What Is Fair Trade Clothing and Why Is It Important?
Many people are under the impression that eco-friendly fashion is somehow reserved for the upper class. However, even though fair trade clothing may have been affordable only to the rich a decade ago, times have changed. With so many conscious brands emerging in recent years, the masses now have access to ‘conscious consumption’.
What is Fair Trade Clothing?
Fair trade applies to a wide range of products produced under a certain set of high standards. Just like food or crafts, brands design fair trade clothing to prevent and end poverty, environmental degradation, and sweatshop labor conditions. Fair trade seeks to overturn the current situation, which puts profits above people and the planet.
Purchasing fair trade certified products can help reduce poverty, safeguard humane working conditions, and encourage production techniques that are environmentally friendly. In addition to clothing, the fair trade label can also appear on other products, including chocolate, coffee, or bananas.
Affordable Eco-friendly Fashion
When it comes to affordable fashion, many people expect prices that match those found at Forever 21. However, the whole point of developing eco-friendly fashion is to embrace a “less is better” mindset.
Do not make a habit out of paying less for disposable and ultra-trendy items. Instead, invest in clothing that is high quality and durable.
For those who cannot work these prices into their budget, it’s time to experience the beauty of thrift stores. When it comes to shopping, thrifting at thrift stores in Destin, FL will always be the greenest option (and not just for clothing).
A combination of ethically-sourced fashion apparel and thrifted items sounds like the best shopping philosophy.
Damages Caused by Fashion Industry
Some suggest a fix-all solution would be for all of us to wear a uniform of sorts that could be endlessly recycled. However, human beings have been using their clothes as one of the oldest forms of expression.
Woven Mohawk tribal patterns, Irish donegals, Peruvian embroidery, or African kente prints are the result of thousands of years of human creativity. And why would anyone want to do away with personal expression?
Here are some of the reasons why you should support ethical fashion and fair trade practices instead of the cheap fashion industry:
Fashion Industry Affects Young Women in Developing Countries
More often than not, the clothes you buy from unethical brands are sewn by women in developing countries. It should be common sense for these people to receive a fair wage they deserve for their work.
You are what you wear, so why should you associate with clothing companies that care more about profits than about basic human rights?
It Pollutes Local Ecosystems
Fashion – including the sewing and dying of clothing, and textile production – is one of the most profitable industries in world. It’s also one of the biggest users of labor and polluters, so they need to make some changes.
If you buy new clothes from responsible designers or gently used clothing, it means your money does not encourage the heavy-metal dyes that flow freely in the rivers of Vietnam. Fresh water is a dwindling resource, so they should preserve it with best efforts.
Most Clothes Create Waste in Landfills
Unfortunately, recycle only about 25 percent of clothing. This accounts for the items resold on the racks at Goodwill, those downcycled into industrial rags, and the clothes sent to developing countries as usable clothing.
And they have the fast fashion retailers to blame for the fact that textiles account for more than 4 percent of the waste in landfills. Almost 95 percent of textiles are recyclable, so this means they are throwing away plenty of usable material.
Why Buying Certified Fair Trade Is Important
Fair trade helps the world’s poor. Thanks to free trade, large subsidized companies take over the industries, leaving small-scale producers behind. As large contracted farms sell commodities at lower prices, local farmers, who have been supplying these products for a long time, are driven into debt. Competing with subsidized farms often becomes a matter of life and death for many. Farmers are forced to lower their product prices to the point where quality of life is unsustainable.
The fair trade license fees generate money, which is then poured into the fair trade communities. These funds are specifically designated for economic, social, and environmental development projects. Each community can benefit of schools, scholarships, quality improvement organic certification, and leadership training. Democratic systems set in place help them determine how the funds will be use.
Products certified as fair trade entail transparency and a high level of traceability in global supply chains. They also ensure equitable trade practices, starting from the farming groups, which receive a guaranteed minimum floor price. Certified organic products also entail an additional premium. Farming organizations also are eligible for pre-harvest credit.
Forced child and slave labor are strictly prohibited on fair trade farms. The workers enjoy safe working conditions, freedom of association, and sustainable wages.
To be fair trade certified, products have to be free of genetically engineered ingredients. Farmers also have to produce them with limited amounts of fertilizers and pesticides, and proper management of waste, energy, and water.
