Thrifting is a more sustainable and affordable option for obtaining clothing pieces, which is why so many college students acquire their wardrobe second hand. Many Grand Valley State University students have found thrift shopping to be a fun way to put together outfits that aren’t cheaply made or associated with fast fashion apparel and accessories.
GVSU student Lauren Elias explained that she doesn’t buy clothing from high-end stores anymore due to the cost. Elias shops at the Goodwill Outlets in Grandville and Muskegon. These outlets are often called “the bins” because they feature large, blue bins filled with stacks of clothes that customers can peruse and purchase by the pound. While further away from GVSU than some local Goodwill locations, many students make the trek to the bins for better deals.
“I just can’t pay 20 bucks for a shirt that I could get for three or four dollars at Goodwill,” Elias said.
After purchasing, Elias sometimes alters her thrifted finds by cropping the clothes with scissors. The creative hobby started when she was bored during the COVID-19 pandemic’s associated lockdown. While Elias still upcycles clothes, she joked about excessively cropping pieces in the past.
“I had a thing with scissors and every single piece of clothing I owned, which was probably not a good idea,” Elias said.
Elias added that it is far less daunting to revamp clothes for the first time when they are thrifted, as compared to something purchased brand-new. She added that her shoes are even thrifted, and encouraged other students not to neglect thrift stores’ shoe, accessory and purse racks.
“I’ve been able to successfully buy almost anything at a thrift store for cheap,” Elias said. “I just go through every rack.”
GVSU student Ethan Henry also named the Goodwill Outlets as his favorite thrifting location, and shared that he started a business out of the hobby. He buys high-quality clothes and sells them on eBay at a higher price.
“If you want expensive stuff, look at the tag,” Henry said. “If it says ‘made in the U.S.A.,’ that’s good.”
GVSU student Avery Lautenschlaeger works at Hope’s Outlet, a local thrift store, and said that while many high-quality items are brought in, you have to know what you’re looking for.
“Look at the new racks right when they bring out new stuff,” Lautenschlaeger said.
Elias and Henry added that while the new racks often hold hidden gems, many items are not necessarily placed in the right section, which leads them to look through the men’s, women’s and even children’s sections to ensure they do not miss anything. They also noted that the type of thrift store you visit also impacts what you may find.
“I much prefer local thrift stores because I feel like they have more character,” Lautenschlaeger added. “Not that I don’t (also) go to Goodwill.”
While thrifting can be an activity shared among friends, Lautenschlaeger said she prefers to shop alone so that she can browse every section without feeling rushed. She noted that to her, thrifting is “kind of therapeutic.”
The sustainability and affordability of thrifting combat fast fashion’s tempting prices, and keeps Lautenschlaeger actively involved in the activity.
“It is way better for the planet and your wallet,” Lautenschlaeger said. “I feel like you find more unique pieces. You’re not wearing the same thing as everyone else.”