What once was not only loomed over and stigmatized but also created a biased societal rank, has now advanced into a practice adopted by many globally — and for the right reasons!
Now one would ask why thrift secondhand when you could treat yourself with something brand-new?
The answer is rather simple, thrifting is a great [and guil-free] alternative to fast fashion because it is pocket-friendly, sustainable, and kind to the environment, and let’s not forget the hunt that gives you a rush of adrenaline! By thrifting, you are essentially playing a part in reducing the negative impact on the environment in ways that one cannot comprehend. By thrifting, you embolise the concept of reuse, reduce and recycle.
The cycle of — consistently changing trends, excessive demand, overproduction, and excessive pollution is perpetuated by fast fashion companies, with all these factors driving our planet towards dissolution. From landfill waste to exploitative working conditions, the footprint of such companies affects our planet in more ways than we can imagine.
So the next time you find yourself in Zara or H&M, picking up a pretty piece of apparel, do think for a second as to what goes into producing it and how one impulsive decision can have an impact on our planet at large.
With the Internet full of observations and revelations of the underbelly of the fashion industry, especially the horrors of widespread exploitation, we become consciously aware of sustainability. And it is this very consciousness that affects the choices we make and the way we shop. Perhaps, that’s why the whole idea of thrifting has made its way to the masses, markedly with Gen Z, bringing about the “Renaissance of Thrifting”.
Talking about Gen Z, this clan wants to be independent, they want to save money [ and make money XD ] and save the planet. They want to do it all and do it right! And if all this could be achieved without causing significant damage to their bank accounts, then who’s to stop them? A rather fashionable approach to a revolution so to say.
Not only is thrifting popular among Gen Z but also with the millennials, Gen X, and our dear baby boomers! It is devoured as a means of spending productive and purposeful. With ethics rooted in sustainability, the practice has grown phenomenally over the years, catching traditional retailers off guard and shifting retrospectives.
The eco-friendly impacts of thrifting aren’t just it! There’s the whole experience itself and truly nothing’s quite like it. The allure of finding a vintage gem, the thrilling rush down your spine, the sheer excitement of combing through the racks with the element of suspense, and the spark in your eyes when you finally get your hands on YOUR hidden gem — incomparable! And worth it! A perfect way to sort your weekend.
For most, thrifted goods are a way of expressing themselves, a means to stand out, and exude confidence. A way to experiment, explore and reinvent different versions themselves. And for those with a special place in their heart for vintage, unique, and one-of-a-kind pieces, any thrift store would be their heaven.
Today, with the kind of exposure that social media platforms have provided, thrifting has gained global recognition. On TikTok alone, the hashtags #thriftstore and #secondhand have been looked up by 92.7 million and 90.8 million users, respectively. And to top it, popular social media influencers also take to their handles with their “Thrift Haul” content and have paved the way to establish thrifting as a solid trend.
All in all, thrifting is an ethically driven sustainable practice that has a lasting impact on the environment in the long run, which in turn affects us directly and indirectly. What starts as a simple model of self-expression, eventually catalyzes into an intentional lifestyle. It is a cruelty-free, creative way to breathe life into pre-loved materials.
It’s good for your wallet and good for the world!
Win-win kind of situation, wouldn’t you think?
For The Exclusive,
By Muminah Mahek
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