The internet started out as such a fun thing. It was a quirky little place where you could have fun and meet people or find things that were unusual. It quickly became a way for everyone to be in everyone else' business and all these strangers seem to think they know what's best for everyone else. Eesh! Thrifting seems to be another one of those topics which sparks some pretty intense emotions, especially from people who seem to think that buying second hand gives them a moral advantage over everyone who does not.
So, here's the deal with thrifted stuff--it really is NOT a MORAL ISSUE. Like nearly everything else it's not a matter of right or wrong, but merely a matter of each individual weighing out the pros and cons, factoring in their own budget, lifestyle, item availability, goals, and personal beliefs.
1. It is cheaper. Yes, when you buy things second hand, they cost a little bit to significantly less. And it is incredibly fun and satisfying for bargain hunters such as myself to find a beautiful piece at a great price. The trade off for many things in thrift shops though is that the price is reduced based on how much life they have left in them. Items that have been worn and well loved may be on their last leg, and it has happened more times than I care to recall that I bought something second hand and it tore or fell apart within just one to two wears, so it was basically wasted money.
2. Brand names will always cost more. Yes, even thrifted, brand names tend to cost more. And, yes, as mentioned above you can score an amazing bargain now and again, so never give up. However, every time I go into my local thrift shops, I find things with brand name tags on them and hefty price tags to match that are stained, faded, or have holes in them, I've even found some things that should have been thrown away, but they were still put on the thrift rack and still cost a lot because they're a name brand. Now and then you can find good bargains, and it never hurts to keep an eye out, just be a savvy shopper and if you wouldn't buy it without the label, don't buy it just because of the label. I mention this because I paid $35 for this Anthropologie red shirt dress thrifted and it arrived from a major thrifting company with all of the above flaws, it is stained, has holes, and is faded in spots. But, because it's Antro, they sold it and I very stupidly bought it thinking it was just a good price, not in horrible condition.
3. Someone has to pay full price. Clothes can't just start out in thrift shops so we can all buy second-hand. While it's wonderful to reuse items of clothing and save landfills from unused fast or slow fashion, the simple matter is that someone out there has to pay full price and then eventually decide to either donate or resell that article of clothing in order for others to get a good thrifty deal because companies can't afford to start out their products at thrift prices and we can't endlessly recycle the current clothing in the world. So, the idea that we should all be thrifting all the time has some serious logic flaws.
Personally, I love to combine all forms of shopping to have a wardrobe I love at prices I can afford. Sometimes I thrift, sometimes I buy new, and sometimes I pay through the nose to support a small batch local brand. Sometimes I resell my expensive stuff, sometimes I donate. None of those options make me a good or bad person. And while I am all for thrifting, there is no such thing as a perfect or one-size-fits-all solution to anything. Do what works best for you and don't worry too much about the rest.
flats from Shoe Carnival
