At some point in your life you probably shopped at a small consignment shop or a goodwill, probably because of the prices some people are attracting to thrifting to flip stuff for profit, others for the lower prices on clothing, shoes and furniture.
What is thrifting?
Going to a store with discounted or second-hand items to buy products for less than what would be paid in a big box store.
Reasons to buy second hand
it’s cheaper
prevents waste in landfill
most secondhand shops will give back to the community
find high quality items for a lower price
opportunities to score rare items you’ve been looking for
good for the planet
less pollution
maximizes life of items
How thrifting is better for wallet and planet
when it comes to buying clothes, they can get expensive and if you have a limited budget this can help keep spending low.
by buying secondhand and donating items it keeps items out of the landfill
How thrifting is better than fast fashion
instead of spending money on cheaply made clothes hit up your local thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL for some name brand quality clothes for the same price or less
pre thrifting checklist
check the site for daily deals or coupons
check for the color or item that has an extra discount on it
what could you use around the house
sizes for the clothes or shoes you’re seeking
figure out what days the product is brought in or what time to check out the most recent donations for an ultimate find
check accessories like bags or wallets
give yourself a budget to stay within
bring your donations to keep the circle going
give ample time to really search it takes time to find amazing stuff
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
I’ve been around thrifting all my life. Growing up, my mom never passed up a sweet deal from the secondhand store. She taught me to thrift shamelessly, and be proud of what I’ve been able to snag.
Now that I’m older, I’ve become very diligent in making sure that the majority of clothing and household items are obtained secondhand. Whether it’s from a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL, online marketplace, family member, yard sale, or picked up off the side of the road, it’s safe to say that the vast majority of stuff is pre-loved.
But one of the most important things I’ve learned about thrifting is that it’s so much more than just saving money. There are several reasons why buying secondhand is the way to go, from the impact it has on the environment to the impact it has on your local community.
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
1. LESS CLOTHING IN LANDFILLS
The U.S. alone throws out roughly 10 million tons of clothing each year, which can sit in landfills for up to 200 years. Donating used items drastically reduces waste, while buying secondhand helps to reduce demand.
2. LESS WATER CONSUMPTION
It takes approximately 2,700 gallons of water to produce a single cotton shirt, which is enough for one person to drink in 2 1/2 years. Cotton production places stress on surrounding ecosystems and requires the use of harmful pesticides.
PERSONAL IMPACT
3. CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Thrifting gives the opportunity to find some pretty fun and funky stuff. And because it’s less of a price commitment, there’s more wiggle room to pick and choose what trends and looks you want to try out.
4. ALL THE NOSTALGIA
If modern fashion isn’t really your thing, or you’re just looking to take a trip down Memory Lane, buying secondhand allows you to explore products from various different decades
5. THE HUNT FOR “BURIED TREASURE”
When thrifting, you never know what you’re gonna come across. There could be something super valuable tucked deep within a shelf or jammed between clothing racks just waiting to be discovered.
We see it, we like it, we want it. In our world where the ‘new’ and trendy are a thing, buying second hand fashion has received a little bit of hype.
Due to the growing popularity of sustainable fashion, buying second hand from thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL has become increasingly mainstream. Aside from being trendy and looking ‘cool’, there are several benefits to buying second hand fashion.
Here they are:
1. Wallet speaks first
This is probably the most obvious advantage of buying fashion second hand. You can find your favorite brands and designer items second hand at a lower price.
This is simply because they have previously been worn by someone else and/or are no longer used by the previous owner. The wallet then speaks: you can access the latest trends or go back in time without risking to bump into fast fashion.
2. Reduced textile waste
Besides being one of the most polluting industries globally, the fashion industry is also one of the most wasteful; where 85% of textile waste ends up in landfills (according to World Wear Projects).
Moreover, estimates by the Ellen McArthur Foundation suggest that just less than 1% of used clothing is recycled into new garments.
3. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
The fashion industry contributes to 10% of the world’s carbon emissions each year (according to statistics published by the UNEP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
For example, buying just one brand new white cotton shirt can generate the same amount of emissions as driving a car for 35 miles, according to Oxfam. By purchasing second hand instead of purchasing brand new clothing, you can help to minimise the growth of carbon emissions!
