Thrift shopping has become one of my favorite activities recently. I adore it so much! I’ve been learning a lot about the dangers of fast fashion, which is a huge reason why I started thrift shopping. Here are some issues with fast fashion;
- Out of the country manufacturers have less regulation and will dump harmful byproduct into rivers and lakes
- Transportation of goods from country to country causes a great increase of greenhouse gases into the air
- Synthetic fibers (made from oil, coal, or natural gas) produce 3x more carbon dioxide in its lifetime compared to cotton
- Those synthetic fibers make up over 60% of clothing, take decades to degrade, and are toxic to the environment
- As our desire for fast fashion increases, so does the supply, which leads to more detrimental waste…
& many, many more
I can’t say that I have completely cut out major clothing brands from my wardrobe. As a college student, it is more affordable to shop at a thrift store and get simple t-shirts and jackets, but sometimes I can’t find what I really need. Dresses, undergarments, and formal clothes are harder for me to find when thrift shopping. More casual items, such as plain t-shirts and jeans, are an important purchase for me when I thrift shop. Instead of paying $15-20 for a simple white t-shirt or $45 for a pair of ripped “mom-jeans”, I can buy them for 1/3 of the price at Savers, wash them, wear them knowing that they are just as good as the ones I would have bought from Urban Outfitters. It feels really good knowing that I’m doing some good for the environment. It might not be my whole wardrobe, but every bit counts!
I also wanted to share a few more items I recently purchased at Savers!
Calvin Klein T-Shirt – Retail $10-15 – Paid $4.99
Plain Black Belt – Not sure retail value – Paid $2.99
Multi-Colored Sweater – Retail $15-20 – Paid $6.99
Coliseum Blues Denim Shirt – Retail $20-30 – Paid $3.99
That’s everything I got at Savers!
What do you think about fast fashion?
Are you into thrift shopping?
Leave a comment below!
Stay rad,
Caroline Abigail
I haven’t had a ton of luck thrifting but I believe that I’ll eventually find some good pieces ☺ I think everyone does need to be more conscious when it comes to clothing purchases- if I do buy from a fast fashion company now, it has got to be something I know will last 3+ years. My H&M cardigans? All going on 4 years. The H&M blouse I bought? Unravelled after 4 wears. It’s not always financially realistic to cut fast fashion out but you can shop smart!!
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It took me a few times to go through rack after rack and find a good piece at the thrift sorry. Also, I totally agree! I have some sweaters from Forever 21 even some dresses from Marshall’s that have lasted me years, but I also knew what kind of product I was buying before I checked out of the store! It’s about being aware of what we support and invest in. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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That’s really great that you are aware and mindful of the impacts of manfufacturing clothes, I love that you’re finding your own way for a more sustainable life. Thrifting for clothes and home stuff is my fave!
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Thank you for reading, I appreciate it! I can’t wait to go find some awesome side tables to refurbish or a few unique decor pieces to add to my new apartment!
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These are such good finds!
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Thank you for stopping by 🙂
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The denim shirt is so cute! Great post, this is a really important issue. I’ve been seeing the “$30 outfit challenge” going around Youtube and a video I saw today had a girl saying “How is this shirt only $6!?” from a fast fashion store…and the answer as to “how” is pretty sad once you look into it! Great job on being more sustainable!
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The denim shirt is definitely my favorite of this thrift haul. I agree, we can spend money to have the newest fashion, but it takes knowing yourself to have a personal style! Wanting the month-to-month newest trend is what causes the issue in fast fashion. Thank you so much for reading 🙂
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This is a really cool post! Thrift shops around me are usually not so great (or maybe I just have shit luck aha) but I love seeing what other people can find! I love that striped sweater!
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This is EXATLY why I thrift too! So fun to find someone who shares the same passion. I just did a haul as well. I’d love for you to check it out xx.
https://kaliborovic.wordpress.com/2017/06/29/baltimore-thrift-haul-all-dressed-up/
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Yay, that’s awesome! Thank you for stopping by 🙂 I can’t wait to read yours!
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I occasionally buy clothing for myself at thrift stores. I shop them primarily for art and other funky finds.
That said, my three children (now grown and ages 23 – 31) grew up wearing clothes purchased at garage sales. it was what our family could afford. And often these clothes were like new given children outgrow garments so quickly.
I am glad to see this trend toward thrifting. It makes sense financially and environmentally. Keep thrifting.
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There’s always interesting pieces at the thrift store! I found some useful vases and other containers for my apartment. I think it’s important to thrift so that we’re more aware of money and the value of clothing!
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AHHHH! I’m so happy I came across your blog and this post! I love thrifting so much. I mostly thrift for mom jeans because I love that 90’s style. I love buying them and adding embroidery, distressing them, or turning them into really trendy shorts! I’m definitely following you and can’t wait to see more thrifting adventures! ❤️
https://lexichantel.wordpress.com
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I must add embroidery to my jeans!! Such a great idea. Thank you for stopping by ❤ I followed you back and I can't wait to read more of your posts! I can feel a collaboration in our future 🙂
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Yes!!! That’d be great! Let’s keep in touch! 🌸
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