There is always a notion that “second hand is second best”. That is why people prefer brand new items. Although thrifting have been around in the US since the 60’s, it was not until the last decade that people in the Philippines actually started patronizing shops that sell second hand items or Ukay-Ukay. Don’t knock it till it you’ve tried it, here are some reason why you should consider thrifting.
To Save Money
People who have limited budget resort to thrift stores. Spending is a lifestyle. If you can afford it, then invest your money on luxurious brands. But if you want to be wise and strategic on where your money goes, it wouldn’t harm to shop for second hand items instead.
To Save The Environment
Some like to join their communities in tree planting, recycling, and promoting clean waters and air. But if you are the type of person that may not have the time to participate in those “save the planet” initiatives, you can still do your part as a human while at the same time doing what you heart wants – shopping.
Shop with purpose. When you buy second hand items, you help reduce pollution and waste in the environment. Furthermore, when you choose to patronize second hand items, you reduce your carbon footprint. You will be able to help in limiting the amount of materials needed to produce clothes, as well as the resources it takes to ship those items from every country that has to be supplied. Wouldn’t it make you happy to actually indulge in shopping while reducing the harm to our mother Earth? Think about it.
To Look For Designer Items
Known as branded overruns, these are the clothes that never made it to the display area of your favorite brands such as Forever 21, H&M, Sara, and more. The clothes may have some little defects like a loose button or a wrong size, but overall they look and feel brand new plus the inclusion of the sought after brand label. If luck is on your side, you can even snatch rare items that may cost a fortune if brought on its original store. You might even get shocked knowing that you can actually steal branded items by just spending less then a hundred.
To Revamp Your Wardrobe
If you are the kind of person who wants to draw out the fashion stylist inside, you will have a good time looking for different patterns, colors, and textures of clothes that you can mix and match to come up with your own creation.
To Find Vintage Pieces
You can find vintage pieces in thrift shops that are really one of a kind. Since these items are pre-loved, you are certain that every item has its own story and experience. Furthermore, the vintage pieces you can find in these shops have unique patterns and colors that are usually not available in any place, not even in furniture stores. So, if you want to redecorate your home or maybe just add some items that scream vintage, you know where you can find the best pieces.
To Find New Items for your Collection
Every collector has their own taste. Some like to collect figures of superheroes whereas some like to collect t-shirts or any item that they find interesting. When collecting, one has to visit different countries and shops just to find the items they are looking for. Thrift shops on the other hand are home to many things that will get your collector’s heart on fire.
Whether you are looking for trophies, ornaments, books, Christmas decors, plates and glasses, and anything you wish or are collecting, you can find them in thrift shops. It doesn’t have to be 100% new in order for it to make on your display cabinets. Just patiently look and search over piles of pre-loved things and you will eventually find a worthy piece.
To Make a Contribution to Charity
There are so many reasons why thrifting is cool. One advice though, second hand items are cheap and nice overall but you should always check each item before buying them. Not because it looks pretty at first glance, you would automatically run towards the cashier. Always see if the clothes fit you or if there are damages that can’t be repaired already. And of course, sanitize every item you buy. Other than that, you are good to go! Enjoy thrifting!