Thrifting for clothes has been around for ages but it’s really having a moment now thanks to the rise of sustainability efforts, particularly in counter to fashion’s reputation as a mega polluter. It recently reached the pop cultural sphere, with Princess Nokia’s single “Balenciaga” hailed as a thrift shopping anthem of sorts.
But knowing how to thrift shop isn’t as simple as it might seem – it takes a fair amount of know-how to ensure you’re successful at it and not just running on luck. So we’ve compiled the ultimate guide on how to thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL , with advice on how to approach the experience, thrifting tips on searching for pieces, and what to avoid. For specifics on how to avoid copping fake streetwear in vintage shops.
It’s also worth noting that there are differences between thrift stores – or charity shops as they’re known in the UK – consignment stores, vintage stores and the like. Thrifting takes a lot more time and patience, but the payoff of finding a gem for a steal of a price is unbeatable. Nonetheless, this guide will also serve you well whenever you’re shopping for second-hand clothing.
Before You Go Thrift Shopping
Not all of these thrifting tips are necessary for every time you want to go charity shopping, but they do enhance the experience and maximize your chances of successfully finding and taking home something.
Preparation
Research where to go ahead of time
If you’re intending to hit a few stores, make a list and map out your route, as thrift shops are often clustered together. This way you won’t miss any in the same area and you’ll be able to gauge how much time you’ll need. Once you’ve compiled a list, keep tabs on the best thrift stores for future reference.
Have an idea what items you’re keen to pick up
Knowing what you’d like to find will give you direction, but leave room for spontaneity as well. Thrifting clothes can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack, so it helps when you know that it’s a needle you’re looking for in the first place.
Browse your own closet first
This is a good starting point if you’re unsure what items to go for – it’ll give you ideas of what you might need in your wardrobe and/or items that’ll work with what you already have. It can be useful to take photos on your phone of pieces you’re aiming to match something with so that you have them on hand.
Consider donating from your own wardrobe
Before or after a big thrift shop it’s worth going through your closet and passing on things you no longer wear. Think of it as thrift karma and keep the cycle going. For higher-quality items, consignment stores offer cash or money to spend in-store when you trade in.
Check out apps for thrifting tips
These days there are lots of apps that do everything from mapping out the best thrift stores in your area to digital marketplaces where you can buy and sell. It can help to check for stores in a new city, getting an idea of prices on particular items, or simply for inspiration. The Thrift Shopper lists thrift stores in the US, while ThredUp is the world’s largest online thrift store, but is limited to women’s and kids clothing. Additionally, there’s Depop, ASOS Marketplace, Vinted, Etsy and increasingly more vintage resellers on Instagram.
On the day
Make sure you’re in the mood
It almost goes without saying but if you’re not up to the task on the day you’ve set out then postpone. You’ll set yourself up for failure if you don’t want to go before you’ve even begun.
Go with a friend who’s also keen on thrifting
Not essential for those who prefer to move swiftly at their own pace, but going with a friend – one who won’t tire and give up immediately – can make the experience much more fun. It’s also helpful since you can give each other advice on finds.
Don’t go hungry
Another obvious point but again, an integral one. Thrifting can feel like an endurance sport at times, so set yourself up well. If you’re planning a big day thrifting for clothes then bring water and/or snacks as well.
Don’t rush through it
Taking it easy will help you enjoy the experience and up your chances of finding something, so block enough time for your planned route and remember it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Set a budget
This is especially applicable to curated vintage stores that tend to charge higher than charity shops, but it’s important to set a limit for yourself so you don’t get carried away. Just because the items are cheap, relatively speaking, doesn’t mean you can go overboard.
Wear something that’s easy to change in and out of
Thrifting outfits should be comfortable with shoes that aren’t annoying to take on and off, since you’ll be doing a lot of it. Some stores don’t have changing rooms so be prepared to change on the shop floor if you have to. In this case wearing form-fitting undergarments like a tank and shorts underneath your clothes will save you feeling intimidated if you have to strip down in a corner of the store.
Bring cash
Many stores are still cash only and the ones that take card will often have high minimum purchase amounts, encouraging you to spend more. Bringing enough cash will take the second guessing out of paying and also help you stick to your budget.
Bring canvas/reusable bags
Many thrift stores either don’t offer carry bags or rely on single-use plastic ones, so bring your own. Also don’t carry a big backpack or too much stuff with you – you don’t want to be weighed down while you’re browsing.
