Why empty your pockets on poorly made clothing from high end or popular brands when instead you could roam countless isles for cheap vintage clothing that’s actually made to last? Why shop in establishments that are a copy and paste of the store before them when you could go someplace you could find unique items and clothing that are filled with personality?
In recent years, thrifting has made a large influx in popularity among young and old alike. Instead of regular shopping either in store or online, numerous people are opting to spend their shopping hours at thrift stores.
The price and style of thrifting are appealing to almost everyone, but it’s particularly appealing to certain age groups, whether it be because of popularity, convenience, or for other reasons.
“It’s usually teenagers that come into the store, but sometimes it’s older people,” an employee at Thrift World for almost a year now, Sienna Sullivan, said. “I think it’s because teenagers think that thrifting is the new trend now, and it’s cheaper, and older people like to thrift because it’s more their style, unlike the new stores that are trying to fit the latest trends.”
One intriguing aspect of thrift shopping is the diversification of the stores. Thrift stores collect any and all clothes, and since these items are coming from all different types of people with their own personalities and likes, there’s something for everyone, along with unique and lucky finds.
“Thrifting gives you a much wider variety,” loyal thrifter Kaitlyn Cole said. For example, I can walk into a thrift store and find anything from a Grinch t-shirt, to a leather jacket, whereas a regular store would be more specific.Recently I found a pristine, brown plaid Prada bag, it was beautiful.”
Everyone enjoys stability. It’s something theycan count on without worry, whether it be finances, relationships, or as simple as their clothing. An attractive trait of thrifting is the durability the clothes come with.
“I think a big reason thrifting is popular is because of sustainability, if something has made it to the thrift store, it’s gonna last, which is a big thing people are talking about right now,” Cole said.
Alongside the enticing aspects of thrifting, there are a few characteristics of thrift clothes that might make some people turn the other direction.
“Some of the downfalls are that things can be stained, things can be dirty, like there might be a cigarette smell that can’t be washed out, and sometimes people complain that it’s all old school items,” Sullivan said.
Even though there are some downfalls of thrifting, the majority of shoppers will take the small flaws over scams and fast fashion, which is something big companies have been utilizing.
“A benefit of thrifting is that sometimes online shopping can take you to sketchy websites, and it can be overpriced, but if you get it secondhand, you’re getting good items for cheaper and not supporting bad companies or fast fashion,” Sullivan said.
An influx of the outfits that you see on the day to day most likely include a piece that was thrifted. Popular, cheap, durable, and unique, thrifting might just be the most popular trend of 2025.
