Thrifting, Perfect for College Students

By Sydney Bennett

“Thrifting” is not a universal term that everyone quickly identifies with. So, you may be wondering what exactly it is. Well, it’s actually like a treasure hunt and shopping experience rolled into one. It is thrift store shopping and in my opinion a good choice for people of all ages to try, especially college students. I started really getting into thrift stores around the time I started college, but I was always exposed to the idea. Now, this is not the only type of shopping that I do, but it is so rewarding! I often find great deals and I was even more inspired when my roommate tried a few of the thrift stores I go to, over winter break. She was able to find many great deals. So, let’s start with a few tips and reasons why I like thrifting!

1. It is so rewarding! Okay, so maybe you’re the type of person that doesn’t think searching through racks of clothes is fun at all. Maybe this sounds like a type of punishment to you. But, trust me, when you are able to search through racks and you actually find items for under $10 or at least 75% off the original price, you’ll feel like you struck a pot of gold!

2. You can find quality and professional clothing. There is a myth about thrift stores and second hand stores that they don’t have quality clothing. That is so false! I have found everything from DKNY, Prada, and 7 for all Mankind Jeans in thrift stores. One of my most recent purchases was a vintage hat from the original Marshall Field’s store.

3. Unique items are everywhere in thrift stores. It’s often hard to find two of the same clothing items in a thrift store. You can leave knowing that the special outfit you are getting for your major event, no one will have. Because a lot of the items in thrift stores are vintage, you will have a chance to showcase a “recycled style” that is just like new for our generation.

4. Know what neighborhoods you are in! This will be able to give you an idea on what the quality of the clothing will be. Google thrift stores all over and give them all a try because you never know what you will find. But be aware that the people that make up the location make all the difference.

5. A lot of thrift stores have discount days or special markdown days, look for them!

6. See what you can sell. One of the other greatest parts about most thrift stores is that you have the opportunity to sell your own quality clothing items. You may not always be able to sell, but it’s a great way to make extra money or get store credit!

As college students, we may not have that much extra money to shop, but you can do a lot with a little in thrift stores. So, what are you waiting for? Give thrifting a shot and let me know your success!

Sydney Bennett is a junior from Chicago, Illinois. She is a Mass Communications major with minors in both Sociology and Art & Design. She is President of Ambassador's for Christ(AFC) and a member of their Gospel choir at Saint Xavier.