The clothing industry is one of the biggest in the world, with all of the clothes being made, new styles and shopping trends can emerge. One of these not-so-new shopping trends for young adults in this day has been secondhand shopping, also known as ‘thrifting’.

  As newer generations become more and more conscious of their carbon footprint, young people continue to discover innovative ways to be eco-friendly.

  Thrift stores allow shoppers to buy cheaper, used clothing which could be seen as a win for the shopper and for the planet.

  Secondhand stores have also resurrected old fashion styles and made them relevant again, keeping the ‘vintage style,’ in youth clothing choices.

  As the seasons go by, trends and styles often change and adapt due to weather, making impossible for consumers to keep up with buying high priced clothing season after season. Used clothing, being what is is, can be sold at a significantly lower prices while giving the customer the same amount of satisfaction.

  The clothes that stores advertise generally become what is fashionable in that particular season, but thrift stores allow consumers to shop for clothes meant for year round wear.

  “Some popular brands are selling long sleeved shirts, and are starting to sell miniskirts,” sophomore Hannah Lang said, “Both of which have become staples for girls’ outfits this spring.”

  In an age where vintage style is the style, thrift stores make it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for, at a reduced price.

  “I’ve noticed that stripes are really in nowadays,” junior Charlee Emmett said, “along with over-sized collared sweatshirts which are easy to find at basically any thrift store.”

 It may be easier to shop for in style clothes at big named consignment stores, but, ethically shopping is an all around lucrative activity.

“Shopping at Goodwill and finding a clothes that I actually like is sometimes a challenge,” junior Nick Parker  said, “but when I find a few items that I actually like it makes me feel so accomplished.”

  Many students on campus have an insight on what the upcoming spring season will have in store for fashion.

  “I think the pants people choose to wear will have a more diverse range,” senior Moses Huish said, “I expect to see more patterns and textures rather than average joe jeans that we’re all used to.”

  Fashion items in each new year usually are likely reflect that of the political temperature. As more and more people become aware of the change that needs to happen environmentally, they will also change their styling options to mirror this revelation.

  Thrifting clothing items also allows for people to take bigger fashion risks. When consumers expand their style choices different more diverse trends are able to expand.

  Change is essential for growth, and while thrifting is a small way to help out the environment, everything makes a difference.