A Striking Guide for Where and How to Shop Second Hand

Written By Strike Magazine

At Strike, we’re convinced sustainability is the trend to watch this season. For our favorite brands, this means not only producing more sustainable-made clothing lines, but also shifting their business models to propel their brands toward a more environmentally-friendly future. After all, fast fashion is an industry leader in fossil fuel emissions and water waste. The time to fight fast fashion is here and now, with companies like retail giants Target and H&M setting monumental supply-chain goals, like striving to derive only 100% sustainably-sourced cotton and recycled materials within the next decade.

While these moves are essential for inspiring change on a corporate level, we believe sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it's a lifestyle. That’s why we’re loving #UNLITTER’s mission to inspire everyone to reflect on how their actions not only affect themselves, but also the greater community and environment around them. From UF to international non-profit, #UNLITTER always stays true to this mission of living a more mindful, empathetic and conscious lifestyle. With the #UNLITTER way-of-life in mind, we like to rely on the tried-and-true method of shopping without the unnecessary environmental degradation, of course! This season, we’re shopping second-hand. Strike is on the hunt for sustainable, yet fashion-forward clothing stores, like Gainesville staple, Urban Thread Project, that make finding affordable, eco-friendly clothing easier than ever. Navigating the world of second-hand fashion, whether it be online or in person, can be as wonderful as it is overwhelming. However, with a game plan and patience, working to #UNLITTER your wardrobe can be cost-effective, sustainable and a serious game changer for your closet. See below for our top tips on how to shop this season’s styles the Strike x #UNLITTER x Urban Thread Project way:

Image Courtesy: @soapas.closet in Urban Thread Project

1. Go in with a plan.

Arguably the most important part of second-hand shopping is knowing what you are looking for. Having an idea of which staples are missing from your wardrobe is essential in aiding your search through crowded racks at your local thrift store. Whether you are inspired by one of @bestdressed thrift-flip YouTube videos or see a pair of to-die-for heels on the @strikemagazineuf Instagram, using keywords in your online searches will shorten your shopping time and help avoid aimlessly searching through the second-hand void. The more specific you can get with search words, the better! Think “cropped cardigan,” “sweat shorts,” “90s heels” or “sweater vests.” By developing a repertoire of go-to vintage looks (we suggest the handy Pinterest board), you’ll know exactly what to look for when scanning the shelves.

2. Start your search on Depop. 

Depop is perfect for finding that exceptional funky find that’ll have a home in your dresser for decades. Furthermore, starting on this website can help narrow down the specific names of brands and styles you’re pining for. First, get down to the nitty-gritty and clarify the specifics: brand, color and style. Then, start your search. Depop sellers have become online personalities in themselves, with curated selections of unique style swiped from their local thrift and charity stores. We’ll always find immaculate thrifting inspiration by swiping through Depop legends @zigzaggoods, @electricheartz and @cloina. If you happen to find a gem selling a fair price, grab it before it’s gone! While your thrifting journey may begin with Depop, be sure to continue your search with supplementary online shops like Poshmark, Etsy and Ebay. By turning to these second-hand resources, you're not only personally supporting individual sellers and business, but also back buying pre-loved items while living a low-waste lifestyle. Moreover, you’re investing in quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that will last years. 

3. Ask the real questions.

It is important to message sellers and ask detailed questions to ensure you are getting what you are specifically looking for. We suggest measuring shirts or pants you already own and love to ensure you’ll find the best fit. Furthermore, be mindful of the materials and source of the item—finding a buttery, 100% silk blouse may be worth the splurge if it will last you years! As far as negotiating goes, there are a few guidelines we like to follow. If the item fits you and your budget, be sure to buy it before someone else during the negotiating period. However, if the item is expensive, offer a price lower than what you would pay, that way you meet at a place where both buyer and seller are comfortable. Being polite and reasonable can take you far in retail—and life. Before you click checkout, be sure to also consider future shipping costs and taxes that might be placed on the item. While this may not apply the same to in-person stores, some vintage stores and markets are willing to negotiate prices or barter—it never hurts to ask!

4. Remember, it’s a process.

At this stage in your #UNLITTER journey, it’s important to realize shopping second-hand takes diligence. In an online setting, this looks like conducting research and browsing multiple sites in order to achieve the most bang for your buck—especially with pre-owned luxury items. Apps like Poshmark and Mercari are similar to Depop, but they tend to attract sellers who are trying to clean out their closets. For example, the same Y2K heels being sold on Depop for $100 are also often sold on Poshmark by someone’s cool mom for $20. Ebay and Etsy are also great for snagging vintage and designer clothes, while Grailed is there for all your streetwear needs. For students here in Gainesville, Urban Thread Project is a perfect place to extend your search with easy-to-navigate racks organized by color and style. However, if you live too far to give the store a visit, Urban Thread Project’s Etsy Page is stocked with similar items at an affordable price. Making the move to #UNLITTER your closet by consciously shopping second-hand will require time and patience. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the infinite realm of pre-loved items, we suggest viewing this process as exactly that—a process. You’ll get better at keeping your eyes peeled for the best vintage finds with time and practice. We suggest incorporating this eco-friendly mindset into your daily routine, by visiting local vintage markets, pop-ups or that quirky thrift store you’ve been meaning to visit.

5. Our go-to brands.

It can be overwhelming and time consuming to establish a go-to list of independent online stores and local thrift stores to visit when you have to get your hands on the latest trends. Luckily, local thrift stores and second-hand retailers have our backs. As for the online shopper and social media extraordinaires, second-hand stores are growing in popularity on Instagram, which makes shopping as easy as swiping through your feed. Here are some resources the planet, your wallet and closet will surely thank you for browsing:

 

Now that you have an #UNLITTER approved plan, patience and places to go, you’re ready to begin your second-hand search. With this guide, post-shopping guilt and fast-fashion pieces will become a thing of the past. Instead, your new, unique and spunky clothes will be serving environmental fierceness in the present and future. This future is made possible with thrifted and upcycled clothes, so be sure to use these tips and explore the striking world of second-hand stores.

Strike Out,

Writers: Kara Kennedy and Hallie Wright

Gainesville

Strike Magazine
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