Fast Fashion and the Advantages of Thrifting

Fast Fashion. The cheap mass production of trendy clothing has become more popular in recent years.

Companies have progressively shifted from sustainable practices to using cheap materials and labor in foreign countries in hopes to quickly produce clothing and keep up with constantly evolving fashion trends.

Sadly, we’ve almost all bought from these brands before. And you can’t be hard on yourself because even stores in the mall are taking part in these practices.

Really all you can do is try to change where you buy your clothes from. Whether it's thrifting, shopping on Depop, at Plato’s Closet, or in local second hand stores in your area making the decision to not participate in fast fashion is the best way to play your part as a conscious consumer.

Having different options to shop from makes it easy to find a lot of unique, second hand pieces. And every second hand store that you’ll go to is going to be different. If you’re willing to take the time and look through the racks you’ll find that your wardrobe can be sustainable and trendy for a fraction of the cost.

One big advantage of thrifting and second hand shopping is being able to find clothes from brands that are considered ‘fast fashion’. It’s so common to find the cutest brand name pieces at the thrift store for an even cheaper price.

Personally, I thrift a lot of items that are from well known brands, like Tommy Hilfiger and Guess, which gives a piece of clothing another life while helping the environment.

Another major advantage of thrifting is being more willing to change, cut, and sew the pieces that you find because you get them for such a discounted price. This allows you to really personalize and make your style your own.

The best part about second hand shopping is that usually you’ll find a piece that’s one of one. Meaning that most likely you’re the only person who’s going to have it. And if you’re not, you have the ability to make it your own without feeling guilty for cutting or changing it.

There is so much information out there on fast fashion and how to help our environment by shopping sustainably. I’m going to link a few resources that I’ve used to help educate myself.

• @chicksforclimate on Instagram

• @consciousfashion on Instagram

• @labourbehindthelabel on Instagram

Of course, do your own research, think for yourself, and buy consciously because you, your kids, and their kids have to live on this Earth after you’re gone.

I honestly can’t believe that I have to have a conversation about how amazing shopping for business casual clothes is second hand. But, if you’re one of those people who hasn’t tried it. You need to stop what you’re doing, head over to whatever store is near you that sells second hand clothes, and quite literally go crazy. Especially if you’re like me and wear your business casual clothes outside of the office.

I can almost guarantee that you’ll find pants, blouses, button ups, blazers, and so much more for half the price that popular retail stores are selling them for. All you have to do is look for them in your size.

Don’t be discouraged if your first few thrift trips aren’t successful. Even though I’m raving about the amount of clothes you can find, sometimes you just won’t find anything cute. And that’s ok.

My advice is to have a rotating list of stores that you’ll visit and to go into the store with an idea of what you need. Obviously, I totally support shopping sprees, but to avoid overbuying and not wearing everything in your closet only shop when it’s necessary.

Shopping doesn’t have to be hard, or expensive, you just have to develop an eye for good quality, second hand clothing that reflects you.

Don’t forget to tag me in your favorite thrifted outfits on Instagram, @n.icolesanchez, I’d love to repost your outfits, get some inspiration, and give some inspiration to others as well!

#fastfashion #thrift #secondhand #ootd