THRIFTING: A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
Thrifting is the trend of shopping for pre-owned, gently-used items such as clothes, Accessories, toys, furniture and more. If buying second-hand items was looked down upon in the past, it’s increasingly become popular as a result of the pandemic and there the rise in sustainable, eco-friendly choices has taken place. The ban of the fast-fashion giants has now become a huge phenomenon in the country. Thrifting, which used to be an option for those who couldn’t afford to buy new clothing, has now become an option for anyone and everyone. What used to be seen as unhygienic has become trendy and hip. A tiny step towards saving the environment.
The transition to thrift shopping
This dramatic surge in popularity of thrifting in India is in line with international trends. According to ThredUp’s 2021 Fashion Resale Report, the worldwide secondhand industry is anticipated to “double in the next five years, hitting $77 billion.” This rise appears to be driven by Gen Z and millennials. This popularity can be seen in India as well.
How Was Thrift Shopping Associated?
Tales of thrift store
Thrift Shop –
a shop that sells secondhand articles and especially clothes and in the beginning thrift shop was often run for charitable purposes. where Thrift fashion was also known as Thriftcore fashion and Thrift Store Chic was considered to be a style of dressing where clothes are cheap and/or used.
Fad or the Future of thrift shopping
So let’s go a little backward! In the ‘90s, thrift shopping was associated mostly with hipsters, and was seen as an option that came with the growing popularity of grunge music bands (cough, Nirvana). This sort of fashion movement was considered an anti-fashion statement because it did not follow any particular fashion trends, and its purpose was not to make your clothes look expensive or new.
Why Thrifting is Awesome?
Thrifting is also a collection of Vintage clothing
Oh yes you read it right! Thrifting is awesome and gentler on the environment as it:
● Reduces waste
Shopping at a thrift store is a simple and easy way to go green! By choosing to buy secondhand or preowned clothing instead of brand new, you reduce waste and help the planet. In this way, thrift shopping is the ultimate way to live out the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto!
● Curate a one-of-a-kind wardrobe
Whether you want to stay on top of the latest trends or express your individuality with unique and vintage clothing. Thrift shopping is a lot like a treasure hunt- you never know what you might find!
● Buying high-quality goods at low prices
There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of finding a great bargain and saving on clothing, home decor, furniture, shoes, accessories, books, games, and so much more for the entire family. It’s a great feeling to know you’re getting more for less.
● Find your next DIY project
From furniture to decor to fabric, there’s no shortage of thrift store finds that are ready to be upcycled into something new!
● Thrifting is good for our community
Many thrift shops serve some charitable cause, whether it be job training and placement, funding a mission of some kind, or simply providing underprivileged communities an affordable shopping option.
Benefits of thrifting
Secondhand shopping is expected to be two times bigger than fast fashion by 2030.Not only is it thrilling to find a unique item while thrifting, but the environmental impact that thrifting has can also potentially cancel out fast fashion waste in the future.
A large number of textile waste is been accumulated in different countries
National Thrift Shop Day:
National Thrift Shop day is a commemoration of the benefits of secondhand clothing
National Thrift Shop Day is celebrated on August 17, it’s all about supporting local thrift shops and raising awareness for charitable organizations. Thrift shops aim to help those most vulnerable in communities and give back to the needy. Known by a numerous other names, thrift shops are also referred to as consignment stores, second-hand stores, resale shops, and hospice shops.
Thrifting also has volunteers willing to help out usually work at the shops, often sorting through donated items people drop off. These used pieces are then sold to the public, providing those in need a convenient service at an affordable price. At Academy Of Design & Management, Cochin under the guidance and management of JD Institute Of Fashion Technology Cochin, we give equal importance and encourage our students to lead a sustainable life through our meticulously designed curriculum. So Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore, Replenish and keep thrifting!
