Uprising Trends: The Problem with Mainstream Thrifting
Image Courtesy: The Sensible Fay
You open Tik Tok after a long, overwhelming day, looking to be entertained by your favorite fashion influencer. You see they’ve uploaded a new video titled, “Thrift Haul,” detailed with decorative word art, cute symbols and, not to mention, a trendy song playing in the background.
The multiple items in the haul, which received over 2 million views, are stylish. They fall within current fashion trends such as cyber Y2K, The 90s and the disco 70s. You can’t help but possess a deep desire to find these types of fashionable pieces at your local Goodwill. So, you – along with the other two million viewers – find your way through your local Goodwill, filling your cart with trendy thrift finds just to say you found items at a thrift store. Initially, you think you are being an environmentally-friendly shopper, yet you only wear the clothes once, if even at all.
Sadly, this is the reality that multiple social media users face – specifically on YouTube, Tiktok and Instagram. Social media has introduced younger generations of people to the potential wonders of thrifting, making it increasingly popular each day.
Image Courtesy: Youtube
Now, don’t get me wrong, thrifting is not a bad thing. In fact, thrifting is actually good for our planet. It reduces chemical pollution, preserves water and significantly improves community development through charities. However, these are some of the only good sides of thrifting.
The scenario I painted earlier exposes some of the negative aspects. The trendy and mainstream idea of thrifting introduces new problematic lifestyles that corrupt the original, positive process.
Perhaps one of the biggest arguments against mainstream thrifting is overconsumption. Because thrifting is becoming more widespread, some consumers purchase just to participate, rather than because of the item’s utility. Like multiple trends, mainstream thrifting promotes the idea that everyone needs an endless closet … which is essentially anti-thrift.
This overconsumption creates another problem: reducing access for the less fortunate and lower-income customers, which is who thrift stores cater to and why their items are so low in price – part of the main attraction to mainstream thrifters. However, its popularity lowers the number of resources available to the underprivileged. For instance, plus-sized clothing offered at thrift stores is at a low because oversized clothing is a new style. Plus-sized consumers are already at a huge disadvantage when it comes to product availability, but this intensifies the problem for this group of low-income shoppers.
Living in a capitalist society forces store owners to adjust to the demand for their clothing and other goods. Because of hyper-consumption, thrift store owners increase the prices of their items, making it a greater challenge for thrift stores’ initial target market. According to an article on Medium, if thrift stores start matching prices with fast-fashion brands, “there is a real potential that those who once relied on thrift stores for the bulk of their clothing will become more reliant on fast-fashion.”
There are solutions, however. It all starts with changing your personal narrative: buy less and wear more. Buying less prevents consumers from falling into the overconsumption trap.
Another solution would be to buy from sustainable, ethical brands, or shop at your local vintage stores. The downside is that sustainability isn’t cheap, and neither are cool vintage pieces, so only purchase if you can afford it. However, knowing that you are contributing to a good cause is a good feeling.
A more economically friendly solution would be to continue thrift shopping, but avoid purchasing items that are in high demand, such as oversized clothing, professional wear and winter accessories. These items should be reserved for people who need them, rather than teenagers wanting to be trendy and keep up with the latest Tik Tok stars.
Image Courtesy: Strike UGA
It’s honestly great that thrifting is becoming a huge source for people’s fashion needs. However, its growing popularity has introduced a couple of non-sustainable practices. When people are more aware of these issues, consumers can purchase in more selfless and eco-friendly ways.
Strike out,
Shelby Wingate
Athens
