to what you would find at traditional retail stores.

Why thrift shop?

1 | Save money

One of the biggest benefits of thrifting is that you save money. A new shirt that costs $50 at the department store can cost $10 at a thrift store. That’s a savings of $40 right there.

You might not find the latest brands and styles new with tags on every shopping trip, but it’s normal to come by popular brands regularly. You could walk out of a thrift store with a bag full of clothes for the cost of that one new $50 shirt from a retail store.

If you have children, you know that they outgrow or wear out their clothes quickly. You can restock their wardrobes with new and gently used clothing for less than you would if you shopped at retail stores.

2 | Shop without (or less) guilt!

Many people love to shop and keep doing it despite knowing that it’s not in their best interest. Guilty!

I used to spend a lot of my free time shopping and browsing shops. I’d spend my work lunch hours and weekend afternoons at my favorite stores because it was a fun way to relax. I’d buy clothes that I didn’t always need and then feel bad when I didn’t wear them afterward.

When you shop at thrift stores, you likely spend less money than you would at a retail store. It’s easier to swallow paying $30 for three tops than it is $100 for those same three items.

Thirty dollars may be in your budget while $100 may not be. So you can feel less guilty or even feel comfortable with shopping when it’s at a thrift store.

Plus, you can accidentally ruin clothes without feeling guilty about it. When I spilled pen ink on my white cardigan after wearing it only a handful of times, I breathed a sigh of relief that I only paid $5 for it. I didn’t cry when I lost my Lululemon jacket either because it was less than $10 from a thrift store.

3 | Get unique clothes and costumes

Thrift stores are the go-to place for Halloween costumes and ugly Christmas sweaters. You can get vintage and specialty clothing for a lot less than at premium vintage stores or brand new.

This past Halloween, I came across two unique costumes that I ended up selling. The first was a new Steindl Trachten traditional German dress from Germany for $15. It was missing a few pieces but still sold for $50. The other was a new handmade Damsel in The Dress corset for $13.

4 | Conserve the environment

Another major reason to thrift shop is to support environmental conservation.

Mass clothes manufacturing is demanding on the environment. Material such as cotton must be grown and prepared for use. Manufacturing of synthetic materials requires oil and results in textile waste. Human labor is also required to sew fabric into wearable clothes.

Clothes are often made in countries such as China and Bangladesh and then shipped around the world to sell in countries like the US. This places even more demand on the environment and human labor.

When you reuse and recycle clothing, you reduce demand for new clothing production as well as demand for environmental resources.

5 | Support local jobs and organizations

Your dollars support the people and organizations in your community. Goodwill in my area stresses that the money from sales goes toward employee job training. When the employees move on from Goodwill, they are likely to remain employed in the area using their skills.

You can feel good knowing that your shopping benefits local communities, organizations, and people rather than faceless national or international retail stores.

6 | For fun and entertainment

Thrift shopping provides hours of entertainment. Many thrift shoppers love the thrill of the hunt and scoring a great find. It’s a scavenger hunt for grown-ups.

You’ll be amused by the unique items and random oddities you’ll come across too. My favorite finds are cat-themed items. I take pictures of all the cat items I come across like these.

7 | Find a treasure

While you may be pushing your luck expecting to find an undiscovered Van Gogh or Monet painting for a few dollars, you can regularly find hidden gems or personal treasures.

8 | Furnish your house

Let’s face it, furnishing a new house or apartment gets expensive. Many thrift shops have a furniture and houseware section where you get essentials for a fraction of retail price.

I’ve seen more utensils, plates, mugs, and kitchen items than I can count at thrift stores. One thrift store I used to visit sold used table sets and living room furniture. I donated my working TV there a few years ago after getting a new one.

9 | DIY projects

I admire people who can take a piece of old furniture and restore it into a unique and modern piece. Where do people get tables, cabinets, and chairs to restore?

