Thrift Shopping is the Superior Way to Shop

Yep, I’m very into thrift shopping. And yes, thrift shopping is superior to all other forms of shopping. That’s where most of my clothes come from, and on occasion I gift my close friends awesome finds (like my brother’s Timbs or my friend CC’s designer scarf). The clothes in the top image are from one trip that cost me $34 TOTAL. Yes, half of that stuff still has the tags on – we’re not buying worn-out threads in the Guac household.

My thrift mania has historically been on-brand for me; in 2013 I created a whole presentation on this in college and why everyone should do it. Basically, I know my way around thrifting, and most of the things I own are second-hand. Thrift is the only good way to shop for clothes and here’s why:

You’re Buying What Will Last

You know this stuff will last because you’re not buying the worn-out threads but, instead, the timeless pieces that are so resistant to wear that someone else couldn’t get everything out of them! Out of everything I’ve bought at a thrift store, next to nothing has fallen apart from normal clothing wear and tear. The thrift store workers only put out clothing that’s still in good condition, saving the ragged and other woe-begotten threads from gracing your consideration.

You’re Being Ethical

Environmentally-speaking, your thrift shopping habit has the double benefit of keeping older clothes from the landfill and reducing the amount of clothing fast fashion churns out. It’s really the one option you have for sustainable clothes shopping. Yes, let’s definitely continue on this renewable route. These double benefits extend to further morality: thrift shops almost always pass the bulk of their profits onto charitable endeavors like job creation and animal welfare. You’re giving money to nonprofits instead of conglomerates with questionable ethics.

They’re CHEAP

Can I get a “duh, Darcy” here? Of course, a big draw for the financially-minded is their unbeatable prices. Oftentimes my entire outfits cost me less than $20. I’ve got several items I snagged off the $2 rack I wear regularly, including my go-to jacket that keeps me shockingly warm even in 20 degree weather. FOR TWO FREAKING DOLLARS. The only way I could’ve scored a better deal would’ve been through stealing it off some poor soul and running like the wind.

You Get More Fun from the Hunt

When faced with the long rows of racks, something in my primal brain lights up. It makes me descend upon the hangers with an eager intensity, primed for claiming exactly what I need. Only instead of rooting around for berries – or whatever it is my monkey brain goes apeshit over – I’m rooting around for the perfect option. The challenge isn’t replicated inside a regular department store, where I’ll find several of the same thing displayed prominently and conveniently. No, give me actual fun – will I find some amazing skirt within the chaos? Or come up with nothing but a too-small sweater and a child’s swimsuit? The uncertainty makes finding something that much more sweeter.

You Get Major Bragging Rights/Hipster Respect

“Oh,” I might say to imaginary gawkers, “you like my knitted 100% merino wool shawl and silk top? Both pieces cost me ten dollars! TOTAL!!” If you’re the type of person with a superiority complex, go ahead and feed it by thrift shopping. The primal satisfaction, combined with the do-goodiness of the shopping, will definitely feed into this ego of yours. Plus, it makes for some awesome stories about where you got your outfits.

You Get Better at Shopping in General

I’m talking all kinds of shopping – grocery, online, window, you name it. Thrift shopping makes you correctly identify the true value of a dollar. Knowing this makes it much easier for you to judge whether something else is overpriced or not. Suddenly those designer shirts and purses don’t hold the allure they once did; not when you look just as chic without shelling out hundreds or financially supporting a problematic business.

The Selection is Awesome

“Darcy,” you might cry, furious that I had forgotten something. “You don’t get it. I NEED nice clothes for work! Those thrift store clothes won’t give the right impressions in my uppity office environment!!!”

To which I’d say: “… have you been to a thrift store?”

Because thrift shopping is the only time you’re going to get the aforementioned silk tops, designer bottoms, and long-lasting clothes in general for less than what I typically spend at the grocery store. And no, I don’t end up dressing like my grandma with my thrift store finds. Judge for yourself on some of my regular looks:

The leftmost photo was what I was actually wearing yesterday, head-to-toe thrift. The same goes for every other picture, with the exception of three pieces: those blue ballet flats (picked up for $10 at a Payless sale) the leggings (from Walmart) and those Converse (hand-me-up when my brother outgrew them).

I freaking love thrift shopping. What other reasons should I include that’s pro-thrift?