4. Saved water
The production process for our clothes requires a lot of water. By a lot we mean it takes 2,700 litres to make a cotton t-shirt (assessment by World Wildlife Fund) and 10,000 litres of water to make a single pair of jeans! (Statistics by the United Nations). Yes, that is A LOT of water and these are just a couple of examples.
If more of us recycle and reuse second hand clothing, the water used for the production of clothing can be repurposed. For example, it can be used to provide more drinking water instead of ending up as industrial waste!
5. Where did you find that again?
We have to admit, it can be a little awkward when you come across somebody wearing the EXACT same clothing item as you. Buying second hand can prevent this problem! Because it is from a previous season or a different decade, chances are that you will not find someone wearing the exact same item that you have found second hand.
From rare pieces by your favorite brands to sought-after vintage gems, you will surely find a unique piece that complements your personal style!
6. Old trends are new trends
We all know that fashion trends come and go. Fashion that was once considered to be out-of-date is suddenly trendy again. Old school fashion trends such as wide-leg jeans or those oversized shoulder pad blazers that were very popular in the 80s (for example) have suddenly made a comeback today. Chances are, you can find trendy items second hand!
7. Better quality
As time has gone by, the perceived consumer value for clothing has declined over the last 15 years. The quality of fashion has gone downhill or is not the same as it was previously.
The popularity of low-cost fast fashion in the late 90s and early 2000s is partially responsible for this. Fast fashion retailers began to replicate design elements from designer brands and produced them cheaply and fast.
Therefore, it is possible that sometimes, older or vintage items can hold better quality. Second hand fashion is often sold in good enough condition for continued wear, which already proves that it has stood the test of time.
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.
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.
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.
There’s something wonderful about heading to a thrift store in Lebanon, TN and finding a unique piece of clothing that fits your style perfectly. The “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” saying is quite truthful. Now more than ever, people are donating clothing, home goods, electronics, and other objects that are in terrific condition.
Whether they’re clearing out clutter or making room for more stuff, this propensity to buy and buy has made thrifting an even more rewarding habit for your wallet. But apart from the personal advantages of shopping secondhand, thrifting is a great benefit for the environment.
Put the “reduce, reuse, recycle” slogan into even better practice—donate more and thrift often! Learn more about how thrifting is good for the planet below.
Keeps Clothes Out of Landfills
Think back to that reduce, reuse, recycle slogan we’ve all been taught since elementary school. When we were first taught this, it typically had to deal with plastics and paper.
Many people don’t realize that recycling incorporates more than the typical plastics and includes textile recycling as well. Just because you’re not putting your clothes in the blue bin and leaving them at the edge of the road doesn’t mean thrifting is not an important form of recycling.
One of thrifting’s biggest advantages for the planet is that it keeps clothes out of landfills. People now more than ever are recognizing that the clothes they no longer want will make much more of an impact when donated and brought to thrift stores, rather than tossed in the garbage. When clothes are thrown away, they sit in landfills for hundreds of years.
Especially now that a lot of clothing is made out of synthetic material that won’t degrade, these clothes tossed into landfills take up a vast amount of space and contribute to the greenhouse gases plaguing our planet. Even clothes made out of organic materials won’t biodegrade properly in landfills and will output methane gas.
When people donate clothes and shop secondhand, they’re playing a great role in keeping clothes out of landfills.
Contributes to Charities
Shopping secondhand also plays a role in boosting community development. Your money is typically used to help local charities and businesses, rather than multinational corporations that take advantage of the planet.
Better yet, these charities that the stores benefit will often help out community members in need or strive to help the planet. Think about it this way—when you shop secondhand, you’re supporting a business that strives to help others.
When we’re helping others, we’re helping the environment in some way as well. This contribution to charities can take the form of assisting those in need in the community and can help an organization that’s planting more trees or supporting third-world countries and their water sources.
Lowers Your Carbon Footprint
Another significant way thrifting is good for the planet is that it lowers your carbon footprint. This is another one of those phrases we were taught young—carbon footprint.