It’s not only furniture that you can make into DIY projects. These are other items that can be upcycled and repurposed:

  • Wicker baskets
  • Containers
  • Miniature trays
  • Chalkboards and bulletin boards
  • Plates and bowls
  • Picture frames
  • Lamps
  • Benches

Baskets and containers can be used for storage, side table décor, planters, and centerpieces. Large and small trays can hold pens, jewelry, and other loose items. They can be turned into decorative signs too. The ideas for these items are endless!

10 | Make money

My favorite reason to thrift shop is to make money. Turn your thrift shopping fun into a profitable business.

You can do this by looking for items that are worth more than their sale price and reselling them at a higher price. It may take some research and trial and error to know what sells well, but once you start making sales, you’re in business!

Many people like me do this as a side hustle. Reselling can be lucrative though. It’s common for serious full-time sellers to make five and six figures a year.

If you’re looking for a side hustle and like thrift shopping, this one might be for you!

Categories
Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

Reasons Why Thrift Shopping is Awesome

4 Tips for Thrifting - Hearts for the Homeless
Reasons Why Thrift Shopping is Awesome

If you are unfamiliar with the term thrift shop, it is a shop that sells used items that include clothes, furniture, and books. Most often, thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL run for charitable reasons.

However, many people, especially kids, get embarrassed when they visit thrift shops and buy items from there. Well, those people are mistaken, as thrift shopping has several benefits other than giving back to the community.

If you are still hesitant about visiting the nearest thrift shop in your area, we will help you learn more about how amazing thrift shopping can be for you, and for your kids, too! Read on as in this article, I will tell you why thrift shopping is awesome!

Saves Money

As a parent, you already have tons of financial responsibilities, and you try your best to make your kids have the best childhood as much as possible.

Buying all their clothes from established brands will take up a considerable amount of your budget. However, thrift shopping will help you save more money which you can spend later on, on fun trips, camps, toys, and gadgets for your kids, or even give yourself a treat by going to the spa or buying yourself something nice.

Therefore, although your kids might complain about having to wear used clothes, they will have so much fun when they get to travel more or get more toys

Waste Reduction

The process of manufacturing, packaging, producing, and distributing brand new clothes requires the consumption of a considerable amount of water and energy. Moreover, when people throw away their old clothes, this adds to the environmental pollution.

Thrift shopping is a great way to reduce waste as it doesn’t require all of these harmful processes. Shopping online is also beneficial nowadays, and one good reason for you to visit or purchase from an online thrift store is that you will not use any means of transportation, which means less pollution.

As you can see, thrift shopping can help reduce waste and save our environment in so many ways. So next time you feel embarrassed for going to a thrift shop, or your kids complain about it, remember that you are taking part in saving the earth, and you should educate your kids about how they will be contributing to cleaning our planet and reducing the amount of waste produced.

Good Quality for Low Price

Another reason why thrift stores are awesome is that you can still find high-quality items in good condition at a low price. Who said that items sold in thrift shops are of poor quality and broken?

There are great bargains in them that you can take advantage of. Thrift shopping means that you will be getting more for less. Moreover, even if you have found an item that you really like but has a dent on it, you can fix it later, and still, it will be cheaper than buying brand new, especially if it is a piece of furniture.

We mean, think about it! Any item you chose that still looks good is a used item that withstood the use of another person, and that should say something about the quality of that product!

Spread the Kindness

Shopping at thrift shops is an act of kindness since you help others by buying from them. It is not just about buying good quality products at a low price and saving money, as they support different causes and help out many people in need.

Purchasing through these shops is a great way to teach your kids the value of money, kindness, and that the important things in life are not material possessions. The world is going through a lot, and supporting your community will definitely make the world a little better. Although, in your own city, it will have a great impact.

As you can see, shopping at thrift stores is a very smart financial decision. You get to save money that you can spend later on other important things, or travel to a fun place during your vacation. Moreover, you get to have high-quality products without paying a fortune.

Their benefits are not limited to monetary value, as buying from them helps a lot in reducing waste and saving energy and water, so it is a great way to be part of saving our planet, especially if you decide to do online shopping and reduce the amount of carbon footprint that your vehicle will emit as you transport to and from the store.

Thrift shopping can teach your kids many important values in life, like the importance of charity and giving back to their community, as well as how to set their priorities, and the value of money.

