Powerful Benefits of Thrifting-Your Questions Answered
Stephany asked me a couple of questions about thrifting, and I thought I’d incorporate my answers into an all-encompassing article about the benefits of thrifting.
Quote of the day: “I’m not that prolific. I’m just old. Stuff has accumulated, like fluff under the bed.” Margaret Atwood
Just like the quote, I’m a pro at accumulating stuff. It runs in my DNA, you should see my mother’s place.
Part of the reason is that I have found the benefits of thrifting and embraced the fact that I don’t need to have brand-new things.
Before I share the 10 best benefits of thrifting, let me answer Stephany’s 2 questions I’ve pondered for a month now.
Question 1-How do you finally decide to purge items?
I’m going to give the unpopular opinion that purging has become too mainstream. Stop purging and start recycling.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand there is a physical limit as to what our closets can hold, yet we want new things regularly. But too many times, we throw things out that are perfectly good.
Any professional stylist will give you a succinct answer to what to purge. Yet I struggle with this because I want to make everything work.
1-Stained items? Why not dye them or add embellishments over the stain?
2-Something doesn’t fit? You can recycle it in many ways.
3-You just don’t like it? I bet a friend of yours will like it…give it to them.
4-Don’t know how to wear it? This is the easiest fix. Just Google it or check Pinterest for inspiration.
Question 2-When thrifting, how do you decide what to buy?
In all reality, I don’t need anything, but I still have a list of items to look for when thrifting. Sometimes they are prints I don’t have or a reminder to search for a trendy item.
But here are my biggest factors for bringing home an item.
1-I don’t already have something just like it. Bringing home another item that you already have in your closet seems repetitious.
2-The item is unique and maybe even “crazy”. I’m at the stage of life where I want to stand out instead of blending into the background.
3-Price. A fabulous deal always tickles my fancy.
I’ve written many articles on how thrifting can be a powerful option for anyone. In fact, each benefit I’ve shared ties to an older blog post that I hope you read.
1. Thrifting is Sustainable Fashion
Related post: How to make thrifting work for you
In today’s world, sustainability and eco-friendliness have become a huge part of life. The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to environmental waste, with fast fashion encouraging a “wear once and discard” mentality. Thrifting helps combat this by giving clothes a second (or third) life. Every item you purchase at a thrift store is one less piece ending up in a landfill.
Insider tip: Another way to be eco-friendly when thrifting is to take in your own shopping bags.
By thrifting, you’re essentially recycling fashion. Instead of contributing to the demand for mass-produced clothing, you’re extending the life of garments that might otherwise be thrown away. It’s a small yet powerful way to help reduce your carbon footprint and lessen the strain on natural resources like water, which is heavily used in garment production.
Insider tip: If you think it’s ewwy to buy things already worn, here are 2 things to consider:
1-There are many items at thrift stores that have never been worn. For example, many stores give unsold items to local thrift stores.
2-Even “new” items at the store may have been tried on by someone else.
2. Affordable and Budget-Friendly
Related post: How to shop on Poshmark
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good deal? Thrifting is hands down one of the most cost-effective ways to build your wardrobe. You can find high-quality, name-brand items for a fraction of their original price.
Insider tip: This is the best way to shop for any changes. Changes in your body shape, changes in your location, or changes in your Lifestyle. It’s less expensive and you can get a huge variety.
The benefits of thrifting are not just about clothes—home decor, accessories, and even shoes can be discovered at shockingly low prices. Heck, your entire house can be filled with secondhand treasures.
Insider tip: Many stores have a deal of the day. Make sure to ask about it because you can get things for a steal this way.
Some even give out coupons. AZ Goodwill sends an email every month with a 20% off discount attached.
3. Unique, One-of-a-Kind Pieces
Related post: Preloved special occasion outfits
When you shop at big Retail chains, chances are high that you’ll see someone else wearing the exact same outfit at a party or on the street. But the benefits of thrifting offer an escape from that fashion sameness. In a thrift store, you’ll find items that span decades and styles, giving you a variety of options to choose from that you simply won’t find in modern stores.
It’s a fantastic way to embrace the art of mixing and matching, too. Even if you don’t think you have an edgy style, it’s a perfect opportunity to get something different than your normal. Your wardrobe becomes a canvas for self-expression, and thrifting is the perfect palette.
Insider tip: Sometimes those unique items can seem hard to style. Make sure to check Pinterest for outfit ideas if you’re struggling.
