My teen and I argue about clothes shopping. Thrifting is something we can both agree on.
Briefly

A 15-year-old developed a stronger interest in clothes while family budget constraints limited new purchases. Online resale platforms introduced secondhand options and reflected Gen Z's growing enthusiasm for thrifting. Secondhand clothing was a normal part of past generations' wardrobes and can offer access to desirable items at lower cost. Fast-fashion items on resale markets can have lower quality and inconsistent sizing across brands, making online-only purchases risky. Inspecting items and trying them on in person helps assess fit and condition. Visiting local resale shops provided an affordable, sustainable way to support teenage self-expression without overspending.
We've been talking about wants versus needs since she was in kindergarten, but we still disagree: I tend to think most things are wants, and she's more inclined to think everything is a need. Regardless of our personal definitions, it's true that she needs clothes sometimes. While I try to take advantage of sales at her favorite mall stores, the timing doesn't always work in our favor.
When I discovered that Gen Z is actually into thrifting, I was thrilled. Still, I didn't want to let my daughter buy things without seeing them in person. The popularity of fast fashion means that the quality of the clothes being resold could be less than great. And then there's the issue of fit: sizing can be wildly different from brand to brand. Buying something with only a bad internet photo to guide you isn't the best practice, especially if you're an inexperienced shopper.
Read at Business Insider
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