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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

Tips For Thrift Shopping From An Expert

I'm gonna pop some tags: why thrifting is the new trend for students - The Utah Statesman
Tips For Thrift Shopping From An Expert

Time and again, one of the most frequent questions I receive on Instagram is where I go thrift shopping. But here’s the thing, the whole idea of what constitutes a good thrift store is completely arbitrary.

Why? Because it all comes down to what you’re looking for. A good thrift shop in Destin, FL for furniture may be different than one for clothing, and what I deem “good” may be completely different than what the person asking considers good thrifting. So, it’s far more effective to focus on technique.

If you fine-tune your thrifting skills, you’ll be far more likely to find that thrift store unicorn than simply trying to find the “good” thrift stores. After all, their supply is completely dependent on what people donate – the selection changes constantly.

Just follow my tips for successful secondhand shopping:

When:

When is the best time to go thrift shopping? I mean, you could go to the thrift store on a Saturday, but you’ll be competing with everyone and their mother for the good stuff. To me, the ideal days of the week to go to a thrift store are Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

If you think about it, people are usually spending their weekends cleaning out their attics, basements, closets, and garages and dropping off their donations on Saturdays or Sundays.

So, midweek you’re not only competing with fewer people, but the selection is usually better. Obviously, if you work a regular 9 to 5 job, it can be difficult – or near impossible- to make it to a store mid-week, so if that’s the case, try to shop early in the mornings on Saturday or Sunday.

Where:

Where are the best thrift stores? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found some vintage gold in city thrift stores, but if you live in the city, chances are you’ve visited many a picked-over Goodwill or Salvation Army within city limits.

While these thrift stores aren’t completely without reward – they’re great if you don’t have a lot of free time to devote to thrifting – you’re competing with a lot of people to find the gold, including college students and high school kids looking for that perfect 90’s Night or Halloween costume.

And don’t forget to check out the smaller thrift stores within city limits, too. Goodwill and Salvos aren’t the only options out there.

Size (Sometimes) Doesn’t Matter – but shop mindfully:

I always look everywhere in the thrift store. Because women’s (and men’s) sizing has changed so drastically over the years, sticking to your exact sizing section alone is pretty pointless. Everything fits differently, so it’s worth skimming through the racks to see what you can find. Look beyond your size and you might find some hidden gems.

While you’re at it, look everywhere else too: The men’s section is great for vintage Levi’s and Dickies, flannels, button-ups, menswear coats and grandpa sweaters. Check out the children’s section for shrunken jackets, denim vests, school uniform separates (think solid sweaters and pleated skirts), and misplaced ‘90s minis, and check out housewares for vintage planters and vases.

I say shop mindfully because it’s important to remember that, if you’re on the smaller end of the spectrum, you innately have thin privilege. Because of the size I wear, I could shop a variety of sizes and either alter a piece to make it work or wear something loose. Our larger-sized thrifting pals often don’t have that privilege, so if you’re shopping, leave the plus-sized items for the plus-sized community.

Learn to Recognize Quality:

This is my favorite part of thrift shopping! Thrift shopping is a great way to add higher-end fabrics to your closet that you may not be able to justify purchasing new. Keep an eye out for silk, cashmere, linen, and good-quality leather.

Example? A vintage/second-hand sweater from Saks is typically going to have better quality dyes and fibers than the same style from Target from last year, compare and contrast, and eventually, you’ll be able to discern a quality piece without even picking it up off the rack.

While I’m not totally opposed to purchasing big box or fast fashion brands from a thrift store, I usually skip over them because the garment almost always looks tired and worn out (a reminder to limit those purchases in the first place).

But that’s just me, and as always there are exceptions. Case in point: I recently bought a like-new Zara blazer for $1. Hard to go wrong there and it goes with almost everything.

If there’s a specific brand you like, learn to recognize the markings of that brand. I used to thrift a lot of vintage Coach and Dooney & Bourke bags, and I know to look for a specific type of strap and style of clasp when scanning the purses section before checking for signs of authenticity. Honing a keen eye makes it easier to pick out any gems that may be hiding within the chaos.

