Make way for cottagecore, coastalgrandmother and barbiecore, there’s a new trend making the rounds on social media right now, and it’s called thriftcore. Not only since the pandemic did social media bring about a new aesthetic and contribute to the democratization of fashion.
Thriftcore fashion, or thrift-store chic, refers to consumers who buy second-hand clothing from thrift stores like the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Goodwill, Humana, or others. They may choose clothing from a specific decade, such as bell bottoms, concert tees, or vintage items, or they may choose a specific style, such as dark clothing, oversized items, plaid, or other patterns.
According to research by sustainable accessories brand Wave, “thriftcore” is an emerging trend that will catch on in 2023, with over 167,000 TikTok views for the hashtag #thriftcore already.
The British brand also found that searches for terms like ‘charity shops’, ‘green living’ and ‘how to make an offer on Depop’ increased – by 200, 250 and a whopping 500 percent, respectively. For Wave, this means that “Brits are transitioning to a more sustainable way of shopping”.
Global Trend Thriftcore meets the requirement of the time
The same trend can be seen in Europe and the US, with younger generations leading the way. Thriftcore and thrift-buying meet the desire to limit fashion’s impact on the environment while maintaining a diverse and affordable wardrobe. Given the current energy crisis and rising cost of living, this trend will continue to increase.
Reason enough for brands and retailers like Karen Millen, Asos, Browns, French Connection, Farfetch and others to partner with thrift and resale platforms like Thrift+ and Depop. Designer second-hand fashion, offered by platforms such as Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal, is also well received.
“One advantage of charity shopping is that you can think outside the box. Thrifts Shops stock a wide variety of fabrics, from jeans and plaid dresses to bedspreads and curtains. When planning your visit, use your upcycling skills and consider how you can use these fabrics to create stylish one-offs and become your own trendsetter,” advises Wave.