This whole outfit is fast fashion. And I haven’t contributed to a single unethical company with my $. How? Say it with me for the seven hundredth time on this blog: THRIFTING. Ah, my favorite recurring theme on this blog – not just about snagging a bargain; but making a conscious choice to opt out of supporting unethical mass production brands. Scouring thrift stores, secondhand shops and online resellers like Depop and Poshmark, I curated a large portion my wardrobe without ever setting foot in a fast fashion store. From vintage finds to contemporary pieces, thrifting has become my go-to method for scoring stylish pieces without compromising my values. Plus, there’s something satisfying in giving fast fashion a second life, knowing that I’m diverting clothing from landfills and reducing my environmental footprint in the process.
First up, embrace the thrill of the hunt. Thrifting is all about exploration and discovery, so don’t be afraid to dig deep and explore every nook and cranny of the store. You never know what hidden gems you might uncover buried beneath a pile of discarded clothing. If you choose to shop from home – spend that time on digital platforms filtering, searching, sorting and bargaining – I almost never find what I envision in my first search and sometimes spend days online-hunting for that perfect metallic summer set.
Second, hone your eye for quality. While thrift stores may be filled with treasures, they’re also home to their fair share of flops. Look for well-made garments with durable fabrics and timeless silhouettes that will stand the test of time. I also recommend envisioning how certain pieces can be tailored to perfection – for example this pair of short I’m wearing needed some waist cinching to fit perfectly.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative. Thrifting is an amazing chance to experiment with new styles and trends without breaking the bank, so have fun mixing and matching pieces to create unique and personalized looks that reflect your individual style.
On this blog, we talk about ethical fashion, brands and trends transforming the industry and we also support Ukraine – quick break to donate $5!
NGO dedicated to strengthening the country’s defense forces through equipment, training, analytics, and veteran support.
Now that you’ve scored some killer thrifted finds, it’s time to make them last. First and foremost, invest in proper garment care. Take the time to read care labels and follow washing instructions to ensure that your clothing stays in top condition. Second, just like envisioning tailoring when shopping, prioritize repairs and alterations for your purchased pieces – our clothing doesn’t always come perfect as is and needs that extra step to fit perfectly and last longer. With some minor alterations, you can breathe new life into thrifted garments and extend their lifespan indefinitely. And finally, practice mindful consumption. Thrifting is a great way to reduce waste and support sustainable fashion, but it’s important to remember that even secondhand clothing has an environmental impact. So, shop responsibly, buy only what you need, and cherish the pieces you already own.
