Thrifting is trendy, practical and it’s my new personality. Growing up as a YouTube generation kid, I watched in awe as popular American YouTubers shared their latest thrift hauls. Meanwhile, campaigns enticing would-be holiday makers to Japan would recommend visiting the famed Shimokitazawa neighbourhood – known for its vintage stores and second-hand clothing shops – alongside the more expected tourist hotspots like temples, shrines and national gardens.
Over the years, I’ve found that pop culture has completely redefined the notion of thrifting. What was once considered taboo is now part of the new generation’s lifestyle and identity. Thrift culture has taken root in Singapore and there’s so much to love about it. In this article, I’ll share how thrift culture can help everyone thrive.
What is thrifting?
Thrifting is the act of buying used items, from clothing to homeware, electrical appliances and so on. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed more and more second-hand thrift stores selling clothes popping up across Singapore. The Covid-19 pandemic might have something to do with it.
As communities around the world were forced to stay at home, many individuals started decluttering their home and discarding unwanted items and clothes. Many traditional thrift shops are slowly being replaced by new iterations run by youths in their 20s.
3 cool reasons why everyone should embrace thrift culture
While younger people are paving the way for the rise of thrift culture today, I think that everyone – no matter your age – should embrace thrifting, too.
Here are three cool ways you can thrive from thrifting.
#1 You get to make a unique style statement.
"Fashionable” is not an adjective commonly used to describe Singaporeans. Known for our “lup sup" (Cantonese for “laidback") fashion sense, our fashion staples include army admin shirts, FBT shorts and flip flops. However, times have changed and young people in particular are coming out loud and bold, donning clothes that exude confidence – including what they’ve scored at thrift stores. Thrift hauls and outfit-of-the-day social media posts featuring second-hand finds are popular and encourage people to explore thrifting as a viable and exciting fashion choice.
Thrifting is a great way to make a fashion statement. I do quite a bit of thrifting myself, and one of my prized possessions is a Bottega Veneta bag that’s been discontinued. The brand is known for its weaving technique that’s so iconic and this bag is one of my go-to fashion pieces when I need to spice up my outfit.
#2 It’s a smart financial strategy.
Some might say I’m in my budget Barbie era, something first-jobbers can probably relate to. Having started working just a few years ago, we may face economic challenges such as rising living costs and student loans, however thrifting offers a way to stay fashionable without breaking the bank.
For example, purchasing just a few sets of brand-new working clothes could easily set me back by a hundred dollars, but by purchasing second-hand clothing, I can get them at a fraction of that price if not almost free, and allocate my budget more effectively. This allows me to save money and use it for other essential expenses or experiences. The flexibility in budgeting that thrifting offers has taught me to take a more mindful and intentional approach to spending. For young people especially, this can help lay the foundation for good financial habits.
Thrifting can also turn shopping into a treasure hunt, where finding unique and valuable items brings a sense of accomplishment. This instils a sense of value and appreciation for the items you purchase. I don’t know about you, but when I find an item that I’ve been hunting for the longest time, it’s like finding a grain of rice in a pile of sand. I’d need a very good reason before replacing it.
#3 It’s the environmentally responsible thing to do.
Thrifting helps to reduce waste and carbon footprint by giving clothes a second life instead of discarding them. This minimises the demand for new clothing production, which often involves significant water usage, chemical treatments and carbon emissions. By opting for second-hand items, I am directly reducing the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.
With the fashion industry being one of the largest polluters in the world, and fast fashion contributing to excessive waste and environmental degradation, thrifting solves a big social problem by promoting the reuse and recycling of garments, effectively decreasing the need for new resources. I find joy in taking small steps towards minimising waste by diving into thrifting and really thinking about what I buy. It's my way of making a personal impact on reducing our carbon footprint.
Furthermore, thrifting encourages a circular economy where items are continuously reused and repurposed. This reduces the strain on natural resources and promotes more sustainable consumption patterns. By embracing thrift culture, everyone can play a significant role in protecting the environment and fostering a more sustainable tomorrow where future generations can thrive.
Make thrifting and sustainability a lifestyle
Incorporating thrifting into my lifestyle has allowed me to balance my desire for trendy, unique fashion with the need to manage my finances wisely. Thrifting is not just a trend but a lifestyle choice that reflects a commitment to creating a better, more conscientious future. By being budget-conscious and resourceful, I can look stylish while also ensuring financial stability and doing my part as a responsible citizen of the world. It’s an all-round win.
As a young Singaporean, it’s heartening to see that my peers are conscious consumers who are leading the way for responsible consumption, not just by embracing the thrifting culture but also by being more conscious in our choices across the board. Whether it's shopping for a wardrobe, accentuating the home or planning for retirement, it’s always nice to know that there are sustainable options.
Sustainability is not just about what you consume, but also about the brands you support. By choosing brands that prioritise sustainability, you contribute to making the world a better place.
For example, Singlife is dedicated to sustainability and committed to reducing its carbon footprint for a greener future. Besides offering financial solutions for protection and growth that give you better control of your financial future, the company has invested S$670 million into sustainable assets1, introduced innovative products to safeguard consumers from sustainability-related risks, gives back to the community through a variety of initiatives, and achieved a 93% customer adoption rate for digital policy documents2.
If you would like to find out more about Singlife products, feel free to speak to one of our financial adviser representatives.
Notes
1. As of FY2023
2. As of FY2023
