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Why I Thrift Clothing

I thrifted this cream-colored knit pullover because it looked a bit more solid in the listing than it does in reality (just means I'll have to wear a t-shirt under it.) It's oversized for me, which I prefer to fitted/clingy clothing, and has a nice subtle gold netallic thread accenting the knit here and there.

As you can see from the tag Chicos sold it to someone for $99.00 who didn't even wear it before they donated it, or Chicos donated it to Goodwill because it became deadstock. I'm more likely to believe someone bought it, never wore it and donated it.

That's a pretty hefty price tag for such a thin pullover. It takes my breath away sometimes to see what's being charged for clothing these days; I could buy a knit pullover like this for ten bucks back in the day when clothes were still well-made and affordable. I'm also dismayed by how many new-with-tags I'm finding in the thrift stores and online auctions. That's why I was okay to thrift it for $9.99.

Seeing it in person makes me a little sad, though, and not because it's so sheer. Like all fast fashion it's not well-made, nor was it made from quality material, so even with careful laundering I don't expect it to last longer than a year or two.

I understand the need to make money, and also the need to dress well on a tight budget. We all have those needs. By pursuing both the fashion industry and today's consumers have crossed over into dangerous territory, however. Rapidly making garments that fall apart so fast has compounded the problem of cheap clothing and its environmental impact. Today's consumers aren't seeing the many, scary, long term consequences of purchasing cheap fashion, including the fact that they're poisoning their childrens' future.

I don't want to be part of the problem. I stopped buying new clothing many, many years ago, mainly because I'm not especially fashionable, I didn't like the poor quality available, and I felt I had enough for my needs. When something wore out (usually t-shirts), I began shopping at thrift stores and flea markets for a replacement that had been made before fast fashion. Now I only thrift my clothes. I even recycled my old t-shirts into a throw quilt which was a real sewing challenge but turned out nicely. I especially like shopping at independent thrift stores versus Goodwill for clothes because they're usually cheaper and have better stock.

The next time you need some new clothing, try thrifting it first. You'd be surprised by how nice some of the clothes are, and how many things you can find new with tags. Then you can stop contributing to the problem of fast fashion.

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