Steer Clear of “The Challenge” – unless you’re really, really serious…

So, I used to have a big problem. I used to buy ridiculous things at the thrift store. I would find something that could be totally awesome (!!!)… if only the hem was shorter, the bust was taken in, the sleeves were cut off, and the collar replaced. All that left me with was one giant basket of “to be altered” clothing – that I never actually altered and eventually re-donated or gave away.

I fully support altering clothing, and I would love to think that I had the extra time or patience to actually alter all those things. But most of the time I don’t. Be honest with yourself when you’re thrifting, and if you know you’re never going to do the alterations, leave the item for someone else to enjoy.

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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores thrifting

How to Thrift Shop: 11 Essential Thrifting Tips

Thrift Shopping Is A Political Choice. Here's Why. - Eco-Age
How to Thrift Shop: 11 Essential Thrifting Tips

Thrift store shopping takes patience and self-control, but you can find some of the best items at consignment shops.

There’s a strategy to becoming an efficient thrifter, and if you do it often enough, you can end up with great finds at much lower prices than you would at a standard retail store.

11 Thrifting Tips

If you love thrifting new clothes and are looking for shopping tips to help you find your next great buy, check out the following list:

  • Sell before you buy. Selling a few items that you are no longer using can help you save money for your thrifting and create storage space for your upcoming purchases. You can sell your items online or at a consignment shop before you load up on thrift store finds.
  • Find out the store’s specialty beforehand. You can make the thrift shopping experience much easier if you know what the store carries. Some thrift shops specialize in clothing or toys, while others will have a wide array of furniture or home décor. Before heading out, find out which store stocks more of the specific items you’re looking for, and search there first.
  • Dress appropriately. Many thrift stores don’t have fitting rooms, so you might need to wear something you can easily slip secondhand clothing over to try on. Secondhand stores usually don’t offer refunds, so you want to make sure your clothing fits before you buy it.
  • Give yourself a clear goal. Thrift shopping should be about finding things you need, not meandering around looking to collect items. Take note of the things you already own, then make a mental list of the things you’re looking for. If you need to, take pictures with your smartphone to help you remember what you have and what you want.
  • Get your items tailored. One of the few disadvantages of thrifting is that you may find the perfect piece, but it may not fit properly. This can be an easy fix: If it’s a quality find, take it to a tailor. Or, if you’re confident in your sewing and hemming abilities, you can attempt a DIY tailoring job to make your item fit just right.
  • Know when the stores restock. Most stores are busiest on the weekend, and many quality goods may be gone by then. Pay attention to when your local thrift stores restock new items and try not to wait too long to check them out.
  • Avoid impulse buys. Thrift stores may have low prices, but it can start to add up if you buy enough items. Set a budget and leave your cards at home. Taking a cash-only approach will help you stick to your list of needs and help you avoid overspending.
  • Learn how to discern quality. Consignment stores can offer designer brands, vintage items, or other high-end quality pieces with low price tags that you can find if you know what to look for. Natural materials will often be of higher quality than synthetic ones.
  • Shoes made of 100 percent leather usually have the words “Vero Cuoio” marked on the bottom, which is the Italian phrase for “true leather.” Blazers with linings and wool-blend coats will also be more expensive items than other materials. Get familiar with high-quality tells to discern which items will be worth the money.
  • Scan the aisles. It’s easy to get caught up searching for great, inexpensive buys at the thrift store in Destin, FL, but part of your strategy should be to search quickly through the aisles to avoid spending too much time in any one store. Train your eyes to scan along hangers or shelves to spot particular color palettes or other items of interest quickly and efficiently.
  • Haggle. You can sometimes negotiate the price of items that are broken or damaged. If you find an item worth salvaging, try haggling the price down with the sales clerk to make it even more affordable.
  • Shop off-season. Like with retail stores, the best time to buy seasonal clothing is when the demand is low. Shop for jackets and boots in the summer, and look for sundresses and sandals in the winter.
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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

9 Thrift Store Tips and Tricks

Goodwill, the Original Thrift Store, Goes Digital | News & Analysis, News Bites | BoF
9 Thrift Store Tips and Tricks

If you’re looking to restock your home or revamp your closet on a budget, thrift stores are a great alternative to traditional retail. Despite dingy lighting and overwhelming piles of product, thrift shops in Destin, FL are treasure troves for those who know how and where to look. Follow these tips to score some exciting finds on your next thrift store trip.

