Main Topic: Sustainability in Thrifting — How does thrifting promote sustainable fashion while benefiting individuals and communities? 

Introduction: 

In today’s fast-paced fashion world, trends are evolving very quickly-almost every week, and sometimes we feel pressured by social media and ads to keep up with the latest collections and update our wardrobes, as a way to stay fashionable. However, the idea of buying secondhand items has become increasingly popular, especially among younger people. 

Thrifting is not only a way to bring communities together through sustainability, but also to rediscover older trends. Since thrift stores often have clothes from previous decades, people were able to rediscover unique, older styles that became very popular, known as the return of vintage and Y2K fashion. Over the years, thrifting went from just saving money to promoting sustainability and reimagining 1990s trends - a real change in lifestyle.

Environmental and social contributions:

Thrifting has gained popularity recently, as people are not only practicing it to save money but also to help preserve our planet. Thrifting is now widely regarded as an environmentally and socially friendly practice. One of its biggest benefits is that it significantly reduces demand for new clothes, which means less use of resources, water, power, and raw materials. Besides the production process, the idea of reusing old clothes also helps to decrease waste - people are able to give a second chance to their clothes instead of dumping them into landfills and causing pollution.

Communities also benefit hugely from thrift shopping. Many thrift stores are affiliated with local charities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); that is, the proceeds are used to support community programs, old-age homes, shelters, and other local services. Thrifting also brings a sense of community by encouraging donations and sharing so others can benefit from items no longer in use. It is a way to make shopping more affordable by helping people who may not be able to afford new clothes and other items. This culture brings people together and promotes responsible, thoughtful buying.

Thrift Lifestyle:

Thrifting is more than just a trend — it has certainly become a lifestyle over the past decades! Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have played a significant role in promoting sustainable fashion by enabling content creators to influence their audiences. The continuous rise of social media surely helps by uniting people in following trends while expressing themselves in a unique fashion. 

A single fabric can be styled in different ways based on one’s creativity; this supports the idea that thrifting is an art, and so is fashion. This lifestyle allows you to express yourself; unlike traditional retail shops, thrift stores offer a variety of options that let you be your own kind of beauty. It combats fast fashion and helps you discover vintage pieces and statement jewelry you don’t easily find online. Thrift shops bring to life pieces that were once worn and can still be loved by other shoppers. 

Lifestyle goes beyond creativity and sustainability, especially in the community. To thrift is also to support communities — several thrift stores are for a cause, supporting non-profit fundraisers and donations. It’s a one-of-a-kind way of giving back to the community while embracing fashion, and sustaining Mother Earth, also as a bonus!

Aside from the beauty of thrifting, some netizens also raise concerns about sanitary and cleanliness of buying second hand wardrobes.. These are truly reasonable, but with an extra care and correct ways, you can surely turn a preloved treasure into a fresh, and ready to wear item – who knows it might just be your next favorite outfit?

Some ways to ensure cleanliness on buying at thrift stores are:

• Sort your thrifted finds by fabric - some clothes may be too delicate for machine wash, and so handwashing could be a suitable option. Make sure to hand wash with care!
• Avoid fabric softeners and bleach - we want our shirts to be extra smooth, but too much of these chemicals can damage fibers and leave residues.
• Use hot water - when safe for the fabric (you’ll usually see it on the labels), washing clothes with hot water is one of the best ways to eliminate bacterias.
• Sun drying - when possible, hang your clothes outside for the sun to naturally disinfect and eliminate any odors, it also gives the wind a chance to freshly dry your clothes with fresh air. Who doesn’t like the smell of that freshness?

Are you convinced of the Thrifting lifestyle yet? Make it more than just a trend to follow, but a lifestyle to enjoy and commit to.

Edmonton Thriftstores:

Here are 3 thrift stores in Edmonton where you’ll find your own kind of gem! 

1. SUBsprout 

University of Alberta’s very own thrift store — SUBsprout! It is a student-run shop based in the Students’ Union Building (SUB), and it may also sprout up in other locations on campus. You can shop affordably from their rotating selection of clothes, cookware, bedding, and more. Check them out at uasu.ca/thrift!

Did you know you can also donate clean, gently used items? YES! And in exchange, you get a credit toward select items in-store. SUBsprout’s proceeds support the Campus Food Bank, which strengthens the U of A community.

You donated, you shopped, and you got credit! Win-Win situation, don’t you think?

Image Taken by Darshita Guckhool

2. Plato’s Closet

Plato’s Closet has a wide network of locations across North America; luckily, Edmonton has 4 Plato’s Closet locations! There’s one in South, North, West, and even in Sherwood Park. 