During Your Thrifting Trip
Figuring out how to thrift shop well is essentially a process of searching and editing – finding something interesting is only half the battle, it’s knowing how to wear it or whether you can alter something to fit that really elevates thrifted goods.
Browsing
Start off with what you’re looking for
Keep in mind what items you’re chasing and start off in that area to avoid being overwhelmed by the selection when you first enter. This’ll set you off with a direction instead of aimlessly walking around.
Practice scanning for items
Looking over every item is impossible, so the trick is to get good at scanning for things on the rack or in bins. Focus on one area at a time and look for things that stand out at you, be it color/fabric/style. This’ll save you time and make the experience feel less laborious than painstakingly going over everything in detail.
Give your chosen piece a quick once over
When you find an item you like, give it a quick once over. Check for obvious signs of wear and tear, whether the size looks like it’ll fit properly, etc. You’ll do a closer examination later so you don’t need to take too long here.
Do look for items that are out of season
Often they’ll be priced cheaper and you’re more likely to catch a great winter piece when everyone else is thrifting outfits for summer and vice versa.
Do think unisex
Keep an open mind about scouring both men’s and women’s sections, since increasingly clothes aren’t gendered and items are sometimes misplaced in other parts of the store anyway.
Read the vibe of the store and move on if it’s not working for you
Some stores are tailored to a particular type of style, which will become clearer as you traipse though the inventory. If you start to feel it’s not your vibe, it’ll save you time and energy to move on before you tire yourself looking through everything.
Ask the clerk
If you’re trying to find an item in particular, it can pay to ask the shop assistant if they’ve seen something like it. However, bear in mind the best thrift stores to do this in are the smaller, curated ones. Photos of what you’re chasing come in handy here.
Be patient
Successfully thrifting for clothes comes down to a number of things but patience is tantamount. It really is a case of right place, right time, as well as having a keen eye, but patience is what will turn your thrifting game from amateur’s luck to a seasoned pro.
Trying on
Make yes/no/maybe piles
Take the clothes you’ve found and go over them again, splitting them into these three piles. Once again, you don’t have to spend too long here as there’ll be further opportunities to cull your stash. Using your initial gut instinct is a good way to go.
Try everything from the yes and maybe piles
There’s no way around it, you have to try everything you’re intending to buy on to make sure it fits correctly. This will help you narrow down your selection even further – if the idea of trying something on is already irking you, it’s a good sign you don’t really want it.
Trying on by kind is a good approach
Stores often have limits on how many items you can try on at once, so if you have to split up your stash then grouping items together can be helpful. For example, trying on all of the pants you’ve picked up will make it clearer what works and what doesn’t, before moving on to another clothing category.
Learn how to identify easy alterations
This is a tip that’ll save you both money and grief (from realizing after you’ve bought something that the alteration you wanted to make is much more effort than it’s worth). Knowing easy alterations from major structural changes on a garment will help you decide whether to keep or let go of something. For example, pants can easily be tailored shorter, but a blazer with shoulders that are too wide isn’t a simple and cheap fix.
Look at the tags and consider the fabric
This will help you identify how easy an item will be to launder and whether it’s worth its price. A common example is the sheer amount of polyester items in thrift stores. There’s nothing inherently wrong with polyester garments and in some cases it’s the preferred material, but if you think you’re paying premium for top-notch fabrics like silk or wool, it’ll be a smack in the face to find out it’s synthetic once you’re home.
Ask yourself if it’s something you’ll actually wear
Thrifting for clothes is fun but it’s easy to get carried away. This is where a friend will come in handy and help you reign it in if you’re in danger of buying things in the moment that you’ll honestly never wear.
But don’t be afraid of taking risks
Thrift shopping is a much cheaper and eco-conscious way of trying trends, so have fun with it and branch out a little from your usual picks.
After trying on, take another quick look in the store
Once you’ve tried all of your stuff, get back out there and quickly browse the racks one more time. You’ll have a better idea of what you’re after now and that item you scanned over earlier might be hiding in plain sight.
Examining items/paying
Decide on which items you want to buy
Similar to how you made piles for trying on, go over your selected items one more time. This is the final stage of the editing process, so consider how each piece will fit into your wardrobe. Ask yourself: Do you already own something similar? Was everything with the fit alright? Going with items you only truly love is helpful here.