Visit often. Thrift stores don’t put in regular orders or carry standard merchandise. What’s available depends on what has been brought in most recently. Find out the days and times your thrift store restocks its shelves to get first dibs on all the latest items.

Check the back racks. Unlike a traditional retail environment, thrift stores don’t typically carry multiples of an item. Some of the best pieces may be on the racks at the back of the store near the dressing rooms.

These items have already been searched out and deemed valuable enough to try on. Just because they weren’t a good fit for the person who originally found them doesn’t mean they won’t work for you.

Dress appropriately. Not all thrift stores have dressing rooms so be sure to wear tight fitting clothing so you can try on pieces over what you’re already wearing.

Check clothes carefully. Check clothes for stains, loose threading, missing buttons and other potential problems. Be sure to turn items inside out, too, for a full assessment. If you’re considering an electronic purchase, plug it in to be sure it works.

Even books should be scanned for missing or damaged pages. Any and all damage should be noted before making a purchase. Can you fix it? Will it be worth the cost?

Ask for a discount. This might be more difficult at some of the larger thrift stores, but remember, all thrift shops need to get rid of items to clear the way for new inventory so it’s in their best interest to sell.

If there is a defect, don’t be afraid to point it out and ask for a lower price. If they can’t change the price of that item, maybe they can throw in another small item for free.

Cash in on deals and specials. Many thrift stores offer discounts to certain groups, including seniors and students.

They might also have special days or hours where items go on sale. Some stores may offer a discount for paying with cash. To stay up to date on the latest thrift store deals and promos, follow your favorite locations on social media.

Shop seasonally. Just like in traditional retail, the best prices typically come at the end of a season.

If you want to pick up some cheap Christmas décor or patio furniture, go thrifting right after peak time when everyone clears out their closets. This is also true of clothing, which means you should shop for boots and jackets in April and beachy sundresses in September.

Consider the neighborhood. Thrift store inventory comes from the surrounding neighborhood, so shop in places where you admire the style.

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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, THRIFT!

23 best vintage and op shops in Melbourne • The Sweet Wanderlust
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, THRIFT!

So what kinds of items are thrift stores looking for when it comes to donations?

It’s pretty easy, really: Here’s a quick list of donations thrift shop in Destin, FL accept:

CLOTHING

  • Men’s, Women’s, Children’s Clothing
  • Men’s, Women’s, Children’s Shoes
  • Nylons, Socks, Underwear
  • Accessories such as: Hats, Mittens, Scarves, Ties, Purses, Wallets, Fanny Packs, Bags

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

  • Bed sheets, blankets, pillows, curtains, tablecloths, and similar items
  • Bath towels, hand towels, wash clothes, bath rugs
  • Sports equipment, exercise equipment, bicycles
  • Kitchen Ware such as pots, pans, utensils, china, vases, dishes, cutlery, glassware, silverware
  • Small electrical appliances such as power tools, irons, blenders, mixers, stereos, CD players, speakers, DVD players & VCRs, lamps, fans, humidifiers
  • Miscellaneous Items such as jewelry, crafts, mugs, candles, pictures/frames, baskets, ornaments, hand tools

FURNITURE

  • Chairs, sofas, couches, loveseats, recliners, foot stools, storage dressers, armoire, bookcase, cabinets, entertainment centers, dining tables, kitchen tables, coffee tables, end tables, computer tables, night stands, patio sets

VEHICLES

  • Cars, trucks and RV’s (must be able to drive it to the store / do not call for home pick up)

ENTERTAINMENT

  • Hardback and paper books
  • Magazines
  • Records, tapes, CDs
  • Videos, DVDs, Blu-rays
  • Toys, games, and puzzles