They specialize in trendy clothing, targeting teens and young adults. Plato’s Closet is also known for accepting gently used clothes in exchange for cash. This follows a simple procedure: bring in your style, they’ll review your items, and you’ll get paid cash on the spot.

Plato’s Closet can surely help your wardrobe free up some space…to add new clothes from thrifting! 

3. More than a Fad

More than a Fad is more than just fashion; they advocate awareness and funds for women in addiction recovery. All their profits directly support Adeara Recovery Centre for women and their children here in Edmonton. 

Their store has a large rack of pre-loved clothing, furniture, antiques, and more. A local non-profit store, led by several volunteers, happily serves people while saving the planet and supporting others’ recovery.

For the Community, From the Community. It is more than just ordinary thrifting; they have a purpose — and so do you. 

Tips for Thrifting:

The idea of thrift shopping can feel very fun and exciting - often like a little adventure or treasure hunt. Many teenagers and young adults enjoy going to stores together as part of their day out. 

Here are a few tips to make the experience go better: 

• First, since it is a store where there are no specific clothes/items/home products, be open to new ideas, and who knows, you might find those pairs of shoes you have been scrolling forever for, or unexpectedly get a nice dress that suits you so well! Take your time in the stores, as there are often large collections, and sometimes the best things are hidden. Some strategies to find hidden treasures:
  • Create a wishlist; you likely won't find what you are looking for, but you might find something else you want. You don't find the pieces, the pieces find you.
  • Know your size before going, as it allows you to narrow down your search to things you can and cannot wear.
  • Weekdays are the best time to go thrifting, weekends are typically busier, and the selection may already be picked over by the time you come.
  • Moving through the store section by section increases your chances of finding a good deal.
  • Pay attention to the fabric content listed on the tag; it not only tells you how to clean the clothes but also helps you place a value on the item.
  • Choose the right thrift store; some stores, like Plato’s Closet, may have a better selection of clothes than general thrift stores like Goodwill.
• Since the items are not brand new, it is advisable to check their quality before purchase to ensure you get value for money. Some tips to check the quality of clothes:
  • Check for any visible wear and tear, such as stains or tears. Make sure to always check the crotch and pits of the item to ensure it's wear-worthy.
  • Feel the fabric between your fingers and assess how likely it is to tear or rip apart when you wear it.
  • Turn the clothes inside out and check the stitching. Clothes that are of better quality tend to be more tailored.
  • Check the tags for fabric composition, cotton, linen, silk, and other natural fibers, which are harder to come by but are of higher quality. 
• It is best to keep visiting different stores regularly to avoid missing out on their goods, since donations keep coming in, and the variety keeps changing. 
• Lastly, do not forget to be as creative as you can- thrift shopping is a great way to mix and match and try new styles.
   

Conclusion:

Thrifting is like hunting for treasure – sometimes the best fashion gems already exist, you just need to look for them somewhere! Start the treasure hunt now, you might just find your own kind of style.

Written by Darshita Guckhool and Jerchel Angelique Calucag 
Edited by Navdeep Badhan and Raeghan Cromwell 

Sources:

Howard, J. (2024, August 15). Thrifting tips for beginners: How to score great finds on a budget. Cottage on Bunker Hill. https://www.cottageonbunkerhill.com/thrifting-tips-for-beginners/

Jennifer. (2026, January 23). How to clean and sanitize thrifted clothing - Jennifer Meyering. Jennifer Meyering. https://jennifermeyering.com/how-to-clean-and-sanitize-thrifted-clothing/

Melissahj. (2024, January 29). How to shop like a pro in a thrift shop in Edmonton. Goodwill Industries of Alberta. https://www.goodwill.ab.ca/thrift-shop-in-edmonton/

More than a Fad Team. (n.d). Thrift Store Edmonton | Shop Secondhand Gems & Save Big. More Than a Fad. https://morethanafad.ca/.

Plato’s Closet Team. (n.d). Plato’s Closet About | Strathcona, AB.  https://platoscloset.com/locations/edmonton-ab-strathcona/about.

Shaw, B.  (2024, February 8). Why Thrifting is Good for the Environment. THRIVE Project. https://thrivabilitymatters.org/why-thrifting-is-good-for-the-environment/

SUBSprout Team. (n.d). SUBSprout Thrift Store - UASU website. https://www.su.ualberta.ca/these-are-your-resources/sustainable-campus/subsprout-thrift-store/.

Venkat, M. (2023, May 15). Thrifting 101: Your guide to finding quality pieces. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/12/1175728361/make-your-thrift-shopping-trips-a-success