The Comeback of Thrifting

Groups of teenagers shopping through one of the many different thrifting stores in Denver

  In recent years, second hand stores have seen a new wave of young customers. Once considered outdated has now become one of Gen Z’s favorite ways to shop. Whether teens are looking for one of a kind pieces or trying to shop on a budget, thrifting has become a movement that celebrates sustainability, creativity, and individuality.

For many, thrifting is about building personal style. Unlike fast fashion, which often pushes the same styles and trends on everyone, thrift stores give shoppers the chance to create a wardrobe that feels unique. Many also enjoy the creativity thrifting allows, from mixing unexpected styles together to upcycling pieces into something new. “I like thrifting because it gives me an opportunity to be creative and use my sewing skills.”- Solenne Hogdin, president of East high’s thrift club. In this way, personal style becomes more than just following fashion trends-it becomes a reflection of character, and self-expression.

Thrifting is not just a fashion choice, it’s an environmentally conscious one. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions. Every item bought secondhand reduces waste by keeping clothing out of landfills, where millions of clothes end up each year. Unlike fast fashion, which produces cheap, disposable clothes that quickly wear out, thrifting encourages reusing and extending the life of clothing. By giving old clothes a new home, shoppers help lower the demand for new production. When asked about why she thrifts, co-president of the thrift club, Irie Wall says, “I enjoy thrifting because it’s sustainable and good for the environment.” For Gen Z, many are highly aware of climate issues, thrifting has become a practical way to reduce their environmental footprint while still looking stylish. 

One of the biggest draws of thrifting is the cost. With prices for new clothes constantly rising, thrift stores offer a way to shop without breaking the bank. For students who get paid minimum wage or anyone just trying to save money, thrifting offers clothes at an attainable price. Beyond savings, the lower cost encourages creativity, allowing shoppers to experiment with different styles without the pressure of spending too much.

Thrifting has also grown into a social activity. Many teens spend weekends hunting for “hidden gems” with friends, turning shopping into a fun, shared experience. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify this by popularizing “thrift hauls” and “upcycling” videos, where creators show off unique finds or transform old clothes into new pieces. However, thrifting isn’t only limited to in person stores anymore. Online platforms like Depop, Vinted, and Poshmark have made it easier than ever to buy and sell secondhand clothing. These apps turn thrifting into a global marketplace, where shoppers can hunt for unique items from the comfort of their own home and even sell their own pieces to others directly from their home. These platforms may take away from some of the social and environmental appeals of thrifting, but are still fun ways to shop secondhand. “I like thrifting in person because I get to see the items in store, however there are also less options. It is usually easier to find good pieces online, so I understand both.” -Lily Block, student at East.

For Gen Z, thrifting represents a balance between affordability, environmental responsibility, and self-expression. It’s more than just a trend, it’s part of a larger movement 

toward sustainable living and rejecting the culture of fast fashion. As thrift stores continue to fill with the energy of young shoppers, one thing is clear: secondhand is back in style, and it looks like it’s here to stay.