Now examine them very closely
You should have already caught major flaws such as stains or rips, but now go over each piece in closer detail, including turning the piece inside out to check the lining. Look for stains/rips/snags/loose hems/missing buttons/faulty hardware/tags that have been cut off/overly smelly garments, etc.
Check the tags if you haven’t already done so
Tags on vintage items provide many details that can be the deciding factor if you’re on the fence about something. For example, knowing the fabric or how easy a garment will be to launder.
Consider if it’s actually worth the price
Often things will be overpriced and just because it’s cheaper than buying new in a store, doesn’t mean it’s worth the labeled amount. It also pays to check back regularly, as sometimes items are reduced if they don’t sell.
Know when to ask for a discount
If the item is flawed then ask for a price reduction. Additionally, some stores offer discounts to students/veterans/teachers.
Respect the pricing strategy
Some stores sell by weight, others may negotiate and some are firmly priced. It’s fine to ask for a discount if it’s valid, but each store is different so respectfully keep that in mind.
Most stores have a no return or exchange policy
This is the reason why many of the pedantic notes above are necessary. It’s worth thinking that little bit harder about whether you really want something, as more often than not you won’t be able to return it.
After You’ve Thrifted
Aftercare
Wash your item before wearing it
You should have an idea of how easy the piece will be to clean by now, so put it in the wash in order to freshen it before wearing. Some stores wash pieces themselves or only accept freshly washed clothes, but it’ll take the guesswork out if you just do it yourself.
Air out pieces that can’t be washed
If it’s not easy to wash, put your garment on a hanger and let it air out near an open window – this’ll refresh the piece and get rid of slightly musty odors that might be lingering from the store. Alternatively, consider dry cleaning if necessary.
Do alterations soon after buying
If you need to make adjustments, do so soon after buying your piece. This will ensure it doesn’t get relegated to the back of your closet and forgotten about.
Keep in mind
Start off by integrating one thrifted item at a time
If you’re unsure how to integrate thrifted pieces into your wardrobe, start off with one item per outfit rather than a full look.
Remember where you bought your pieces
It’s useful to remember where you bought things and check back often – if it’s an independently-run store, chances are the owner/buyer has great style and it’s likely you’ll find many more items there in the future. You can also ask how often they restock and plan to go then.
Don’t be disheartened if you weren’t successful
Some days just don’t work out and it’s important to be ok with that. Each time is different and new stock can appear every day, so keep an eye out and check back in from time to time. The piece you’re looking for is still out there.
Thrift while traveling
Checking out local thrift shops while on holiday, be it close to home or in a foreign land, is a great way to merge local fashion history and culture. At best, you’ll end up with unique pieces that’ll serve as eco-conscious souvenirs for years to come; at worst, you’ll leave empty-handed but with insight into what the locals found fashionable in decades past.
Savvy shoppers realize that one of the best skills to have is knowing how to thrift shop. That’s because secondhand stores are frequently lined with wares that are in exceptional condition. Not even the most seasoned shopper is immune to an occasional bout of buyer’s remorse, and when making a return isn’t an option, perfectly fine and gently used clothes wind up on racks of thrift and consignment shops.
This type of green business actually makes it possible to score unbelievable deals — and save some cash — on like-new clothing. And with Earth Day being today, thrift shopping is a timely topic to learn about.
Being people who work with cold hard numbers, we wanted to know a bit more about the facts and figures behind thrift and consignment shopping, namely: How much can you save with secondhand clothing from thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL ?
How to Shop at Thrift Stores
Look for Markdowns of 50% to 80%
Schneider says the average discount a shopper can find on apparel in thrift stores is upwards of 50% off. And the savings don’t even have to stop at the 80% mark. “Many stores offer additional discounts,” she says. “If an item does not sell in 30 days, it’s marked down an additional 20%, and if it does not sell in 60 days it is marked down another 20%.”
So if you’re on the fence about a blouse or pair of jeans, it might be good to revisit the shop in a week or so to see if the thrift store prices have dipped.’If an item does not sell in 30 days, it’s marked down an additional 20%, and if it does not sell in 60 days it is marked down another 20%.’
That said, there’s a risk. Items in thrift stores and consignment shops are almost always one of a kind, and leaving something on the rack today means it could be gone tomorrow. If fit, style, and price all intersect in an ideal sweet spot, you’ll want to purchase the item then and there.
