Making Grandma’s Closet a Thing Again

Thrifting… that exhilarating adventure where you rummage through racks of second-hand clothes hoping to unearth a gem that screams "I'm unique and eco-friendly." (well sort of.) The thrill of finding the perfect vintage jacket or a quirky graphic tee is unmatched. It’s like a treasure hunt where you never know what you'll find, but the payoff is always worth it. But before we get all hip and trendy, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see how thrifting has transformed from a necessity to a full-blown fashion statement.

The Great Depression: Thrifting's Humble Beginnings

Way back in the 1930s, thrifting wasn’t about scoring vintage Levi's or ironic graphic tees; it was about survival. The Great Depression forced folks to get creative with their wardrobe choices. Enter thrift stores, courtesy of charitable organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, where people could find affordable clothes and household items. These stores were lifesavers, literally. Fast forward a few decades, and these shops became treasure troves for people looking to stretch a dollar.

The Swingin' Sixties and Seventies: Counterculture Couture

Fast forward to the groovy 60s and 70s. Thrifting got a psychedelic makeover thanks to hippies and other countercultural groups who said, “No, thank you” to mainstream fashion. They embraced thrift stores to find unique pieces that screamed individuality and rebellion against the man. Vintage fashion became a thing, and suddenly everyone wanted a piece of the past – bell bottoms, tie-dye, and all.

The Grunge of the 80s and 90s: Flannel and Flare

Then came the 80s and 90s. Thrifting was practically a rite of passage for grunge enthusiasts. Kurt Cobain and his bandmates made flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and oversized sweaters the uniform of cool. Thrift stores were the perfect spots to find these items without breaking the bank. Plus, the punk and goth kids also raided thrift shops for their edgy, dark wardrobes. It was the ultimate middle finger to the polished preppy look.

The Early 2000s: Fast Fashion Frenzy

Just when thrifting seemed unstoppable, the early 2000s happened. Fast fashion brands like H&M and Forever 21 burst onto the scene, offering trendy clothes at rock-bottom prices. Why spend time digging through thrift store racks when you could buy a whole new outfit for the price of a latte? Thrifting took a backseat, overshadowed by the allure of fast fashion’s quick and cheap thrill.

Gen Z’s Thrift Revival: Saving the Planet in Style

Enter Gen Z, the saviors of second-hand shopping. This generation is all about sustainability, ethical consumption, and looking fabulous while doing it. They've realized that fast fashion is a one-way ticket to environmental disaster, and they’re not having it. Thrifting is their way of saying, “We care about the planet, but we also want to look cool AF.”

Social Media: The Thrifting Hype Machine

Let’s not forget the role of social media in thrifting’s comeback. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are overflowing with #thrifthauls, styling tips, and upcycling projects. Influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Ashley (aka bestdressed) have turned thrifting into a glamorous sport. Their millions of followers eagerly await each new video showcasing how they turned someone’s old sweater into a chic fashion statement. These influencers aren't just showing off clothes; they’re educating their fans on the perks of thrifting – it’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and let’s face it, way more interesting than buying off the rack.

Pop Culture’s Thrift Love Affair

Pop culture has also played a huge role in thrifting’s renaissance. Shows like "Stranger Things" have made 80s fashion forward again, sending thrifters on a mission to find vintage gems from that era. Movies like "Clueless" have inspired Gen Z to hunt for preppy, 90s-inspired outfits. Celebrities and influencers have significantly influenced and encouraged thrifting to be cool. When stars like Zendaya, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles flaunt thrifted and vintage pieces, it sends a powerful message: thrifting is not only acceptable but trendy. Their choices resonate with millions of fans who look up to them for fashion inspiration, thus promoting the idea that second-hand can indeed be first-rate.

Online Resale Platforms: Thrifting Goes Digital

Now, let’s dive into the juicy details about how online resale platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp are revolutionizing the thrifting game. These apps are the digital darlings of the thrift-savvy Gen Z, making second-hand shopping more accessible and stylish than ever. And, why not be entrepreneurial about it and make it a brand. You may even find little freebies in your order that sellers include, just to get you to buy from them again.

Depop: The Trendsetter’s Playground

Depop is like Instagram and eBay had a super-stylish baby. Launched in 2011, this app has quickly become the go-to platform for fashion-forward Gen Zers looking to buy and sell unique, second-hand items. Depop's interface is highly visual, mimicking social media feeds, which makes it super engaging and easy to use. Users can follow their favorite sellers, like items, and even message sellers directly.

Depop’s growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. As of 2023, the platform boasts over 30 million users, with 90% of them being under the age of 26 (Fashion Network). The app’s sales have skyrocketed, with the company reporting a 100% increase in gross merchandise volume year-over-year (TechCrunch). Depop has become a community where fashion enthusiasts can showcase their style, discover unique pieces, and support sustainable fashion practices.

Poshmark: The Thrifting Powerhouse

Poshmark, another giant in the resale world, was founded in 2011 and has established itself as a leading platform for buying and selling second-hand fashion. Poshmark’s approach combines social networking with ecommerce, allowing users to create virtual closets, follow other sellers, and attend virtual "Posh Parties" where specific brands or categories are featured.

Poshmark's user base has grown to over 70 million people across the United States, Canada, Australia, and India (Forbes). The platform has facilitated over 200 million transactions since its inception, highlighting the massive demand for second-hand fashion (Business Insider). In 2021, Poshmark went public, a testament to its success and the booming resale market.

ThredUp: The Eco-Warrior’s Best Friend

ThredUp, often referred to as the "Amazon of second-hand shopping," offers a vast selection of second-hand clothes from various brands, all meticulously curated and inspected. Founded in 2009, ThredUp's mission is to inspire a new generation of consumers to think second-hand first. The platform’s clean, user-friendly interface makes it easy to shop by category, brand, or even condition.

ThredUp’s impact on the resale market is impressive. In 2022, the company processed over 100 million items and reported $280 million in revenue (Yahoo Finance). ThredUp also releases an annual Resale Report, which provides insightful statistics about the growth and impact of the second-hand market. According to the 2023 report, the resale market is expected to reach $77 billion by 2025 (ThredUp Annual Report).

“I can look great and give a fuck about the future” Mentality

Thrifting today isn’t just about scoring unique fashion finds; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about expressing individuality, rejecting cookie-cutter trends, and making a positive impact on the environment. Every thrifted item is a victory against fast fashion’s wastefulness, a step towards sustainability, and a chance to stand out in a world of mass-produced mediocrity.