The Bigger Importance of Thrifting

I have an affinity for thrift stores. Most people think the idea of buying used pants from a warehouse full of mostly unattractive clothing that smells like mothballs is pretty much disgusting in every way possible. There isn't any cute wallpaper, sometimes no changing rooms, and on occasion certain clothes have stains that are indecipherable. But, there are a lot of upsides if you take the time to scan all the racks. Thrift stores are generally made up of donated merchandise, and often proceeds are donated towards a good cause or charity. Now, people have their own political beliefs and opinions regarding a lot of these organizations, namely Goodwill and Salvation Army but any way you slice it, they probably are running programs designed to help those in need, which is more than you can say about the Gap. So your shopping can indirectly help someone else rather than a corporation. That's pretty cool.

You also are more likely to find inexpensive, unique items that are of higher quality than you could get at some more "bargain" oriented stores. If you spend enough time in thrift stores you begin to learn what brands are indeed quality items. Jcrew, Banana Republic, among other brands are seen pretty consistently in thrift stores. These clothes are also pretty ancient and still in fantastic condition. Often, you can find silk blouses, leather jackets, etc. for a fraction of what you could get them for new. If you look in some nicer neighborhoods, thrift stores will have more higher end merchandise, which means greater steals for you!

Be Green. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Just because somebody grew out of that sweater doesn't mean that it isn't still usable and wouldn't fit you. Clothes do not need to end up in landfills, nor do we need to expend more energy to create something new when it already exists. I can't wait until designers start adopting up cycled fashions, reusing old clothing fabrics and reshaping them into new pieces. Also, trends recycle. Meaning that those high wasted shorts and basket weave sandals you are looking for might just turn up where you weren't expecting them.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paranoiasdelavida/8326793432/">Anikaviro</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">cc</a>