Sadly, we do draw the line at some items. Here’s a list of donations thrift stores cannot accept:

  • Mattresses/box springs for sanitary reasons
  • Hazardous waste/materials
  • Pepper spray/mace
  • Used children’s car seats
  • Used major appliances
  • Mini-fridges
  • PC’s / Computers / Printers
  • Box TVs (tube, cabinet, console). We will only accept flat monitor style that can be easily mounted on a wall.
  • Construction remains (i.e. carpet scraps, boards with nails, etc.)
  • Items recalled by the CPSC
  • Liquids
  • Firearms, stun guns and firearms accessories

Categories
Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

Tips for Finding the Perfect Pair

The Newest Levi's Collaboration Embraces the Vintage, Handmade Aesthetic | GQ
Tips for Finding the Perfect Pair

In my experience, all thrift store in Destin, FL and vintage shops have a denim section. If you walk into a vintage shop and are having trouble finding the denim section, don’t be shy about asking for help. 

There are also great online resources for denim shopping that can make the process more seamless, along with finding a wider range of sizes. Check out our online vintage shop roundup as a good place to start. 

LOOK AT THE TAGS

When I am shopping for vintage denim, the first thing I look at is the tag. Over time, I have acquired a good eye for knowing if the tag is vintage or not. The key is noticing the information on the tag itself. Use this visual guide to help in distinguishing vintage tags based on eras.

The logo on the tag is a great indication that you have found a vintage piece—see the font and the way the tag is sewn into the jeans. Another thing I look for is “made in the USA.”

Manufacturing outside of the US didn’t spike until the late 1970s and, while it is still vintage if it doesn’t say made in the USA (a true vintage piece is 20 years old), the quality is typically higher if it was made locally.

FIND THE SHAPE THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Be prepared for the sizing and shapes to be totally different than modern denim. Vintage denim jeans are four sizes smaller than modern jeans. Try not to focus on the sizes, however, and rather on how well the jeans fit. Bring a variety of sizes, washes, and shapes into the dressing room with you. 

It may take some time before you find the right fit for your body type. And remember, you can always get your denim tailored. When I found my first pair of 501s, they taught me the magic that is tailoring—it allows you to create the perfect fit for your body.

When shopping for vintage denim, I ask myself a few questions to help me find the right fit and determine where the piece will need tailored:

  • Does the inseam sit where I want it on my hips and waist?
  • Do I like how the jeans sit on my booty?
  • Where is the length of the jeans sitting?
  • How baggy are they? Are they too baggy around the thighs or waist?

FEEL THE FABRIC

Being that synthetic fibers have been around since the 1930s, many vintage pieces have blended fabrics, which aren’t the most lasting or highest quality. When shopping for vintage denim, you want to look for pairs made from 100 percent cotton and woven twill.

True vintage denim is thicker in feel, being that it does not contain synthetic fibers, whereas modern denim jeans are much stretchier. With this in mind, it may take time to break in a new pair of vintage denim—just like leather, thicker vintage denim takes some time to break in to fit your body.

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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores thrifting

HOW THRIFTING IS HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT

Secondhand Clothing Sales Boom Is Good News for the Environment - EcoWatch
HOW THRIFTING IS HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT

Fashion trends come and go. Keeping up with the fast-changing fashion trends has led manufacturers to produce large clothing at faster speeds. This process has had lasting effects on the environment.

Here is how thrift shops in Lebanon, TN are helping the environment:

REDUCING TEXTILE WASTE

Clothing is worn and tossed faster than expected. People tend to toss clothing out when it no longer fits. Not to mention all the clothing that is thrown out because it is no longer in style. These pieces of apparel usually end up in two places: the garbage dump or second-hand stores.

Studies show that the average American tosses out 81 pounds of clothing every year. Add all that up and it can be equivalent to 26 billion pounds of textiles that end up in landfills all over the United States. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste because the clothing gets recycled by allowing someone else to buy it. 

KEEPING THE OCEANS CLEAN

The ocean is home to 50 to 80 percent of all life on earth. Tossing toxins into the ocean impacts the lives of aquatic species and animals that play critical roles in the environment. One way that we can keep oceans clean is by thrifting. 

