Vintage Versatility

Vintage clothing is unique and timeless; it has a story and a history. It’s a way to literally wear the past. Another amazing aspect to vintage clothing is that it’s one of the most sustainable ways to get new clothes, because the clothes aren’t new at all.

When shoppers buy vintage clothing, they aren’t giving money to companies that make mass-produced clothing, which will only contribute to the estimated 10.5 million tons of clothing that ends up in landfills each year, according to The Atlantic. Instead, they’re taking something that could’ve ended up in the garbage and giving it a new life. It can be easy to be overwhelmed by trying to find eco-friendly fashion brands that produce clothing using low-energy methods and textiles. One way to lessen your consumer conscience is to just head to a vintage store or thrift shop instead. In fact, not only is it an alternative to buying from sustainable brands like Patagonia or Eileen Fisher, it’s actually arguably superior to those brands because it doesn’t require that any new clothing be produced.

Buying vintage clothing is a way to bring recycling into fashion. Re-using as many of your daily items as possible is one of the best ways to be sustainable and live a low-impact life, and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t extend to fashion. Thrift stores are also usually much easier on the wallet than any eco-friendly fashion brands, so not only are you saving the world but you’re saving your paycheck.

Vintage fashion is superior to fast fashion in more ways than just sustainability. If you make an effort to try to buy as many vintage items as possible, you’ll never find yourself wearing the exact same sweater as the girl sitting next to you in class. You’ll have an eclectic closet, filled with pieces from different eras and locations. You’ll realize that your clothing has a past that extends way back before you were born, and if you donate your clothes to vintage stores, you’ll be giving them a future that will stretch beyond you.

So, the next time you go into Evanston for a pick-me-up shopping spree, head to Crossroads Trading Co. or Threads Boutique. Or, if you want to splurge on some unique designer finds from the 40s, head into downtown Chicago and check out Store B Vintage. You can even vintage shop from the comfort of your dorm room bed on websites like https://www.adoredvintage.com/ or https://www.beyondretro.com/.

When you buy from these stores you’ll be dressed like a true individual; not just one with a good sense of style, but also one who cares about doing everything possible to minimize their own negative impact on the environment. So, the next time you go shopping, instead of buying pieces that are fast-fashion, buy pieces that are timeless.