Social media may be harmful in many ways, but it has helped society revive many old fashion trends. One trend is vintage clothing, which is coming back due to the pandemic, social media and a resurgence of trying to be environmentally friendly.
Fast fashion has been created so individuals can always have a new look for cheap, but many consumers realized they needed to consider the longevity of clothing. Influencers like Sarah Jane Adams, Katie Zamprioli and Rachel Maksy helped to pioneer the movement. Each has an eye for vintage clothing and can embody it uniquely.
Even though the trend reemerged during the pandemic, people wearing older clothing has always been a fashion choice. Every decade has vintage items, and some people wear clothes from the one before. If something is in good condition, why get rid of it?
Vintage clothing and thrifting are good for the environment and sustainability. Fast fashion and clothes being made quickly leads to more clothing ending up in landfills. By thrifting, consumers are reusing clothing so it does not go to waste, and they are not directly supporting the companies contributing to world pollution.
Thrifting also lowers carbon dioxide emissions. If every person bought one clothing item secondhand, it would lower CO2 emissions by 2 billion pounds, which equals 76 million cars starting for the day. In addition to lowering carbon dioxide emissions, it also lowers water usage by 23 billion gallons and energy by 4 billion kilowatt-hours.
Not only is it good for the environment, but used clothing is typically cheaper than newly released clothing. It is also much easier for busy people or parents to go out and buy multiple styles and seasons of clothing at once. They will have to sift through bad clothing until they find the kind they are shopping for, but if they do it all at once, then their shopping will be complete for a very long time.
The term “vintage” is broad. Current clothing styles deemed as “vintage” are pieces from the ‘80s, such as ripped jeans, combat boots and baggy, graphic band tees. “Vintage” actually expands further, referring to anything from the ‘20s, ‘30s, and up to the 2000s. If a piece is older than 100 years old, then it is considered an antique.
People are looking to new sources to find these articles of clothing and accessories. While some are trying to find the vintage look in boutiques and chain stores, many know buying old clothing is a true way to find old clothing.
Thrifting is when people go into garage sales, thrift shops, yard sales or other used clothing sales to collect a few vintage gems. In addition to garage and yard sales, some stores specifically sell old clothing, accessories or furniture.
A commonly found thrift store is Goodwill. Multiple stores with clothing for less than $5 also exist in Athens, including New-To-You Thrift Shoppe, UpCycle Ohio and Little Wing.
It may seem exciting to jump into a vintage look; however, there are some things people need to look out for. Buying people’s old clothing may not be as perfect as one might imagine. Before purchasing any used vintage clothing, buyers should make sure the pieces are not tampered with or damaged.
Thrifting is not the only way to get into vintage clothing. Since the trend has picked up, chain clothing companies have been putting out older-looking clothing for people to buy new. Brands that have been doing this include Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger and Champion. These companies are also introducing more vintage styles through older patterns, cuts and colors.
Not everyone likes vintage clothing, but people who do are benefiting the environment and their bank accounts. While some may find the vintage look “old,” others see it as valuable.
The truth is, dressing up for “decades” parties may no longer be a historical theme. It is just another fashion style.