But if those “back in style” acid-wash jeans feel like an impulse buy, Schneider says to hold out, especially if the price feels a bit high despite the discount. A $400 leather jacket at 50% off will still cost $200, and that’s a high price tag. “Make sure you’ve done your research to see what the going rates are,” and price-check your purchases, says Vanessa Rae, a lifestyle expert; there might be similar styles selling new for less money.
Seek Out Clothing and Other Deals
With such high potential discounts, Americans are saving a pretty penny by knowing how to thrift shop for clothes. As of April 2019, the estimated revenue for the thrift stores industry was $10.2 billion, with an average growth rate of 2.3% from 2014 to 2019. That includes purchases of furniture, home appliances, books, and clothes… lots of clothes.
Join the Movement
At least 15% of Americans shop at these resale stores. This rough estimate is a combination of two statistics from America’s Research Group that were cited by NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals. First, about 16% to 18% of Americans shop at thrift stores each year, while 12% to 15% shop at consignment/resale shops. If these percentages seem low, consider that 11.4% of Americans shop in factory outlet malls; 19.6% in apparel stores; and 21.3% in major department stores yearly, putting the thrift category right in the thick of things.
And no matter what you might assume, those shoppers come from all levels of income, according to NARTS: “There is no typical resale shopper, just as there is no typical resale shop.”
Watch for New Thrift Shops Opening Near You
Although 15% of Americans may seem like a low number for those who visit secondhand stores, evidence suggests that thrifting in general is on the rise. Based on stats from NARTS, the number of resale stores has grown approximately 7% a year over the past two years. Now, the U.S. has more than 25,000 resale, consignment, and nonprofit resale shops.
Buy Secondhand, Help Save the Planet
Thrift stores and consignment shops are obviously savvy options for anyone who feels strongly about lessening their impact on the environment, as these stores are able to combat the clothing industry’s immense carbon footprint; every article of clothing resold cuts down on the environmental cost of apparel production.
Schneider says: “When you buy secondhand, less items travel thousands of miles [and] use up energy and pollute the planet. And wearing gently-worn clothing means keeping those items out of landfills.”
Indeed, recycling-conscious consumers help drive the popularity of thrift and consignment. That said, if you’re a do-gooder on the donating side of the thrift equation, we recommend you give to notable nonprofits; big names in the industry include Goodwill and the Salvation Army, among others.
Know the Difference Between Thrift and Consignment
While most resale stores appear to be the same to shoppers, definite distinctions exist. According to NARTS, a resale shop is a store that buys its merchandise outright from individual owners. A consignment shop, which is a subset of resale, pays the owner a percentage when and if the items are sold — usually 40% to 60% of the selling price.
And a thrift shop is run by a nonprofit to fund a charitable cause.A consignment shop pays the owner a percentage when and if the items are sold — usually 40% to 60% of the selling price.
Too loose to categorize for retail purposes (but a close cousin to a resale endeavor) is the yard or garage sale. Here discounts run extra deep on clothes, though shoppers also run a higher risk of buying damaged or stained goods, and not finding out until it’s too late.
By contrast, consignment shops (especially in high-rent neighborhoods) stake their resale reputation on closely inspecting garments for rips, tears, and the like, making the resale experience as close to new as you can get.
There’s another category worth mentioning, as it can yield cashless bargains and eco-friendly results: the clothing swap. Planning your own event with fashion-conscious friends and acquaintances offers a twofer where you can clean out your closet and update your wardrobe in one outing; leftover clothes get bagged up and donated to thrifts.
Beware of the Drawbacks
As Rae sums up, the common roadblocks involve fit, style, and wardrobe basics. First, the resale mentality best fits those who, well, don’t obsess over fit. There might not be much difference for a guy shopping for a Large sweater versus XL, but a cute blouse will likely come in one and only one size, and it might be a tad tight or loose.
“Finding pieces that fit usually requires a sense of adventure and a lot of patience,” she says. Then there’s style: That one Gucci handbag you spot might have a shockingly low sticker price, but come in a color you don’t like.
And finally, thrift shoppers will have much better luck finding layers and add-ons as opposed to solid wardrobe basics, though getting to know your local consignment owner can aid in this endeavor. “When the owners and shop employees can get to know you and your taste, they can look out for and let you know about items they think you’d like,” Rae says.
