For decades, thrift stores and thrifting have been widely known as a sustainable alternative to fashion retailers with outrageous prices. In previous eras, visiting the thrift store was a staple activity for many individuals and families who struggled financially. Now, with the glamorization of thrifting as a fun activity, the thrift scene has changed immensely.
In the last few years, internet personalities have drastically changed the public’s perception of secondhand clothing. Clothing people may have considered “used” and “unsanitary” is now being referred to as “vintage” and “trendy.” In theory, the public perception of thrifting becoming more positive should be beneficial as it encourages people to donate. However, it also takes away from those whom thrifting was meant to benefit.
The concept of thrifting was created as a way for fortunate people to donate their used clothing to underserved communities, rather than throw them away. Thrifting is no longer just a way to save money or help the environment, it’s a way for financially privileged individuals to achieve or embody an “aesthetic.” Vintage is now “chic.”
Now, the increasing demand and popularity of thrifted clothing is forcing stores to increase prices, in turn, driving the less fortunate to cheap alternatives such as Shein or Fashion Nova. Fast fashion stores create astronomical levels of pollution, therefore undermining the sustainable goal of thrifting.
The Orange Circle and its surrounding area is a well-known destination for thrifters in Orange County. However, many of these stores sell dilapidated items for upwards of $40 in an attempt to capitalize off of privileged people’s desire for the trending vintage aesthetic. Meanwhile, one can easily go on to any fast fashion website and find items in brand-new condition and more modern styles for a measly $5, costing less than a gallon of gas at a local station.
I have visited Orange Circle and other thrift destinations, but I can admit that I did not go thrifting until I saw it being glamorized and aestheticized online. It appeals to us boring, middle-class folks because it offers something a bit different than what we are used to. I enjoy the idea of finding something unique that is no longer sold in stores, or something that makes me think of the way life was before I was born.
As someone passionate about fashion, I am always looking for clothing with a story behind it, and that is something you often find when thrifting. Remnants of someone’s wild teenage years, the previous eras of famous designers, and even wedding dresses pop up in Goodwill from time to time.
Of course, none of this is to say that the glamorization of thrifting does not have its negative effects. Consumers being driven away from thrifting due to high prices, and then turning to fast fashion, absolutely contributes to the waste and pollution these companies produce. Additionally, there is the moral issue of privileged individuals “taking over” something meant to benefit those who are less fortunate.
Thrifting is no longer accessible to all demographics since it became viral, and no one solution will benefit everyone. If we stop shopping at thrift stores altogether, we are harming small businesses, but if we continue to sensationalize thrifting, we are disproportionately impacting low-income individuals who can’t afford clothing at department stores. Instead, we have to start with our buying habits, taking into consideration whether we are buying a new piece of clothing for the sake of necessity or to keep up with a trend.
Ultimately, thrifting should not be treated as a temporary trend but rather a broader commitment to helping the environment as well as less fortunate individuals in our communities.
