Over the past few years, a clothing trend has been taking shape, swinging students’ wardrobes from traditional retail store purchases to unconventional items found at second hand stores. Students are trading their name brand clothes for time-distressed, retro and original pieces that reflect their own personal style.

For some, the idea of buying used clothes may seem undesirable. But with a few tips and tricks from student experts, anyone can successfully and affordably expand their wardrobe by thrifting.  

According to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops (NARTS), the resale industry is growing by approximately seven percent every year. NARTS explains the growth may have to do with Americans becoming more aware of the need to reduce waste by recycling clothes and other goods. Students explain that there are several reasons to convert to shopping at second hand stores, from finding one-of-a-kind items to saving money.

Junior Anna Krusinski identifies herself as an avid thrift shopper. She explained, “I shop at second hand stores probably once a week; I don’t go to regular stores anymore except for when I need essential things like shoes or coats.”

Krusinski enjoys spending her free time shopping at Goodwill. The non-profit chain is a popular choice of many because of the low prices and wide variety of items from clothing to decor.

Walking into large, often unorganized resale stores may seem intimidating at first, but senior Chad Bardwell explained the tendency that many students have when thrifting.

“When I first went [thrift shopping] I was like okay I’m not gonna find anything I like but as I kept going more and more, then I started finding more and more stuff,” Bardwell said.

Another tip mentioned by regular thrifters is to spend a lot of time looking through all of the sections. Unlike retail stores, clothing items are unique and are hard to organize. At least 5,000 clothing items are put out for sale daily at Savers alone, as stated in the Making Lemonade blog. Therefore, making the switch to the resale industry will take time and effort to find the best clothing.

Junior Phoebe Lesk also enjoys exploring new places to thrift shop.

“I like to thrift at Goodwill, and if you’re looking for, like, higher class, there’s a place called Buffalo Exchange in Minneapolis that’s good,” Lesk said.

There are hundreds of resale stores in Minnesota alone, such as Junket: Tossed & Found, Assistance League Thrift Shop, and Little Bird on Grand, stores which are all conveniently locate

To many, the idea of thrifting may seem overwhelming, but with a little practice, one may discover a new favorite hobby.