People have been searching for a more classic and unique style in a world where fast fashion has been the norm due to the rapid changes in trends. In recent years, thrifting has become incredibly popular in society due to its variety of one-of-a-kind, timeless designs. This is primarily because it is inexpensive and made of high-quality fabrics, whereas most clothing sold now is made of polyester. Selling on resale apps like Depop, Curtsy, Vinted, GOAT and Grailed has also surged as people want to clean out their wardrobes while earning some extra money.
Digital platforms have made thrifting faster and easier. According to WGSN Barometer data, Gen Z are selling their own pre-loved clothes to declutter (50 percent) for sustainability (33 percent) and to get extra money (56 percent). Andee Baker ’26 believes online thrifting will become more widespread in the coming years.
“Rather than going to a single thrift store, you can browse through thousands of items online,” Baker said. “It’s great that you can buy and sell clothes from anywhere.”
With new style trends emerging, such as the “Carolyn Bessette Kennedy” style, which emerged after the release of the “Love Story” series about Bessette Kennedy and her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., girls are seeking to adopt more timeless and minimalistic styles. Baker believes that although trends have been changing frequently in recent years, the new trend will be to take the time to build a vintage, classic wardrobe.
“I believe that thrifting is more of a long-term change,” Baker said. “I think that our generation is more comfortable with buying secondhand and will continue to do so, and it’s cheap. Everyone has an appreciation for cheap clothing.”
Older clothes are making a comeback in style for many people, as the fashion identity is shifting away from micro-trends and evolving into a more widespread and resourceful approach. Paetyn Broad ’26 feels major fashion brands are adapting to the growth. Resale is a form of collaboration and integration, reforming the fabric of the fashion market.
“The upsurge in thrifting will have a long-term shift in consumption,” Broad said. “These trends will come and go throughout the future and will continue to return in different ways. In 20 years, the value of thrifted items will be greater than the value of fast fashion brands.”
Although more people are utilizing thrifting, it can be hard to find good items in the bins. Valentia Telarcio ’26 goes thrifting a few times a month and believes that although thrifting is a very useful way to get brand names for cheaper, she wouldn’t say she only chooses thrifting.
“There are constant changes when it comes to popular fashion, especially since TikTok, a lot of people have been wanting more ‘vintage’ types of clothes that you don’t really have access to unless it’s second hand,” Telarcio said. “It’s hard to find a lot of good items when resellers are so greedy. You can tell which shoppers are resellers because their carts are so full.”
