Sustainable Thrifting: What to Do Before Shopping Second-Hand
In recent years, there has been an undeniable shift in consumer attitudes toward favoring an enduring, sustainable wardrobe as opposed to shopping from fast fashion.
There are many reasons for this. Some of the obvious reasons are that second-hand clothing helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry by reducing the number of resources used in the production of new clothing.
Second-hand clothing is often much less expensive than buying new, allowing consumers to save money and still get good-quality clothing.
Shopping from second-hand stores can also allow you to find more unique and interesting pieces that you can't find in regular stores. Jen Panaro, a published author and the co-founder of a sustainability blog recalls:
“when I first started shopping Secondhand, I remember finding a Diane Von Pearsenberg dress for $17 that still had the tag on it and that was so exciting and so cool. I think I might still have the dress!”
However, thrifting can easily become problematic if it leads to overconsumption.
If your goal is to shy away from excessive shopping and have a more sustainable wardrobe, this guide can help you get started.
5 Common questions about online thrifting
1. What does it mean to go thrift shopping?
Thrift shopping is the process of browsing second-hand stores for pre-owned items. It's a fun and exciting way to shop, as you never know what treasures you might find.
Thrifting is also an opportunity to give new life to pre-loved items and reduce waste. When you go thrift shopping, you can expect to find unique, vintage, and sometimes even designer items at a fraction of their original cost.
2. What is online thrifting?
Online thrifting is shopping for second-hand items in online marketplace, dedicated platforms, or apps. It's a convenient and easy way to thrift shop without leaving your home.
There are many online thrift stores and marketplaces where you can browse and purchase items that have been pre-loved and are still in great condition. To learn more about your options, check out our article comparing the best websites for second-hand jeans.
Not only is online thrifting convenient, but it also allows you to find items that may not be available in your local thrift stores or flea markets.
3. Is thrifting still trendy?
Thrifting is the most popular it has ever been according to Google Trends, and for good reason. It's a great way to find unique and one-of-a-kind items that you won't find in traditional stores.
Thrifting also promotes sustainability and conscious consumption, which are important values for many young people today. With the rise of online thrift shopping, it's easier than ever to find unique items from around the world without breaking the bank.
4. Is thrifting cheaper than buying new?
Second-hand shopping can be much cheaper than buying new items. Pre-owned clothes are often significantly discounted compared to their original prices, and you can find high-quality items for a fraction of the cost.
Thrifting is a great way to save money while still being able to enjoy stylish and unique fashion. Additionally, by buying second-hand, you're reducing the demand for new products, which helps to drive prices down even further.
5. Is Thrifting Sustainable?
Absolutely! Thrifting is one of the most sustainable ways to shop for clothing and other items.
By purchasing second-hand items, you're keeping them out of landfills and reducing the demand for new products, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing new items.
Thrifting is a great way to shop sustainably and reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying unique and stylish items.
Continue reading for 5 things you should do before going on your sustainable thrifting shopping spree.
Sustainable thrifting: Before you start shopping
1. Sort Out Your Closet
The first step in switching to a sustainable wardrobe begins in your closet.
When going through your closet, be mindful of the trends you notice in your prior shopping habits. How many of the clothes you purchased do you actually wear?
It is highly unlikely that we wear every single item we own. Is there a pile of white t-shirts that you have barely touched? Then perhaps it is time you stop buying new ones.
Do you always wear the same pair of jeans? Then you should probably look for a new pair.
Going through your closet will give you an idea about your habits in the past. With that in hand, you can now plan for the future.
Before going out of your way to buy new items, see what you already have at hand.
2. Identify what you like and what you don’t like
How many white t-shirts do you own? How many of them do you wear? What do you like about the clothes you wear often?
If your goal is to have a sustainable wardrobe, you must have a bit more intention about the kinds of things you will introduce to your closet. Identifying what you like and what you don't like in your closet is important because it helps you to determine what items you truly need and which items will best complement your style.
This can save you money by avoiding buying items you don't need or that don't fit your style. It can also help you to find items that will match or coordinate with the items you already have in your closet.
3. Set your budget
Creating a financial plan before shopping secondhand is wise since it ensures you will stay within your spending limits.
Additionally, it can help avoid feeling overwhelmed when shopping since you will have an organized plan and a clear understanding of the amount of money you can spend.
If you do not have the budget you think you need to purchase additional clothing, perhaps you could consider selling some of the existing items in your closet.
4. Sell the clothes you no longer wear
Selling your own clothes is a great way to contribute to the environment in many ways.
By selling your clothes instead of throwing them away, you can extend the life of your garments and reduce the waste associated with producing new clothes.
You can also promote the idea of upcycling and sustainable fashion, and help reduce the amount of natural resources, water, and toxic chemicals used to produce new clothes.
Additionally, you can help reduce carbon emissions, energy use, and the amount of packaging used in the production and distribution of new clothes.
Selling your clothes instead of throwing them away can have a positive effect on the environment and make a meaningful contribution to your sustainability journey.
5. Do your research
Local vs. online thrift shopping
Whether it is selling second-hand clothes or buying them, it is important to know which businesses to go to.
Here, you have some options. You can either shop at local, in-person second-hand stores, or shop from online stores.
Both have their respective benefits and challenges. Shopping second-hand in person allows you to physically inspect the item before buying, while shopping second-hand online gives you a wider selection of items to choose from.
Shopping in person offers the added benefit of being able to take the item home with you right away, while online shopping typically involves waiting for the item to be shipped to your home.
“I do a mix of both,” says Jen, but she does have a preference for shopping for clothes online rather than in person. Jen adds:
“I think it's a little bit overwhelming sometimes to go to a second-hand store and just browse. There's just too much to choose from.
There are filters built into online stores which are super helpful. If I know what I'm looking for and I can filter down to just my size and just the style that I'm looking for, then I can narrow the items down pretty quickly and find some pretty good stuff.”
Research which businesses you want to support
Most online resellers mark up items found at their local second-hand stores to turn a profit. Trendy pieces are often sold for double or triple their thrifted price with absurd markups.
To shop sustainably, it is important to research where the money you’re spending goes to. For example, the retail price of a pair of second-hand Levi’s jeans is around €35-€50. If you want a pair of pre-owned Levi's, you could buy them on Depop from an individual seller, where the profits of your purchase will go directly into the pocket of the individual selling.
If instead, you buy second-hand Levi’s for the same price from a company like BOAS which pledges to donate 100% of its profits, your purchase will help save lives.
This is just one example of how being intentional about the places you shop from is an important step in becoming more sustainable.
Choosing the sustainable way
Sustainable thrifting and shopping second-hand are great ways to reduce your environmental impact, save money, and find unique pieces that complement your style.
However, it's important to be mindful of overconsumption and to have a plan before diving in. Follow the tips we shared in this articles: start by sorting out your closet and identifying what you like and don't like, set a budget, and do your research on where to shop.
Selling your own clothes instead of throwing them away can also make a meaningful contribution to your sustainability journey.
By following these tips, you can make your thrifting experience a fun and sustainable one. Happy shopping!
