Re-Love the Pre-Loved: Online Thrift Culture
As I child, I recall meandering through the maze-like treasure trove of Sunday Bazaar, holding on tightly to my mother’s hand. My eyes would wander over the magical mess of sweaters and purses that hung from thin clothing lines, the seemingly never-ending array of shoes organised in neat rows, and the mountains of accessories and clothing located at every turn. I would watch as my parents would haggle with shop-keepers, while my brothers and I sorted through potential purchases. I longed to be able to go thrift shopping and bargain hunting when I grew older.
Unfortunately, that time never came. After graduating and finally having the free time to roam the bazaars of Karachi, I was quarantined due to the rise of COVID-19. I took my sorrow out on social media, making my plight known to my friends on Instagram.
That’s when I was pointed to the world of online thrifting. This solution to fast fashion recently developed an underground following by environmentally conscious teens across the country. They gave the fashion world an alternative, inexpensive way to shop and buy one-of-a-kind items- anyone wanting to sell thrifted purchases or their own old clothes began creating thrift pages online. Online thrift culture became especially prevalent during quarantine, as many enthusiasts and thrifters were unable to shop in person.
Why have so many people hopped onto thrifting culture?
- Online thrift stores evoke an awfully unique aesthetic- old clothestell a tale that mass produced items cannot. Purchase aone-of-a-kind outfit, and you’re sure to stand out amongst others.
- Many people search for self-expression when thrifting. There’ssomething magical about searching for ages until you stumble uponsomething that was made for you. And it’s even funner to grab itbefore others do!
- Thrifting has trickled into mainstream culture. It’s been adopted bymajor fashion magazines, and most people have been catching onto thethrifting trend.
- Those who are environmentally conscious can support sustainabilitythrough thrift culture. The textile industry mass produces way moreitems than we need, churning out cheap quality clothing that won’tlast very long. Thrifting is a way to extend the shelf life of aproduct.
- It’s cheaper to buy thrifted items! Rather than buying brandedclothing every year, it’s easier on the wallet to buy pre-lovedclothing. Purchasing something for a fraction of the price has itsown sense of self accomplishment.
- Best of all, it’s online! Rather than being potentially exposed to aworldwide virus, or even just not wanting to leave the comfort ofyour bed, you can explore social media for your shopping. Thriftshopping is now at your fingertips.
Rather than going out, be safe and re-love the pre-loved! We definitely recommend trying out this new trend.