We often think that the only way we can do this is by biking to work instead of driving or by reducing our shower time. Though these are wonderful ways, thrifting is one of those steps to reducing our carbon footprint that doesn’t take much effort.
All it asks is that you head to a thrift store rather than engage in online or fast-fashion shopping! We mention fast fashion because now more than ever, a ton of energy goes into clothing manufacturing. The whole process—transportation of raw materials to the production processes and shipping to stores—takes up a plethora of energy and time.
The fashion industry is moving faster than ever, creating millions of clothing items every day to fill up the stores every week. When you buy secondhand, you’re preventing that massive waste of energy and resources on the production of new clothes.
Thrifting is an easy way to make a difference in your own carbon footprint and take the small steps to lower the world’s.
Helps Preserve Water
In a similar sense, thrifting helps preserve water. Like we’ve mentioned, clothing production is a process that takes up a lot of time and energy; it also uses a lot of water—water that we need dearly and are slowly running low on.
Water consumption is extremely high in every single stage of clothing production. Take a cotton T-shirt, for example. When made unsustainably, even simply growing one kilogram of cotton requires at least 10,000 liters of water.
That’s just the beginning of the production process. There’s wet processing and printing, packaging and transportation processes—all these steps add to the overall water consumption. When you shop secondhand, you’re playing a part in preserving water.
As we’ve stated, textile recycling is a part of the whole “reduce, reuse, recycle” mentality, and water preservation is just as important as that.
When you recycle clothing—either donating or buying secondhand—you’re preserving water. It’s just as important as driving less, eating green, and shutting off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
Reduces Chemical Pollution
Another great way that thrifting helps the planet is that it reduces the chemical pollution induced by creating and buying new clothes. Let’s think back to cotton—the production of cotton not only uses tons of water, but it’s also highly pesticide intensive.
This means that when cotton is produced and manufactured, it causes soil acidification and water contamination. And this is from material that many people consider sustainable. In general, textile-manufacturing processes involve the use of harmful dyes and crude oil by-products.
The process of creating and shipping new clothes contaminates surface and groundwater, pollutes the air, and so much more. Shopping secondhand begins to eliminate the constant chemical pollution that results from clothing production.
In general, when we take the time to shop the clothes that are readily available to us in secondhand and thrift stores, we’re not only finding those unique products that match our beautiful personalities, but we’re helping the planet as well.
There are so many wonderful benefits of thrift shopping, and when we take the time to visit and shop these special places, we’ll get to reap those rewards.
There’s a specific kind of joy that comes from finding the perfect pair of vintage jeans (especially when they fit).
That just-right faded blue denim tells a story, and it’s easy to daydream about whether your vintage jeans were once at Woodstock or riding horseback in the Wild West – it’s like wearing history.
If you’re new to vintage clothing and intimidated by the thought of digging through thrift store racks, I am here to help. Follow the tips below, and you’ll be on your way towards finding your new favorite pair of vintage jeans.
Know what you’re looking for.
Before heading to your local vintage or thrift stores, have an idea of what you’re looking for. Whether it’s light or dark wash denim, straight or flared jeans. This way, you’ll spend less time scanning the racks.
What’s my size?
It’s all about trial-and-error. You might try on ten pairs before finding one that fits, but that’s part of the fun. Ignore modern sizing conventions. Vintage jeans tend to run smaller and sizes may vary depending on the decade they were made. It helps to know your measurements and have a tape measure on hand if there’s no fitting room.
You can also try the old neck trick: wrap the waistband of the jeans around your neck. If the ends meet, then the jeans will likely fit. And keep in mind that vintage denim doesn’t have much stretch, so if they’re too snug, move on to the next pair.
Make them yours.
If you found a pair you can’t live without but the waist is a little too big or there’s an undesirable tear, don’t worry. Alter it as per your requirements
The difference between thrift and vintage stores.
Vintage stores are usually curated (and more expensive). Thrift stores generally have more to choose from and range in product quality (and are less expensive).
If searching through racks for a hidden gem doesn’t sound fun, a thrift store in Lebanon, TN is probably your better bet since they’ve done the digging for you.
Steve Clark 