10 reasons why I love thrift shopping

And why I think you should give it a try!

It's not a secret at all, I'm a thrift shopping addict.

I love diving into tons of old stuff just to find something that catch my eye or that I have been looking for a long time. I perfectly know that I can buy something new way more quickly, but I honestly don't care. My main focuses are quality, uniqueness and sustainability. Thrift shopping gives me so much, makes me feel well, useful and part of something bigger. If you want to discover why…keep on reading! I'll explain every single reason that led me into quitting fast fashion in favor of a slower and more conscious way of shopping.

Reason 1: You get higher quality items…for less!

It's an unfounded belief thinking that thrift shops are for people who can't afford buying brand new items. Personally, I prefer buying in thrift shops not only because is way cheaper, but also because it's possible to find really high quality garments. Obviously you have to be patient and search carefully among tons of not so well preserved items, but when you find the right one…trust me, you’ll feel like if you found a pearl in the ocean! The time spent looking for the right piece will be highly repaid.

Finding something made before the progressive introduction of very low durability materials, based on my experience, is not so uncommon and really rewarding.

At the end of the day, you'll go home with something worth much more than what you paid for.

Reason 2: You’ll improve in spotting scams

Who wants to be sold something that is not valuable at all? Absolutely no one. But don't worry, I promise you'll become super smart in spotting scams! No joke, it's all a matter of practicality, nothing more than that.

If something is low quality, you'll sense it. And absolutely no person will be able to convince you to buy it. The first attempts could feel quite hard, but as time passes by you'll increase your capacities and the correctness of your intuitions.

Just take your time to analyze what's in front of you, Don’t rush. Pay attention to details, don't skip any corner or hidden angle and you'll be on the right track for making successful purchases!

Reason 3: Vintage, vintage, vintage!

As a vintage girlie, this is my absolute favorite thing about thrift shopping. Nothing can describe the pleasure that finding an original vintage piece gives me. Vintage garments hold a special place in my heart, since are so unique and very well crafted compared to the mass produced ones of nowadays.

I really think that the care for the quality has dropped out the conversation. The difference between an old and a recently made garment is so tangible that even a person who is new to thrift shopping can quite easily spot out which one of the two is better.

But is not only a matter of quality, is also a a matter of elegance. Personally, I find old garments way more beautiful compared to their analogues of today. Not only because of the materials they are made of or the patterns their textiles are decorated with, but also because of cuts. Well tailored trousers and jackets are way more flattering than quickly made ones. There's absolutely no competition.

Reason 4: Why fit in when you can stand out?

I don't know what you may think about it, but I'm definitely a person who doesn't like to fit in. I don't need it. I don't want it. I don't like it. Why conform when you can be unique?

I don't want to suppress my individuality in the name of fashion trends. I am myself, with my own sense of style, and I don't care about the opinions of others about what I decide to wear.

Be bold, be creative, be yourself! We have only one chance in this life, don't waste it. Just think about a thing: if someone doesn't like your style, it's not a bad sign, it simply indicates that this person has her own mind and opinions (which is a really good thing by itself). And, on the contrary, if someone else likes your style…then you could become a muse! Do you see? Every side of the coin has its own light, it's in your power to decide if you want to see the glass half full or half empty. Moreover, if someone doesn't like you it's not a big deal at all…after all, they're certainly not going to lose their sleep because of your personal perspective on things and your way to express yourself!

Reason 5: It's eco-friendly and sustainable

A really easy to understand but not so irrelevant reason for why I do thrift shopping is that I don't want to support fast fashion industry and its deprecable practices, both on the environmental and workers respect side.

At some point thrift shopping becomes a lifestyle, since it implies constantly taking strict purchasing choices. But to be consistent you really need to believe that you're doing the right thing, otherwise you'll probably end up quitting pretty soon. Never forget why you started and what's the final purpose of every choice you make, that's my best advice to maintain motivation.

Maybe at first you could feel frustrated for not having in the wardrobe the latest trending fashion item, but in the long term I'm sure you'll discover new ways of thinking garments. You'll become more likely to prefer quality over quantity and uniqueness over copycat new items. Because they're all the same, only the brand changes between one another…and this can't be negate.

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Reason 6: Support charity and fund raising

This is the most noble of all the motivations provided in this article. I personally prefer to buy in thrift stores that support fund raising because it makes me feel useful. The idea of giving benefit to someone else indirectly, while buying something I like, it's the most win-win solution I can think about.

It's like providing fuel to a car. But that fuel is not going to be effective enough if many people don't actively decide to support the cause. This makes me feel part of something bigger, an unofficial but efficient team ready to come into action.

You are not spending money for your own pleasure exclusively, you are providing help to someone in need. And other people can do the same as well. This is so wholesome and heartwarming.

Reason 7: Offline-based market

It's not so difficult, just stop dumb scrolling and go outside! Thrift shopping is primarily an offline-based market, and this make it a really good excuse to not stay at home all day long.

I know it's possible to thrift shop online as well, but for me is way better doing it on the streets. You get in touch with different people, environments and new places. In person is possible to really enjoy the choice process, savoring every single piece you get in touch with by trying it on and feeling the sensations its texture, fabric and fit give.

Reason 8: Discover new places and people

I half explained this at the previous point, but let's get deeper. In many cases, thrift stores are managed by people who have really interesting stories behind, especially if are charity shops which aims to help people from disadvantaged social environments. Just take some time to talk with volunteers and shop assistants once you become an usual and loyal customer.

I like to shop in few trusted thrift stores and never stops to fascinate me how people get closer to me on their initiative when they see me coming back again and again.

Shopping in person always in the same places is really an interesting experience, it creates bonds which will always be remembered.

Reason 9: A valuable closet is built one piece at a time

“People collect art, people collect stamps, people collect little statues and dolls. But I collect clothes”. - Rachel Zoe

I bet you know by heart this quote since went viral some time ago and has been trending on socials for quite long. But if you relate to it as well, then you are like me!

I love to open my wardrobe and considering the inside a well crafted collection, made through years of evolution of my taste. I think the overall closet would look way less stratified if I bought all the pieces together or within a reduced period of time.

I really like to see how the clothes I buy reflect my evolution as a person. Nothing happens without a reason and every single piece in my closet has a meaning and is related to how I feel and perceive myself.

Reason 10: Every piece has a story of its own

It's magical to give a new life to objects previously owned by other people. It's so satisfying to be able to save from the trash something that is still usable.

I also often ask myself, when I buy clothes in thrift stores, what was the previous owner like, what she did for a living, what she liked and did on a everyday basis. I will never know, but makes me feel so gratified thinking that I have the possibility to wear and love garments that were previously loved by another person.

It's a circle of empathy, compassion and connection with people I'll never meet. All that simply by giving their precious and affectionate things the possibility to live a little longer in my heart.

Maybe you think I'm to dramatic, but for me is special and I hope that, if I'll ever have to give away any of my clothes or my furniture, they'll go to someone who will love them as much as I did.

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Thank you for reading all the way to here! If you enjoy what I do, consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Every little bit means the world!

I give you my best regards. We’ll see again soon!

Yours truly,

Martina.

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