Thrifted and Thriving: How Gen Z Flipped the Script on Fashion
Growing up, there was such a stigma around thrifting and what it meant if you did. I remember how people used to look down on those who thrifted, assuming it was only because they could not afford new things. Shopping secondhand was seen as something to hide, not celebrate. But as I got older, I began to notice a shift in the culture. Thrifting stopped being something you were embarrassed to do and became something you proudly post about.
Gen Z has taken thrifting to an entirely new level. Social media is filled with thrift hauls, “get ready with me” videos featuring secondhand outfits, and pages dedicated solely to vintage finds. The thrill of hunting for unique pieces and the chance to uncover a diamond in the rough has become its own kind of serotonin. What once felt outdated now feels exclusive. A thrifted jacket or pair of jeans carries personality, history, and the story of the person who wore it before you. It is fashion with depth.
Beyond the aesthetic, this cultural shift has real environmental meaning. The clothing industry is one of the most oversaturated markets in the world, with millions of garments produced and discarded every day. Fast fashion brands produce styles meant to be worn once and replaced, which creates massive waste and pollution. Thrifting challenges that system by extending the life of what already exists. Every secondhand purchase keeps fabric out of landfills and reduces the demand for new production, which also lowers carbon emissions and textile waste.
Gen Z has also used its voice to call out the darker side of fast fashion. Many young people have become aware of the exploitation of workers, the environmental destruction, and the culture of overconsumption that fast fashion promotes. Through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, creators are not only styling thrifted pieces but also spreading awareness about ethical consumerism and the importance of reusing what we have. Thrifting has become a form of activism, a simple way to align personal style with personal values.
What started as a necessity for some has evolved into a movement for many. Thrifting represents creativity, individuality, and mindfulness. It is a way to express yourself without feeding into the cycle of waste. For many Gen Z, sustainability is not just a trend. It is a lifestyle built on intention, hopefulness, and the belief that one person’s old can become someone else’s new favorite.
By Johanna Hong