We’d love to report stats on the biggest thrift score ever, and many shoppers have stories about landing brand-new, $200-plus garments for about a tenth the cost. But alas, some numbers are not so much hard to confirm as open-ended. There’s something fun and cathartic about combing the racks like a modern-day treasure hunter and always finding a deal.
Ever since Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released their massively popular hit, ‘Thrift Shop’, more and more people are visiting thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL to try their luck in scouring for gems they wouldn’t find anywhere else.
And yet, some international students have qualms about thrift shopping, as they are unsure where to go for it, and hold concerns about quality of the items.
“I don’t really know where to shop for [second hand clothing],” said Amber, a university student from China. “And I’m hesitant in buying them because I don’t know who previously owned it.”
However, if you’re able to get past this notion, there’s one thing that helps make the idea of thrift shopping enticing for international students: if you know where to look, you can get quality outfits for dirt cheap.
Why pay outrageous amounts for a simple piece of clothing when you can get it for so much less? If you’re lucky, you might even score name-brand items (sometimes high fashion, too) for not more than what you’d spend for a day’s meals.
“I like buying secondhand mainly because it’s cheap,” said Juli, an Indonesian international student. “Especially for items like winter coats – I managed to get one for $15.”
If you’re looking to change up your look and expand your wardrobe, op shops are the perfect place for being adventurous and taking risks with your choice of fashion. Where else can you find ‘80s style frocks and jeans for that price?
“I love second hand shopping because [you can] find items that are unique, not available in retail stores, or much loved discontinued items. There are loads of vintage items which I love, and places like op shops allow me to buy them at an affordable price,” Diyana, a Malaysian international student explained.
“I reckon my best find so far are the Italian leather boots that I got for $20,” she recalled. “They’re knee-high boots, well-designed, and in great condition; so I thought it was a steal!”
That being said, many of these items are one of a kind – sometimes you might not even know the brand of the jacket you discovered. And if the cut or design is distinctive, you could even be the subject of envy once you realise that you’re probably the sole owner of that awesome thread.
“These unique, most likely one-off pieces … sure help reduce the possibility of me bumping into another person wearing the same, in-trend items from labels that are so common these days,” Diyana said.
If that doesn’t entice you yet, consider this: you’re also saving space and reducing wasteful consumption by recycling clothing. You get to look stylish and help save the environment while you’re at it – one knit cardigan at a time! Additionally, various shops donate a percentage of their sales towards charitable causes, so you can also get a little philanthropic kick while you shop.
And remember those clothes you thought were a good idea when you bought it at the store but ended up in your closet, never seeing the light of day? You can also donate them to your local thrift shop. However, keep in mind that these shops aren’t dumping grounds. So first, you need to ask yourself: would you want to give the clothes to someone you know?
If you’re ready to dip your feet into the world of thrift shopping, here are some handy guides to help you know what to look for and get the most out of the experience:
Know where to shop
There are two places you can venture to in your quest to find second hand clothing: vintage shops and op shops. The former option tends to be a more organised shopfront, but they’re also more expensive – sometimes significantly so. If you’re looking for a bargain, op shops are where you should check out first.
Look around, regardless of your gender/size
Because really, you never know what you’re going to get so have a look in every nook and cranny of that store before you really decide on what to buy.
Plus, ‘boyfriend’ cuts are back in style.
Buy out of season
It may be spring now, but you can do no wrong buying a winter coat if it has a timeless, classic design. The same goes during cooler weather; that Hawaiian shirt or floral sundress would look good in summer.
So just buy it now so you can prepare for the next season much earlier!
Wash/clean them before use
These shops usually clean their merchandise before they put it on the racks. But for good measure, always clean the items you bought after you purchase them.
The best finds are discovered through 50% perseverance, 50% luck
To unearth that precious item, it’s best that you don’t come into a store with any expectations, and simply spend some time rummaging through aisles and piles of clothing.
Sometimes you might find an interesting item within the first five minutes of your search, other times you might leave with empty hands. But you’ll find that it’s all worth it when you strike gold and find that amazing dress for $5.
Have you ever heard of the term ‘thrift shopping’ before? Thrift shopping is taken from the word ‘thrift shop’, which is a store that sells pre-loved or second-hand stuffs that are still decent and wearable.
For some people, the image of “buying second-hand” can be dreadful and unimaginable. Thrift store itself has recently gained popularity and is considered as an alternative way to shop with its own benefits, especially in terms of the environment, thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL is your ultimate destination for shopping.
