The Thrift-fluencer Takeover
- Student Merchandising Association UGA
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
There is no secret that prices across the United States have risen significantly. With the surge of living costs, the prevalence of micro-trends, and a growing push for self-efficiency, many people are turning to social media to build a following that could provide a stable income and career.
As the prices of goods increase, so does the price of clothes. With this, people are turning to thrifting for more affordable options to keep up with trends, remain stylish, and hopefully contribute to reducing their ecological footprint. According to GEODIS, second hand markets for resale items have tripled since 2020, gaining between $100 to $120 billion globally.
However, the rise of thrifting influencers is reshaping our perception of second hand shopping. The term “thrift influencers” refers to creators who share vlogs of their vintage clothes, thrift finds, and cheap name-brand items. While these influencers are promoting second hand shopping, they are also contributing to a greater ecological harm than anticipated, which undermines the goal of thrifting—sustainability.
Frequently, many creators share videos of thrift clothes that include over 10 items per clothing haul a week. This form of overconsumption is presented to their audience in a way that encourages fast, impulsive shopping. This not only gives little thought to the long term impact but frames overconsumption as something positive. There needs to be intentionality behind the approach that does not subconsciously promote unhealthy habits. Thrifting is not about gratification but is a form of sustainability to protect our environment.
So, a question needs to be posed: Do you think you can sew?
If not, you need to.
There is a growing interest in upcycling clothes which involves sewing and transforming basic garments into pieces that align with individual taste. Videos from influencers such as rachsspeed and christyhungg are providing key tips on how to sew for beginners and repurpose old items. Everyday people should embrace the idea of learning basic sewing skills that can result in saving money.
Upcycling is transforming unwanted clothes into something innovative through sewing, cutting, and fashionable technical skills. Essentially, it revamps our clothes into something new and exciting–almost like changing fringe bangs into micro. Yes, the idea of sewing can be intimidating. Hell, it can be overwhelming. But, imagine the endless possibilities that can be created from clothes right in your closet. Better yet, you fix that hole in your pants without paying someone $30 to fix it for you.
The process of transforming older pieces into fresh designs is essential to minimizing waste and preventing a reliance on fast fashion from corporations like SHEIN, H&M, and Fashion Nova. As a society, we have become heavily reliant on shopping and less on gaining technical skills.
This creative practice empowers consumers to express their unique style while simultaneously reducing the urge to excessively shop. By thoughtful participation in upcycling, we can shift the focus away from instant gratification and towards a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle.
By: Clarice Henry
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