4. Better Quality for Less
Related post: The top 5 items to buy secondhand
Here’s an insider tip: older clothes are often better made. Many vintage items were crafted with attention to detail, using durable fabrics and strong stitching—qualities that can be hard to come by in today’s fast fashion market. By thrifting, you have the opportunity to find well-made, quality pieces that were built to last.
I’ve found coats from the 70s that are still in impeccable condition, skirts that were hand-made, and vintage scarves that have been featured in a museum. These pieces have stood the test of time and continue to shine in my wardrobe today. When you thrift, you’re not just buying clothes, you’re Investing in craftsmanship.
Insider tip: You can use Google Lens on your phone to see what similar items are selling for on eBay or similar sites.
5. Supports a Good Cause
Related post: My personal history with preloved clothing
Many thrift stores are connected to charitable organizations, so your purchase often goes toward supporting a good cause. Whether it’s Goodwill, Salvation Army, or a local non-profit store, by shopping at these places, you’re contributing to your local community.
It’s wonderful to think that your fashion finds can have this kind of ripple effect. You’re not just buying clothes; you’re helping create positive change.
6. The Thrill of the Hunt
Related post: How to be good at thrifting
If you love a good adventure, thrifting is for you. There’s something undeniably exciting about walking into a thrift store and not knowing what treasures await you. It’s the complete opposite of shopping online, where everything is neatly cataloged and predictable. In a thrift store, you have to do a bit of digging, but when you find that perfect piece, the satisfaction is unmatched.
Insider tip: This benefit of thrifting is also good for your brain. You are building new brain pathways by shopping this way.
And don’t forget about those “what if?” moments. Sometimes, you find pieces that might not immediately seem like they fit your style, but with a bit of imagination, they can become the cornerstone of a whole new look. It’s all part of the fun and creativity of thrifting.
Insider tip: If you see the best dress ever, buy it. The perfect event to wear it to is just around the corner. PLUS, I like to think you could wear it even for casual days.
Every year I see influencers marketing new dresses to wear to a wedding or event, yet it’s much less stressful to have something in your closet already that you know fits and looks good.
7. Great for DIY Projects
Related post: Concepts and considerations when thrifting
Are you the creative type who loves to DIY? Thrifting is a fantastic way to find items that can be upcycled or transformed into something entirely new. Maybe you find a blazer that could use a little tailoring or a dress with a few alterations, that could be completely modernized.
I love seeing what others do with their thrifted finds—whether it’s turning old jeans into the perfect length cut-offs, adding patches to a vintage jacket, or transforming an oversized shirt into a summer dress. Thrifting is perfect for fueling your creative spark and giving you a chance to personalize your wardrobe.
Insider tip: This isn’t just for clothing. Many home decor pieces can be recycled into wonderful things.
8. A Fun and Social Activity
Related post: What to do when it’s 100 degrees–a Scavenger hunt
Thrifting isn’t just a solo activity—it’s a fun way to spend time with friends or family. Plan a thrifting day where you visit a few stores and help each other find those hidden gems. You can even turn it into a competition to see who finds the best deal! There’s a sense of camaraderie and excitement in thrifting together, sharing in the benefits of thrifting.
Not only do you get to bond over your finds, but you also get to exchange style tips and tricks. Your friends might find the best items you might have overlooked, and vice versa.
Insider tip: If your friend says you should buy it, buy it. It’s the best way to get out of your style comfort zone.
9. Benefits of Thrifting- A Treasure Trove of Vintage Finds
Related post: Sizing tips when thrifting
Vintage doesn’t mean you have to look like you stepped from the pages of an old magazine. It’s modern to mix and match different decades of styles. I like to think of it as the yin and yang of an outfit.
Insider tip: Remember, sizing is subjective and the sizes of yesteryear may be very different than now. If you can’t try things on, use a tape measure to check pieces. And it’s the perfect reason to check all the sizes if you have time.
10. A New Perspective on Style
Related post: Expanding your comfort zone with friends
Perhaps one of the most profound benefits of thrifting is how it changes your approach to fashion. When you thrift, you are more free to try something you normally wouldn’t because it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Insider tip: If you do buy something that you end up not liking, try to recycle it into something else instead of purging it.
One of the benefits of thrifting is that you can often find the trendy items for a steal. We all know that styles come around again and again, so what is trendy now was mostly likely around in the past.
So the next time you’re in the mood for some retail Therapy, skip the mall and head to your local thrift store.
And if you aren’t sure whether to buy something, just consider if it’s fun or interesting. If it is, then take it home.
It’s no secret that another benefit of thrifting is it’s an adventure . An adventure that’s good for your wardrobe, your wallet, your brain, and the planet.
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Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
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