To illustrate, the textile and garment industry, specifically fast fashion, resulted in negative impacts towards the environment. Such impacts are namely water pollution, the use of dangerous chemicals, as well as the increasing amount of textile waste. In addition, garment and textile are mostly difficult to be recycled.
Clothes are indeed one of humanity’s basic needs. Even so, the fulfillment of such need does not have to cost our one and only earth. This is where thrift shop comes in and becomes one of the solutions in shopping for clothes while minimizing the negative environmental impacts.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, thrift shopping also has several other benefits as follow:
#1 Cheap Price with Relatively Good Quality
One of the main reasons why people choose to shop in thrift stores is due to its super low price. In Indonesia for example, the goods and clothes that are sold usually range from as low as Rp 10.000, and it usually does not cost more than Rp 200.000 depending on the type of clothes.
Moreover, it can be implied that the clothes sold in thrift stores tend to be more durable based on the fact that it has survived one “life cycle” from the previous owner. Especially compared to fast fashion which tends to be easily worn out or stretchy after being used and washed for only several times.
#2 A Chance to Experiment with Style and Colors
Clothes that are sold in thrift stores may not be that trendy or in-style, but it becomes all the more reason for you to be creative in mix-and-matching the clothes that you stumbled upon. You can even try a new style that you might not think of before.
#3 The Opportunity to find Unique or Rare Clothes
If you buy your clothes in conventional stores or shopping malls, chances are you might meet another person who wears the exact same clothes. In another words, the clothes that are sold in department stores and clothing stores are so mainstream.
That is likely not the case if you shop at thrift stores. Let’s say that you happen to find this cute floral skirt in your nearest thrift shops. Heck, you might even become the only person in town who owns that skirt.
Furthermore, thrift shopping opens up the possibility for you to find a hidden gem or limited-edition clothes that are no longer sold in the market.
What You Should Pay Attention when Thrift Shopping
If you haven’t visit any thrift shops before, there are several things you need to bear in mind to before sliding into the nearest thrift shops, which are:
#1 Patience and Thoroughness are Keys!
The crucial aspect of thrift shopping is patience, because there is no guarantee that we will immediately find the clothes that fit our taste.
Furthermore, since the clothes are second-hand, then you need to be extra thorough in choosing the things that you want to buy. This is important to make sure that there is no excessive damaged on the clothes that you buy.
#2 Decide on the Type of Clothes that You Want to Buy in Thrift Shop
Outer wear such as jackets or blazer are a good choice to be bought at thrift shops, since the price tend to be very pricey if we purchase it in malls or branded store.
In contrast, clothes of intimate wear such as swimsuit or underwear should not be bought at thrift shops due to personal hygiene. In addition, second-hand shoes are also not recommended because it’s susceptible to bacteria.
#3 Wash and Clean
Again, because the clothes are second-hand, make sure that you wash it thoroughly before use. You can wash the clothes using hot water and soak it in detergent for several times to make sure that it is both clean and safe to be worn
#4 Modify Your Clothes if Necessary
If you find a piece of clothing with good motive but a bit “meh” on the style, bringing it to a tailor could be the perfect solution.
Tailors can help you modify the clothes that you found in thrift shops to suit your style. For example, you decided to remove the enormous bow on that beautiful blouse because it is simply too tacky. Moreover, minor defect such as missing button or broken zipper can also be easily fixed.
Examples of Thrift Shop in Jakarta and Its Surroundings
After knowing the multiple benefits that thrift store can offer, and also about the helpful tips for thrift shopping, you are now ready to visit the thrift shops in town and adds some new clothes to your wardrobe without leaving a negative impact to the environment.
In Jakarta, there are several existing places that are known as the heaven for thrift shopping, some of those places are:
Pasar Senen, Central Jakarta: The thrift shops are inside the Pasar Jaya building, on the second floor.
Jatayu in Gandaria, South Jakarta: You can find various clothes with price from as low as Rp 20.000
Pasar Baru: Walk to the direction of Gedung Kesenian Jakarta until you find a brown-colored builduing. The thrift shops are on the third and fourth floors.
Vintage Vibes: Located in Flavor Bliss, Alam Sutera, BSD. This store does not only sell clothes, but also books, cameras, as well as electronic appliances. The price are a bit more expensive compared to Pasar Senen because it sells branded items.
