Thrifting has become a major trend among students at Liberty High School. What was once seen as simply a way to save money has now turned into a popular and sustainable way for students to express their personal style.
Thrifting refers to buying secondhand clothing from thrift stores, consignment shops or resale apps like Depop. Many Liberty students say they enjoy thrifting because it allows them to find unique pieces that stand out from typical retail clothing and also helps them save money.
With the rising cost of clothing, many people thrift, which allows them to buy more clothes without spending as much. Items that might cost $40 or $50 in retail stores can often be found for only a few dollars secondhand.
Ashlyn Nordell, 12, (she/her), sews in her free time. She finds thrifted, affordable fabric.
“I choose to thrift because it’s more affordable and I can find really cool things that I may not find at a store in the mall,” Nordell said. “If thrift stores are available, why would we waste all these resources and money on fast fashion?”
Beyond fashion and affordability, thrifting also plays an important role in sustainability. According to Earth.org, fast fashion produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually. By purchasing secondhand clothing, students help reduce the demand for new clothing production and keep usable items from being thrown out.
Reusing clothing keeps textiles out of landfills, making thrifting a small but meaningful way to reduce environmental harm.
“Thrifting could be considered fast fashion if you’re dependent on trends, but most people shop for whatever style they like,” Cantrell Fletcher, 12, (he/him) said.
Another reason thrifting is so popular is that it presents an opportunity to create personal style for students. Unlike traditional retail stores, thrift stores offer a wide variety of clothes from different decades, brands and trends.
Social media has increased the popularity of thrifting. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with thrift hauls and styling videos, often inspiring teenagers to visit thrift stores themselves and experiment with their own style.
The distribution of thrifted products also provides a way for people to make money through a tactic called reselling.
Reselling works by finding valuable or trendy items at thrift stores and selling them online for a higher price on platforms such as Depop and Poshmark. A jacket purchased for $5 at a thrift store might sell online for $30 or more if it’s vintage or from a popular brand.
Reselling has also created some debate within the thrifting community. Some people argue that resellers drive up prices, making it harder for people who rely on secondhand clothing for affordability.
“I understand resellers in the aspect that they want to make money, but it takes away from families who are buying clothes from thrift stores just so they can simply have [clothes],” Nordell said.
As thrifting continues to grow in popularity, it reflects a larger shift in how students think about fashion and consumption. Students are becoming more interested in sustainability, individuality and responsible shopping habits. By choosing secondhand clothes, they can express their personal style while also helping the environment.
