Second-hand fashion has become a major trend, with many people drawn to the unique aesthetics born from buying vintage and second-hand clothing. Fast-fashion companies have recognized this shift and are eager to capitalize on the popularity of thrifting. However, if people shift their consumption toward fast-fashion imitations to achieve these vibes, we risk losing the benefits that made thrifting great to begin with.
Thrifted or vintage aesthetics in fashion are diverse, but they more or less agree with what is known as an eclectic style. This refers to mixed patterns, textures and contrasting pieces that are seamlessly styled together to create one cohesive look. When it comes to the aesthetic of thrifting, envision retro meeting contemporary, as well as deadstock fabrics, bold patterns, and vintage accessories all working together.
People who consume secondhand must creatively piece together items that are similar but different because they individually source everything. It is very rare to find pieces sold as a set or a collection in thrift stores, so it becomes part of the fun to curate a collection of your own.
Thrifting goes viral
People have taken their one-of-a-kind finds to TikTok and started the trend of thrift hauls. These hauls showcase second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories, which give viewers inspiration on what to potentially look for in the thrift themselves. Some creators took it to the next level and began posting tutorials on how they would physically alter the clothes at home using a sewing machine. This is how thrift-flipping content on TikTok was born.
@benulus Replying to @734j319 When people say they can never find anything good at the thrift store it's because they lack creative vision, patience & personal style. #thrifthaul #secondhandfashion #sustainablefashion @Benulus ♬ original sound – Benulus
Both trends popularized thrift shopping, and many people began to make content showcasing styles inspired by the items they found. These influencers have revolutionized the perception of what style can look like using second-hand clothing, encouraging others to go thrifting in hopes of recreating similar looks.
Fast fashion is a copycat
As these innovative looks gained popularity, they inevitably created a blueprint aesthetic for fast fashion to appropriate. Fast-fashion lines like ZARA, Urban Outfitters, and Primark all began to come out with an assortment of accessories and clothes that mimicked the vintage charm of items you would typically find in thrift stores.
Some of the imitations include graphic T-shirts with slightly faded graphics, necklaces that mimic self-made jewelry by featuring a pendant on a string or rope, and brand-new boots designed to look well-worn. Such items are crafted to emulate the well-loved aesthetic naturally achieved through thrifting.
People are finding inspiration to be more versatile with their clothes and with the expression of their personal style, which is great. However, as fast fashion brands capitalize on this trend, they often neglect individuality and sustainability.
By emulating the vintage vibes found in thrift stores, they attract consumers who are seeking the “individuality” and charm of the clothing. Consumers don’t realize that this strategy mass produces low-quality imitations without the same ethical benefits.
@angelasterley Where does H&M’s recycling clothing take-back program go? #hmgreenwashing #clothingrecycling #sustainablefashion #greenwashing #textilewaste #fastfashionisntcute ♬ original sound – angelasterley
Recently, many fast-fashion brands have begun campaigns pledging textile circularity to appear more sustainable. H&M offers customers discounts or store credit as an incentive to bring unwanted clothing into stores. The reality is that less than 1% of clothes are made with recycled textiles, and clothes that aren’t used end up in landfills.
Fast-fashion companies are trying to replicate the culture of thrifting while undermining everything it stands for. Sustainable fashion is a growing market, and these companies are exploiting consumer desire to maximize their profits. Rather than making meaningful shifts towards sustainable fashion, they’re turning it into another fleeting trend.
Why thrifting is just as good, if not better
One of the main factors driving fast fashion sales is the cheap price of cute clothes. However, thrifting and sourcing your clothes secondhand is equally affordable. Some consumers might opt for fast fashion because it is predictable and easy. However, there are thrifting tips that can make it just as easy and more fun.
@kalitaku EP 1 HOW TO THRIFT LIKE A PRO: brand tags 🫶🏼 whos excited for this series?! 🤭 #thriftingtips #thrifted #thrifting #thriftshop #howtothrift #thrifttok #thriftwithme ♬ Yacht Club – MusicBox
Most thrift stores will offer different discounts each day of the week based on the colored tags. Goodwill outlet stores price clothes, shoes, and accessories for $1.79 by the pound. Another affordable option is shopping at vintage markets or yard sales, where prices are generally negotiable. Sellers will be more likely to bargain with you if they know you are buying multiple items, too.
Thrifting helps the planet
The fast fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation. It produces 2-8% of the world’s carbon emissions and contributes to 9% of microplastics lost in the ocean due to textile waste. Clothes production consumes up to 93 billion cubic meters of water annually. Moreover, the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of the world’s water waste due to fabric dyeing and treatment. Buying secondhand helps alleviate this waste and contamination.
@cydney214 This absolutely changed the game for me when it comes to taking care of vintage clothing. As soon as I get an item it gets turned inside out and I will inspect all the seams and reinforce them where needed. This means my vintage clothes will look better and last longer #fashiontok #sewingtok #vintageclothingtips #takingcareofvintageclothing #slowfashiontiktok ♬ Life Will Be – Cleo Sol
Beyond environmental considerations, second-hand clothes are usually more durable due to higher-quality materials and better craftsmanship. Vintage clothes typically require minor repairs but can last much longer than something bought new. Having more durable clothes means wearing the clothes you love for a longer amount of time with less textile waste.
If not for the money or the planet, do it for you❤️
Thrifted clothes help consumers cultivate a personal style distinct from mass-produced trends. This is because thrifting forces you to appreciate the individual qualities of clothing. Micro-trends often trick you into thinking you really like something because you’ve seen so many people wear it. Since second-hand stores are full of variety, they give you the opportunity to find clothes you genuinely love.
Over time, you’ll accumulate a style that’s uniquely your own, reducing the need to give in to micro trends. A wardrobe tailored to your tastes makes getting ready easier as well. Knowing your style will also positively affect your mood, making you more confident.
Thrifting culture is on the rise for a reason. It’s affordable, sustainable, and fashionable. While fast fashion attempts to take advantage of thrifting by mimicking its aesthetics, it ultimately violates the principles that make secondhand culture appealing. By sticking with secondhand clothing, consumers can cultivate their personal style, obtain high-quality and unique clothes and reduce their environmental footprint.
As the allure of thrifting grows, it is important to recognize and resist superficial fast-fashion imitations. Instead, support the benefits of second-hand consumerism, which made fast fashion popular to begin with.
