Thrifting and Sustainability
Thrifting is rising in popularity as consumers cite sustainability as a top reason to buy used clothing. Dean Krogman advocates for deeper thought about purchases. Online sites allow quicker searching but yield some shoppers profits by flipping thrift finds, like Gen Z entrepreneurs using Depop and Poshmark to sell inexpensive vintage at higher prices.
The thrift industry aimed to aid lower incomes. As prices rise with trends, options shrink for the poor dependent on thrifting. Consumers must understand many still thrift from need, not trends.
Thrifting emerged as a sustainable fashion alternative, with 360,000 tonnes of clothes in UK landfills yearly. It uses fewer resources and damages the environment less than new purchases.
Gen Z and Thrifting
Why does Gen Z love thrifting? Gen Z leads growth in the secondhand market, with a 28% revenue increase in 2022. Thrifting is now a way of life for students like those at Howard University. Jalen Gunter was initially surprised to see his classmates always planning "thrifting adventures." He got "bit by the thrifting bug" and has seen it spread rapidly on campus. Gunter says thrifting’s distinct style drives the appeal.
Gen Z grew up with climate doom, lockdowns, and economic fears. Their characteristics, like Millennials, make them adopt secondhand faster – 2.5 times faster than other consumers. They buy what they like at better prices through thrifting.
While millennials’ 2000s love is from memory, Gen Z likes the iconic Y2K aesthetic. Gen Z embraces vintage resale, making "Y2K" popular on sites like Depop.
Gen Z pairs platform shoes with modern outfits, literally elevating nostalgia. Lava lamps, once in 60s-70s homes, now light up Gen Z spaces.
Gen Z has only known a tech world. That shapes buying, even in real life. Shared priorities like sustainability and community experiences support Gen Z’s future resale leadership.
The thrift industry lets Gen Z adopt 80s-2000s nostalgic fashion while saving money and reducing waste – values important to them. Sites like Depop, acquired by Etsy, are popular.
Gen Z uses style for change. Their fashion activism promotes causes while challenging norms, shaping the future.