Most clothing nowadays has some form of polyester. This type of fabric does not decompose in the ocean. If it ends up in the sea, it can pollute and harm the environment. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste by giving people a safe way to recycle clothing. 

REDUCING THE USE OF WATER

Aside from polluting oceans, the fashion industry is also to blame for consuming water. It is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. A large amount of water usage affects the water supply for drinking purposes. 

For example, it takes 650 gallons of water to make one new cotton t-shirt. A pair of jeans takes 1,800 gallons of water. The thrift industry reduces the use of water by selling jeans that can be reused and passed down. This process helps decrease the need to produce new clothing.

STOPPING AIR POLLUTION 

When you think about which industries being the largest air polluter, what comes to mind? Perhaps, the oil industry is your top choice. However, did you know that the fashion industry is one of the world’s largest air polluters? It produces 10 percent of all humanity’s carbon emissions. 

Minimizing air pollution is critical to prevent health issues and prevent climate change. Calling for a donation pick up Omaha service and shopping at thrift stores is easier to reduce air pollution. This helps reduce the need to manufacture new clothing and shoes. 

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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

9 Reasons Why Buying Secondhand Clothes is Awesome

History of Secondhand Clothes | LoveToKnow
9 Reasons Why Buying Secondhand Clothes is Awesome

There are plenty of reasons why you should buy secondhand clothing, many of which actually benefit you personally, no matter your lifestyle. Buying secondhand clothes also benefits the environment in a big way, making it a win-win.

Whether you’re unsure if buying secondhand clothes is for you, or maybe you just want to educate yourself of the perks, this post will open your mind to the idea of shopping for secondhand clothing. It might even make you excited to get to your nearest thrift store.

Let’s get to it! Here are some reasons why you should buy secondhand clothing.

Buying secondhand clothing saves money

As you probably already know, you can save an incredible amount of money shopping for secondhand clothes. You’ll never pay anywhere near full price, and this is great for when you find high-quality clothing from brand names that you know and trust.

The amount of savings will of course depend on the thrift shops in Lebanon, TN – they’re all different. So explore the secondhand shops in your area to see who has the best clothes/deals, or find other spots in your area to get secondhand items.

You extend a garment’s life-cycle

Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that are in great condition but you don’t wear them for whatever reason? Or maybe something that you wore often but is no longer your style, no longer fits, or you just don’t love it anymore?

You wouldn’t just throw away something that’s in perfectly good condition just because you don’t wear it anymore, right? Someone should get some use out of it. And chances are, this person is going to fall in love with it, just like you did.

Buying used promotes sustainable fashion

Another reason why you should buy secondhand clothing is that it promotes sustainable fashion. Buying secondhand clothing is a big part of the slow fashion movement and a key factor when you’re starting to create a sustainable wardrobe.

Sustainable fashion is all about slowing down in regards to fashion. It means wearing used clothing, buying clothing that was made sustainably and/or ethically, and with fabrics made from eco-materials like organic cotton, Tencel and hemp.

In other words, a sustainable wardrobe is filled with secondhand clothing and/or clothing made by slow fashion brands, both of which do wonders for the environment.

Secondhand clothing is unique

Majority of clothing that you will find in thrift stores are completely unique. The chances of there being two of the same item in the same thrift store or in other thrift stores are slim to none.

And chances are, you won’t be able to find the same piece ever again because they’re probably no longer being made, especially vintage clothing. So if you want one-of-a-kind clothing, shopping secondhand is a great way to get them.

Buying used clothing saves resources

When shopping for secondhand clothing, you’re saving resources and doing the environment a solid favor. This is because the resources have already been used to make the piece of clothing.

Instead of buying a new shirt or pair of pants that consumes resources to make it and distribute it to a store near you, buying used clothing doesn’t deplete any more resources.

Reduces fast fashion demand

When you purchase secondhand clothing instead of buying new from retailers, you’re reducing the demand for fast fashion. These days, fast fashion brands are just spitting out new, cheap clothing because a lot of people have adopted the mentality that clothes are easily discarded.

