Thrifting- considered to be a chic and inexpensive way to purchase useful items. Picture a hectic and lively store immensely scattered with products on racks, hangers, and shelves. The shopper’s job: to look through the massive amounts of options and find belongings personal to them.
Thrifting is a multi-step process that includes donating clothes or pieces, buying items, and either feeling content with the purchase or reselling. The fate of what one person may say is just an ordinary item- such as a shirt- gives hope to many on how it can be worn, expressed, and utilized; influencing fashion and society.
There are several thrifting locations in Montgomery County. You may be familiar with Salvation Army, Unique, Uptown Cheapskate, and even Goodwill. These locations are all less than 5.8 miles away and are easily accessible.
Many dodge the concept of buying used clothes and products because it may seem displeasing. However, a clean used pair of shoes can be more than half off at a thrift store; a discount anyone would appreciate.
Thrifting may seem like an uncommon activity; but in reality, many Montgomery County residents thrift!
Winston Churchill High School junior Bailey Kramer, constantly has a “positive” experience with thrifting. “Not only has thrifting allowed me to get on-trend, good quality, and comfortable clothes for the fraction of the original price, but it also proves to be an extremely fun activity,” Kramer said.
For some, going into a regular clothing store can take less than an hour depending on what you want, can waste money, and can be boring. On the flip side, thrifting takes at least an hour and proves for many to be a fun “game.”
Kramer describes the process of looking through “countless hangers and aisles” almost like a game, “with the main objective being finding the best items for the best price.”
The simple thought of buying a cute pair of cheap jeans while thrifting, altering them, and giving them a personal flair attracts many teens aspiring to be on-trend.
Quince Orchard High School sophomore Grace Oristian, shares the same optimistic perspective as Kramer, and has gained valuable fashion intel from her thrifting experiences. “Thrifting is a great way to shop for clothing in an environmentally friendly way and has changed my opinions on fashion,” Oristian said.
Not only do teens enjoy thrifting; people of all ages love it! Sandra Sherman, a former businesswoman and previous owner of Totally Polished Nail Salon, says she has had “so much fun” with her thrifting adventures. “Thrifting has provided me with many hours of joy and excitement looking for the next best item that I can either wear, or use at home for very little money. It also gives me the chance to turn over my wardrobe quickly, so that I never get bored or tired of the way I look,” Sherman said.
There are various techniques to pick out clothes and materials you like. Sherman shares her trick is to keep an eye out for that “needle in the haystack.” This term refers to looking for a special something that stands out in a giant pile of ordinary. While thrifting, you have to dig through almost everything to find a distinctive item.
Thrifting is taking the fashion world by storm by finding unique, inexpensive items to alter. Thrifting purchases make customers fashion-forward and empowered to start trends. Most importantly, it’s all about how you feel while you thrift, knowing that an item you picked out belonged to someone else and that you are providing it with a new identity. No matter how long you spend on your thrifting journey, it’s essential to try it out; because you never know where an item you bought will be next.
Article by Madison Sherman of Quince Orchard High School
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay