How to Transition from Fast Fashion to More Sustainable Habits: Tips & Tricks on How to Thrift

So your friends have been trashing you for still shopping at Forever21 and H&M? Good. If you read my last blog post, you’ll now understand why fast fashion isn’t the best option for shopping. But now you don’t know what to do because you have no idea where to shop for sustainable fashion or how to do it. Well, that’s what I’m here for! Think of me as your tour guide on the path to sustainable fashion habits.

First off, you’re going to want to set yourself a budget. Are you looking to buy a new wardrobe, or are you the kind of person who shops around every so often? With sustainable shopping, there are retailers like Reformation and Madewell that vary with price. On the other hand, there are amazing thrift stores and consignment shops around the country. And if that doesn’t work for you, there are thrifting apps like @Depop and @Poshmark that have every brand imaginable on them. However, if you are going to shop new, make sure you’re buying something you love and that you know you’ll get great use out of.

As a side note, if you’re done with a piece of clothing that you just don’t wear anymore, or grew out of, you can either donate it to a charitable cause or sell it to a thrift store or thrifting app. But I’ll get into how to thrift because it’s a daunting task at first and can definitely be overwhelming.

Tips & Tricks on Thrifting:

Here are some tips I’ve picked up from my own experiences thrifting, plus some other tricks I’ve learned from friends. By the way, if you’re ever in the mecca of thrift stores, aka Manhattan, check out @buffaloexchange and @ltrainvintagenyc.

1) Have an idea of what you’re looking for

If you go into a thrift store thinking you’re going to pick something off the racks and it will automatically look good, think again. Don’t jump from rack to rack. Spend time looking for what you want and do not settle!

2) Go in with some knowledge of certain designers or brands you like

Thrift stores constantly have clothing coming in and you never know what can fall into the mix. You’ll find that vintage pieces are on the pricier side depending on the brand. I once found a pair of $220 Citizens of Humanity jeans for $35 and I wear them to death. I knew that brand and how much their products usually go for. Going in knowing the brand is how you’ll find steals and other unique products you can’t find anywhere else.

3) If you find something you love at a thrift store or consignment shop, buy it!

You won’t be able to find it at any other store, and odds are someone else will pick it up if you don’t.

4) Have an idea of what the price should be on something

Remember, you’re buying something used. If something seems off, ask someone working in the store why it’s that price. But, for the most part, you’re getting great deals.

5) Shop specifics with thrifting apps & online consignment shops

For online and app thrifting with Depop, Poshmark and @thredUP, you’re able to look up the specific item or brand you are looking for. You can even put filters in for price points, color and style. Of course I promote going to thrift stores, however apps and online consignments shops are a great option especially during COVID-19 times. I have attached a video of how to sell and thrift on Depop.

With thrifting, the clothes you buy come with a story. That Free People jacket went to a Rolling Stones concert, and those boots with fringe went on a first date. It’s up to you to give that article of clothing a new home, a new life and some new adventures. Happy thrifting!

If you have any tips and tricks on thrifting or finding sustainable fashion, leave them in the comments below! And look out for my next blog post on what your favorite retailers are doing to aid in the sustainability efforts. Who knows, maybe that Stella McCartney jacket you’ve been eyeing for a while was created with ethical fabrics.

Links to sources I used for further information:

• Image of Buffalo Exchange: https://www.buffaloexchange.com/location/chelsea-new-york/

• Image of Forever21: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/12/11/why-forever-21-isnt-as-popular-as-hm-and-zara-outside-the-us.html

• Image of Depop: https://www.malcmoorhouse.com/four-marketing-lessons-we-can-learn-from-the-success-of-depop/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4B2nILlpY0

Instagram: @dorothylauren_

Twitter: @dsilvs9

#thrifting #thriftfinds #secondhand #greenstitch