Wearing second-hand clothes can make you an environmentalist!
I must confess that I wasn’t into buying at thrift stores until I moved to NY, where I found amazing and timeless pieces. Truthfully, there was the icky factor and the fact that I had never found anything that I liked or was my style. I never gave it a chance.
I was not aware of the impact that clothes had on the environment, but the more I learned and understood, it was like a veil was removed from my eyes. Buying used clothes — or donating your own — keeps them from going into landfills and conserves the energy needed to manufacture them.
According to thredUP's 2018 Fashion Resale Report, buying second-hand for an entire year saves 13 trillion gallons of water and 165 billion pounds of carbon dioxide. That's equivalent to enough water for the entire state of California for 14 years and enough carbon dioxide to equal all the cars in Los Angeles taken off the road for four years.
Nowadays, some thrift stores are set up with a boutique vibe, so it is easier to look through racks, and spot the really good deals and items. If you are new to thrifting, go with an open mind because you will never know what you will find.
Great finds are vintage t-shirts (bands, cartoons, etc), vintage Levi’s jeans or jeans in general, jackets, leather bags, and designer clothes. But don’t buy just because it is a bargain, you don’t want to invest your money on something that will remain unworn or worst, in the garbage. Don’t give up after your first visit and don’t feel discourage if you didn’t find what you like.
Try a different location, neighborhood, or city that reflects your authentic style. The great thing about thrift stores is that the merchandise is being refreshed constantly, and you will find something you like.
I’m wearing all second hand garments from my favorite stores, Housingworks in NY - and Lotus House Thrift Store in Miami.