Thrifting is for the planet (and your wallet)
Thrifting, or secondhand shopping, has become a favorite pastime for students across Lee’s campus. Whether out of necessity or pleasure, thrifting is not only enjoyable but sustainable.
Josh Johnson, senior pastoral ministry major, noted that trending styles right now were also popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
“There’s this kind of cycle that happens,” Johnson said. “I think we’ll see even more of that, maybe a return to a vintage Americana, country club kind of style — with a little hint of grunge.”
He enjoys thrifting because it allows him to replicate other people’s style affordably.
“They could be wearing really nice, expensive stuff, and you can recreate that same look and vibe for a quarter of the price,” Johnson said.
However, thrifting is not limited to recreations or trends, according to Linden Smoyer, junior pastoral ministry major.
“Your style doesn’t have to be a fad. It doesn’t have to be streetwear or granola or western,” Smoyer said. “It can be exactly what you feel the most comfortable in. You don’t have to be in a box…If you find something you’re comfortable in, you can adapt that to almost any part of your style.”
Johnson echoes this sentiment. His thrift trips are often inspired by online creators doing just that.
“Ultimately, what it comes down to is finding your own style through finding what you like. Stay on social media, find communities online that do a lot of thrifting, and just find what’s comfortable for you,” Johnson said.
In addition to the fashion freedom that comes from thrifting, Ella Shelton, senior English major, values the sustainability of thrifting.
“I like to thrift because it is better for the environment to buy clothes that are already in circulation rather than buying new clothes that were probably made unethically,” Shelton said.
Thrifting does require patience. These secondhand stores are heavily populated with clothing, according to Shelton.
“I can easily spend two hours in the thrift store just combing through each rack. I put music in and just sort of zone out,” Shelton said.
Johnson notes that finding something that you like can take time especially in stores like Goodwill.
“People always say they can’t find anything at the Goodwill here, but I always find stuff there — because I’m willing to look through everything,” he said.
These thrifters encourage you to try thrifting this holiday season. Be patient, search online for inspiration, and get thrifty.
Local thrift stores to visit to find these “diamonds in the rough”:
Plato's Closet (2200 Hamilton Pl Blvd Suite 81, Chattanooga, TN 37421)Goodwill Store (255 Paul Huff Pkwy NW, Cleveland, TN 37312)
Goodwill Store (255 Paul Huff Pkwy NW, Cleveland, TN 37312)
Dandelion’s Mercantile Shoppes & Merle Norman (211 1st St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311)
Second Harvest Thrift Store & Ministry Center (1533 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311)
America's Thrift Stores & Donation Center (248 Northgate Mall Dr #122, Chattanooga, TN 37415)
Providence Thrift Store (6933 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37421)
Hunts Thrift (1301 Hickory Valley Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421)
Ugly Duck Vintage (163 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405)
Poor Taste (61 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408)
Uptown Cheapskate Hixson (5450 TN-153 suite 108, Hixson, TN 37343)