But, imagine if everyone started purchasing secondhand clothing or shopped slow fashion. These fast fashion companies would cease to exist, or they would have to conform to the new norm.

That’s why saying no to fast fashion and instead opting to build a more sustainable wardrobe is so important. As consumers, we help drive change!

Another man’s trash…

Is another man’s treasure. This saying holds true for secondhand clothing as well. I’ve come across countless pieces of secondhand clothes where my eyes pop open when finding something amazing. And then at a huge discount? It’s a great feeling.

Sometimes searching for secondhand clothing that you love will feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but that needle will turn out to be a diamond.

It’s easier to shop secondhand

In secondhand clothing stores, everything is usually sorted by size, making it a breeze when searching for clothes to buy. However, not all clothes fit equal, and you should still look at other sizes. I wouldn’t recommend trying clothes on at all thrift stores, just in case it wasn’t actually washed – especially if you’re not familiar with your thrift store’s practices.

Spotting a washer and dryer in a separate room in the store is usually a good indication that the clothes have been washed and then I feel comfortable trying on the clothes.

If you don’t want to try on clothes, take measurements like the shoulder width of a shirt you already have and use it as a guideline for when you’re shopping.

Secondhand clothes last longer

This may sound untrue but look at it this way. You can find a lot of clothes in thrift stores that are years old, especially if you’re in a vintage store. Some of these clothes were created before fast fashion started becoming so widespread. Since they are pre-fast fashion, they are better made and meant to stand the test of time.

Of course, you still have to know how to take care of your clothes in order to ensure their longevity, but the fact that these clothes are so well made, already makes clothes maintenance a lot easier.

Additionally, secondhand clothing lasts longer because used clothing has usually been washed a couple, if not dozens of times already. That means that any shrinking and fading that would have occurred, has already occurred.

Final thoughts on why buying secondhand clothing is awesome

So now you know the many benefits of buying secondhand clothing, both personal and environmental. It’s a great feeling shopping secondhand, knowing that you’re helping the environment, practicing slow fashion while also simplifying your life!

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thrift shop Thrift Stores

Importance of Donating Clothes

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Importance of Donating Clothes

You might have seen trucks driving through neighborhoods, bins set up in shopping center parking lots to collect old clothes or a thrift shop in Santa Rosa Beach, FL accepting old clothes. This indicates there’s importance associated to donating clothes versus simply throwing them away.

The best types of clothes to donate are ones that aren’t damaged; they are simply items you haven’t worn in 18 months or so. You can put them to better use than as closet fixtures. Don’t forget that you can deduct clothing donations to qualified organizations on your income tax return.

Helps People Who Can’t Afford Clothes

Thrift stores run by charitable organizations typically provide the only way the homeless and other disadvantaged people can afford clothes. The organizations you donate to could not afford to carry out their work without your donated clothing items.

Helps Disaster Victims

Though the Federal Emergency Management Agency prefers cash to help disaster relief efforts, clothing donations also help. Instead of donating directly to FEMA, choose a reputable organization that helps disaster survivors. 

If you have clothes you wish to donate to help disaster survivors, call them or another trusted organization that collects clothing for this purpose. The organization typically will send a truck to your house to pick up the clothing; it will be sorted, packaged and distributed to disaster survivors.

Helps the Environment

 If people buy used clothing instead of new, fewer new clothes need to be made. This saves the resources used to create new textiles. For example, the polyester fiber production process puts a strain on the environment. Recycling clothing helps the environment in a similar way as recycling bottles, paper and cans does.

Helps People with Disease

Donating clothes helps organizations that help fight certain diseases.  The clothing you donate goes toward fundraising. The organization uses the money raised to fight kidney disease by setting up early screening and education programs.

Keeps Your House Organized

Living in a state of chaos and clutter, besides being a possible fire hazard, can be detrimental to your emotional health. If you are ever late getting to work because you can’t find a particular article of clothing, you likely have too much clothing clutter. A good rule of thumb when deciding what to donate is to keep the classic stuff — the clothes that stand the test of time — and donate the rest.

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