Getting Thrifty

Story by Paije Maas | Design by Sarah Stewart

“More than $500 billion of value is lost every year due to clothing underutilization and the lack of recycling,” according to the website of the Ellen MacArthur foundation.

When an item does not sell in a store, it is destroyed by burning or a trip to the trash bin instead of being recycled or donated to the nearest donation box. While buying from bigger companies is the most convenient way to shop, thrift stores may hold similar if not the exact same piece for a lot cheaper.

Thrift stores can be a fun experience when it comes time to decorate your home as well. The things you purchased from Target can be a DIY project from the many items you find at the thrift store for less money and more items.

Sophia Schweinler, a senior majoring in Apparel Textiles and Merchandising, has been devoting the space in her closet to completely thrifted items for two years. She mentions, aside from the enjoyment of thrifting and the sustainability benefits, she gained a few personal sewing and altering skills to ensure the garments fit to her liking.

Sustainability Benefits

“I think thrifting is a sustainable and mindful way to spend your money in terms of adornment,” Schweinler says.

She mentions that thrifting has many sustainable benefits if done correctly. Sustainability does not stop when it comes to shopping second-hand.

Schweinler feels that stores that give back to their community in terms of events or charity work can be an important piece to the system of sustainability.

Buying second-hand clothing, aside from the lower cost, is beneficial to the planet based on the process new garments go through in the fast fashion world.

Two big factors of creation, chemically making the fiber and the dying process, both result in pollution and the creation of a product overstock.

Finding items at a thrift store that match your vision can be tricky. The color could be off, or the fabric may not be correct. Consider a transformation or a DIY project.

There are many Youtube and Tiktok videos that can teach you how to transform a basic dress into a jumpsuit with only a sewing machine and some thread. Aside from this being an amazing way to promote sustainability, you will now have a new item to show off.

Financial Benefits

Saving money is a definite when you choose to thrift versus shop fast fashion. Fast fashion is clothing that moves from the catwalk into stores in a short time span. The price tags will be substantially lower, and on certain days, there will be a bigger discount on tags.

Schweinler mentions that at times there will be pieces that are priced similar to those in fast fashion stores, but they tend to be vintage and rare.

“In my opinion, the vintage is now worth more because you can’t buy it anymore. The quality and exclusivity of the vintage garment is more attractive,” Schweinler says.

Jenny Valente, the owner of Girl Name Wyatt mobile (GNW), an online consignment boutique in Ellensburg says, “GNW has coined what we call the 4 C’s: Convert Closet Clutter into Cash.”

Valente mentions that many people’s closets often contain hidden gems that they push aside and leave to collect dust. Instead of allowing your closet to look like a clothing graveyard, consignment gives you the opportunity to turn your clothing into cash and revamp your space.

Aside from the financial benefits you gain, the community also gains them when you shop second-hand. Habitat for Humanity is one of the largest corporations that supports local communities through the donations and purchases made.

Each item that is in the shop has been donated, and once purchased it will be used to help families within the community feel that they have a secure place to call home. When you receive your receipt from the checkout line, you can be assured that the money you spent will be put back into the community.

Tips for Thrifters

Schweinler mentions that even though you are shopping second-hand, some items can be priced very high.

Obviously, the higher the value, the higher the price tag. Her tip is to “always look for the tags with an extra discount.”

She mentions that you may also need to shop outside of your usual size. Some vintage garments use different stitchings and size guides that do not match up with the ones we use today.

Schweinler’s biggest tip is, “If it’s questionable, leave it on the rack for later so you can come back for it. If you can’t walk away without thinking about it, then it means you actually want it.”

Valente’s tip is to stop in often. Certain thrift stores and consignment shops have “restock” days where new items will be loaded into the racks. Also, on certain days, there will be markdowns which is a fantastic way to get more for your buck.

The vintage aesthetic holds a shelf life of a lifetime. Old trends become new and improved. A set of old records becomes a late night DIY table project. Flare corduroy jeans are becoming a staple in our closets.

Whether you are new to the vintage trend or simply want to pay less and save the environment, consider these tips and knowledge during your next shopping adventure.