Hey earth muffins! For today’s post, I wanted to discuss something I’ve noticed after making a switch to secondhand shopping. The term “secondhand shopping” encompasses a lot of difference options: thrift stores, antique shops, vintage stores, Facebook Marketplace, yard sales… the list goes on. After starting my eco journey, I’ve fallen in love with buying used. It is always a hunt and is so rewarding when you find awesome pieces! But, I’ve noticed that for some secondhand options (like thrifting) there are more stereotypes compared to others. For today’s post, I will be debunking some myths about thrifting compared to those about antiques… Hopefully this reduces some judgement around thrift shopping. 😊
What is “thrifting” and “antiquing”?
According to definition.com, “thrifting refers to the act of shopping at a thrift store, flea market, garage sale, or a shop of a charitable organization, usually with the intent of finding interesting items at a low price”. This includes stores like Salvation Army (my favorite), Goodwill, and other local shops. On the flip side, “antiquing is the act of shopping, identifying, negotiating, or bargaining for antiques”. While antiques are filled with secondhand items too, antique stores are often viewed as “better” than thrift stores. For the rest of the post, I will be debunking myths that create this double standard for thrift stores in the secondhand space… Let’s get right into myth #1!
Myth #1: Thrifting is dirty and gross; antiquing is not.
In all actuality, all secondhand items in my opinion are “dirty”, so this shouldn’t be one of the myths about thrifting. I’m not saying this to deter you from shopping used; but it makes sense to clean all secondhand purchases before using because, frankly, you just don’t know where those items have been. But, you’d be surprised how “dirty” new items are too! When looking at thrift stores versus antiques, it is weird to me that thrift shops get seen in a bad light. I think people consider them dirty because poorer people might shop there, and the stores aren’t as put together as malls or fast fashion boutiques. In comparison, antique shops are full of dusty items that are often decades older! For me, I don’t consider either as “dirty”; just wash your hands and clean/wash the items you find!
Myth #2: Antiquing is expensive; thrifting is cheap.
A lot of rich people have antiques or collect them. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all antiques are more expensive than things found at a thrift store. This obviously depends on the item and the store location. I’ve seen plenty of kitchen items being priced much cheaper at antique malls compared to Goodwill. On the flip side, clothes are almost always cheaper at a thrift store. It really just depends what you are looking for! In the secondhand market, when an item gets labeled as “antique” or “vintage” this does often increases the price. But, I don’t think it is fair to say that all thrifting is “cheap”.
Myth #3: Thrifting isn’t trendy!
One of the worst myths about thrifting is that it can’t be trendy; but, that is totally not the case! I’ve written a whole post about how thrifted pieces can be in style and how to find the best pieces when thrifting. In comparison, it seems like antiquing is something that is accepted by society. The response from people that you are going “thrifting” versus “antiquing” is often very different. However, with the rise of the eco movement, all forms of secondhand shopping are starting to become more “trendy”. YAY! Online thrift options like ThredUp seem to be helping this as well, as you don’t have to dig through clothes or sort through racks if you don’t want to anymore. I am hoping this continues to become a trend, so that more folks will opt for sustainable shopping and purchase secondhand!
Myth #4: You are hurting poor people if you thrift.
This is another large stereotype about secondhand shopping. When I tell people that I thrift, some question if I should be shopping at thrift stores at all (is it unethical??). Their logic is that I am taking clothes (or other items) away from people who really need it. This is a valid point; but, people don’t realize that thrift stores often get too many donations and have to either throw things away or give them to other organizations to sell. Plus, when buying at thrift stores, you are often supporting a cause that will help those in your community. This is not to say that you can’t hurt poorer people by shopping in thrift stores. If you are a reseller and buy up every single “good” piece of clothing, this obviously isn’t great for the other shoppers. But, if you are a respectful consumer at thrift stores and buy only what you need, you are not hurting the poor in your community. Buying what you need is also the sustainable way to shop, so keep this in mind always!
Conclusion
Overall, there are a ton of myths about thrifting compared to antiquing. I personally think it is crazy that there are so many opinions and judgments about the different types of secondhand shopping! Buying used is always the best option for us earth muffins, so it shouldn’t matter if you shop thrifted or antique. Just like with anything, I would recommend cleaning your purchases before bringing them into your house. Price depends on the location and item purchased; don’t think everything at a thrift store is a good deal! Lastly, all forms of secondhand shopping can be trendy – I personally know that it is trendy to save Mother Earth! Don’t you all agree?
Love,
Jenna ♥
Such a wonderful post! I especially like what you said about hurting poor people by thrifting. I personally LOVE thrift stores and have found so many treasures there. And I would always feel guilty as if I were taking away from someone in need by shopping there. So, I appreciate what you said about being a respectful consumer.
One of the positive changes that has come in the thrift movement is the perception that wearing and buying used items to use is helping the environment and thus is a positive thing, not something solely done because you have no other option.
My mother for instance hated thrift stores when I was a child. Now she is happy as a child when she finds designer labeled clothing for her great grandkids at bargain basement prices because the stigma of shopping at and wearing thrift store clothing is greatly diminished.
The issue of people cleaning out all the cheap necessary items at thrift stores is really no different than when people go into the chain stores during sales and buy out everything before anyone else has a chance at the deals. It is life.