They should also be aware of whether they’re buying according to fleeting trends or their own personal style, and to choose items they’re likely to wear longer. She suggests that consumers think about what they can actually wear with little to no alterations and how much space they have in their closet to properly store clothes. ![]() That’s the only way to avoid the cycle of overconsumption where we are constantly buying and discarding clothing.” Thrifting ethically requires mindfulness and discipline. “It’s an easy trap to fall into when buying clothing at a low cost. “Some people use thrifting as a way to justify buying more clothing items without considering the environmental and societal impact of their consumption habits,” Alozie points out. If you’re shopping for the thrill of acquiring large quantities of clothing for dirt cheap rather than out of necessity, it’s time to reconsider. Identify what’s motivating your purchase. But there are some ways that both resellers and consumers can ensure they’re being responsible. So the question remains: Is there such a thing as truly being able to thrift ethically? According to Victoria Cooper, founder and curator of Miami-based vintage shop Capsool, there’s no definitive answer. “Vintage shopping, on the other hand, puts less pressure on the buyer because they’re presented with a more curated selection of second-hand pieces to choose from.” She says that the business behind thrifting comes at a cost. “Thrifting revolves around digging through lower-priced items where the buyer is doing the work and gets to be creative envisioning how each piece can be an added gem to their wardrobe,” she says. Ness Isabella, founder of Nünü Vintage, says that to thrift successfully, one must have a certain level of gravitas. For an item to be considered vintage, it must be at least 20 years old and of a particular era. Thrifting is different from vintage shopping. I believe the harm and destruction to the environment can be corrected by getting more people to support their local thrift stores, which do so much good for the community through the money raised through sales.” “However, I do strongly believe in the importance and benefit to the environment and community that comes from being a sustainable, conscious consumer. “The sad and hidden reality of thrifting is that a very large percentage of donated clothes go unsold and end up in landfills or are uncaringly shipped to third-world countries,” she says. Nancy Volpe Beringer, the founder of the Vault by Volpe Beringer - an online designer-resale store with adaptive styles - and a contestant on season 18 of Project Runway, calls it a balancing act. There are a lot of pros, including supporting a circular fashion economy, affordability, and long-term environmental sustainability.” I can see both sides of the argument around the ethics of thrifting. Many thrift stores rely on donations, and these donations are a lifeline for those who cannot afford to shop anywhere else. ![]() This gentrification leads to an increase in prices, making it more difficult for low-income earners to access affordable clothing. “Anyone thrifting long enough would agree that thrift stores are getting gentrified. “The rise in popularity of thrifting can perpetuate systems of inequality,” says Cynthia Alozie, seller and founder of Oluchi Vintage in Dallas. But there’s been overwhelming discourse about the ethics behind thrifting and how it affects the communities many of these stores are meant to serve. Sure, thrift-store shopping is a great way to build your wardrobe. Influencers and resellers infiltrate their local thrift stores to find Y2K faves like low-rise jeans and chunky cardigans. With the rise of TikTok hauls and Depop resellers, thrifting has become lucrative. Photo-Illustration: by The Cut Photo: Getty Images
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