Last semester, I walked into Sacred Heart and thrifted a vintage red leather jacket for $12. The next week, my roommate paid $80 for a jacket online that looked almost identical—except hers came with buyer’s remorse and a dent to her debit card.
As college students, we’re warned to be financially responsible while constantly being bombarded with Instagram ads on the latest clothing trends. It’s an exhausting and unsustainable cycle. This is why thrifting has become an essential practice for me as a college student on a budget trying to maintain my personal style.
The Budget Reality
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), the average American spends over $1,800 annually on clothing. For college students balancing tuition, groceries, and rent, this is completely unrealistic. Most of us are living on ramen noodle budgets while trying to look presentable for class, presentations, and nights out with friends.
“As a college student, I like thrifting because I can find things I’ll wear that are unique, but also so affordable for good quality,” said Anya Valladares, a student at Benedictine College. “It’s perfect for the state of life we’re in.”
Finding Your Personal Style Through Thrifting
Thrifting offers a chance to create your own unique, personal style. When asked about her favorite part of thrifting, Naomi Cummings, an art major at Benedictine, said it’s “the joy of finding something totally unique, when you know no one else will have this item.”
Thrift stores are treasure troves where your closet can become a collection of pre-loved, intentionally chosen pieces that no one around you has. Some students are taking the secondhand experience even further. Gabriel Schmitz, a senior at Benedictine runs Schmitty Thrifts, a pop-up thrift store you can find throughout the semester in Holy Grounds and the Campus Activities Board Spring Market.
“Schmitty Thrifts was started from a love of thrifting itself. I wanted to put my hobby to use, make a profit and be able to provide cool pieces for people on campus,” Gabe said. “People go crazy for it. I sell out pretty much every time. College students love to thrift, and I think that’s because they can upgrade their style at a really affordable price.”
Bonus: You’re Helping the Environment!
Shopping secondhand is also sustainable. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (2023), the fashion industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions annually—more than international flights and shipping combined. The average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing each year (Environmental Protection Agency, 2023). Every piece you buy secondhand is one less item manufactured, shipped, and eventually thrown away.
Ready to Start Thrifting?
If you’re new to shopping secondhand in the area, start with Sacred Heart Variety Store here in Atchison, or Red Racks 30 minutes away in Saint Joseph. Go in with an open mind and patience—you might not find your treasure right away. Try everything on, check for damage, but don’t be afraid of a missing button. Sometimes all it takes is a little repair
The best part about thrifting? It gets easier and more rewarding each time you go. You develop an eye and learn which stores have the best selection for your personal style. College is expensive, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be. Next time you need new clothes, skip the mall and head to your local thrift store. Your closet, your wallet, and the planet will thank you.