Responsible Consumption
The act of shopping and consuming responsibly is becoming more important than ever because the impacts that those have brought to our environment are not trivial.
There are many things that we fought for behind the act of thrift shopping. To start with, purchasing second-hand items means that we are implementing the 3R Principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) by giving a “second life” to the clothes and items that are still in good condition. By not buying new items, we indirectly eliminate the possibility of textile waste, or any waste at all, that might end up in landfills.
In addition, thrift shopping also becomes one of the things that we can do in supporting the Circular Economy. Circular Economy itself is a system in which goods are produced, distributed, and consumed in a closed cycle. That way, there are no materials that become waste.
As a social entrepreneur in responsible waste management, Waste4Change supports both the 3R Principles as well as Circular Economy. Because at the core of sustainable consumption and production, the first and foremost thing to do is to reduce our waste, which is then followed by recycling.
We’re talking about the pieces that are too stained and ripped to be donated.
Purging my wardrobe is always a satisfying feeling, but the real work comes after, when I have to figure out what to do with the remaining bags and boxes of stuff. Clothes that are in good condition can easily be donated to a thrift store, given away in a clothing swap, or sold online, but it’s the clothes in poor condition that always stump me. Stained, stretched, smelly and torn, they cannot be donated, but throwing them in the trash fills me with guilt. Are there other options besides the landfill?
The short answer is yes, but the long answer is considerably more complicated.
While looking into this issue, I’ve discovered that there are some decent options for textile recycling, but the unfortunate reality is that it’s a largely undeveloped industry. Using recycled or upcycled fabric has yet to become standard practice in clothing manufacturing, so there has never been a push for companies to collect it, nor to make old textile recycling easily accessible.n other words, if you want to repurpose or recycle your old clothing, you’ll have to work for it.
This, of course, is unfortunate because the more inaccessible something is, the less inclined people are to pursue it. That’s why so much of what we buy ends up in landfill; it’s too much work to bother recycling it. But let’s hope that you’re a dedicated TreeHugger who wants to put in that extra effort! If you are (of course you are!), then here are some ways to go about it.
1. Can it be repaired?
Don’t give up so fast! Play around with different stain removers and washing techniques to see if you can get the stubborn marks out. Contact a seamstress or tailor to repair tears, make adjustments, or add patches. You’ll be surprised at the magic these skilled professionals can work, and how affordable it is. Maybe your city has a Repair Café or a traveling Repairathon, heck these out and learn how to fix your own clothes.
2. Call your local thrift stores.
Find out what their policies are for clothes in poor condition. They likely have an agreement with a recycling company to hand off non-sellable clothing, and might be willing to take a bag off your hands that does not require sorting.
3. Contact the manufacturer.
Some brands have begun accepting back their own worn clothing. This tends to be more common among outdoor gear retailers, such as Patagonia, REI, and The North Face, although a few other fashion brands offer it as well, including H&M, Levi’s, Eileen Fisher.
4. Send it somewhere useful.
The Blue Jeans Go Green program will accept your old denim via mail and turn it into insulation. Alternatively, you can drop it off at J.Crew, Madewell, rag and bone, and FRAME stores, all of which will give you a discount off a new pair of jeans. You can also print off a shipping label from Community Recycling and ship your old clothes in a box right from your doorstep.
5. Upcycle the fabric yourself.
There are countless DIY projects you can do with old clothes. I’ve compiled ideas for what to do with old jeans and old sweaters, but T-shirts are incredibly versatile as well. Turn them into sleeveless workout tops, halter tops, tote bags, quilts, pet bedding, and cleaning rags.
6. Try composting.
If you have all-natural cloth, such as cotton, wool, silk, cashmere, or linen, and have not used it to soak up any toxic liquids, then you can try composting it.
While these steps are all worth pursuing, it would be naive to assume they can solve our planet’s enormous trash problem. What is needed more than wide-scale recycling is less consumption.
There needs to be a shift to buying less and buying better, focusing less on ‘good deals’ and more on what will last and what can be repaired. When shopping for future items, support those few companies that are incorporating recycled material into their goods, since this is an effort worthy of support.
You can find just about anything you’re looking for at thrift stores in Destin, FL. You can find limited edition collectibles, retro electronics and even books signed by your favorite authors in some cases. For more just drop your comments.
Steve Clark 
