by Krista Woo, Staff Writer

When second-hand shopping comes to mind, most people picture a messy store filled with cheap items that are old, worn, and dirty. However, despite the presumptions many people still hold over buying used items, shopping at thrift stores has become increasingly popular—and trendy even—with its affordability and the possibility of finding something super unique. Thrifting has come to be a common term used to describe the act of visiting a variety of second-hand/vintage stores in hopes of finding rare accessories and clothing pieces. 

I just recently picked up thrifting over the past year and I really wish I had discovered it earlier; I’ve purchased some of my favorite jeans and sweatshirts from local thrift stores and have come to prefer buying clothes this way versus shopping at retail stores. Thrifting is more like sifting through a closet full of original and personal items in search of unique items that catch my eye; whereas shopping in retail stores can often feel conforming. Picking up a sweater sold in six different colors just doesn’t give the same feeling as finding that one-of-a-kind 90’s sweatshirt.

There are also a number of practical reasons for why thrifting is a great alternative to shopping at retail stores; one being that it allows you to buy nice clothes without draining your bank account. I feel less guilty about spending my money when I thrift because the prices are so good for the quality and quantity of items I’m getting. And you might think that because the clothes are used, the quality is compensated with the price; but I have found that if you take the time to look through the numerous racks, you’ll find a ton of items that look brand new or barely worn, yet are still super affordable. 

Another reason to choose thrifting over regular shopping is that it’s actually really good for the environment. Thrifting promotes an environmentally-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. Instead of buying new clothes or throwing away old ones, people reuse and recycle them by selling, donating, or buying from second-hand stores.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “You’ve got me sold on thrifting; but how, specifically, does one thrift?” Though it does require a good amount of patience, thrifting is actually simpler than you might think. If you’re just browsing to see what you can find, you should start with the basics like sweatshirts, t-shirts, and jeans—these are reliable departments where you’ll most likely find something. Most donation/second-hand stores sort their items by size so you can save yourself time by looking in your size range. Also, don’t be afraid to browse in both the men’s and women’s departments as a lot of the items can work for everybody. If you’re hoping to thrift something specific, such as a pair of shoes, a specific brand, or a formal dress, you may need to visit more than one thrift store to find what you’re looking for.

The Bay Area is full of great thrift and vintage stores, but to narrow it down, Goodwill and Plato’s Closet are two of the most prevalent local chains. Goodwill is a convenient option if you’re looking for basic clothing or items other than clothing like books, DVD’s, and appliances. There are  many Goodwill stores nearby including (but not limited to) locations in Burlingame, San Mateo, and South San Francisco. Personally, I visit the San Mateo store the most of the three because it’s bigger, more organized, and seems more established as a thrift shop. Plato’s Closet is another major thrift store in the area and is a great option if you’re looking for brand-name clothing on a budget. They sell more trendy clothing from brands like The North Face, Champion, Brandy Melville, and PacSun. Their prices are a little higher than Goodwill’s but are still a lot cheaper than retail prices. There are Plato’s Closet locations in San Mateo and Pacifica and both have a pretty wide selection of items. 

Though shopping for new clothes is always fun, shopping for “old clothes” can be just as fun, if not more. Digging through all the unique pieces and finding something rare is super satisfying and allows you to live a more sustainable and affordable lifestyle. On that note, go get yourself some new, used clothes—you won’t be disappointed.