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Publish Date: April 11, 2022

Thrifting Trends You’ll Want to Try

Thrifting has become very popular recently. In part, this is due to influencers sharing their thrifting hauls and clever ideas online. Through the power of social media, these creative concepts have become full-fledged thrifting trends! 

Now, you’re probably wondering - what are the most popular thrifting trends out there right now? Look no further. We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the top thrifting trends that you’re sure to want to try.

Top 6 Thrifting Trends to Try

Check out these latest thrifting trends and try them for yourself!

80s, 90s and Y2K Fashion

Young people wear bright tracksuits from Goodwill in latest thrifting trends
Thrifting Trends You’ll Want to Try 5

Thanks to online influencers showing off their trendy 80s, 90s, and Y2K style online, fashion from the past is back! If you’re anything like us, you’ve lived through the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s once before. But, like most things, these eras have come back full circle. Now, we get to relive the fashion of our youth once again.

Ready for some nostalgia? If you want to keep up with the latest thrifting trends, head to one of your local Goodwill thrift store locations and keep a lookout for these trendy fashion items:

  • Colourful tracksuits
  • Denim (think - denim on denim)
  • Beaded jewelry
  • Bucket hats
  • Low rise jeans
  • Sneakers, and more

Thrifting As An Activity

Another popular thrifting trend - thrifting as an activity. What do we mean by “thrifting as an activity”? Well, what we’re referring to is integrating thrift shopping into other types of outings.  For example, a day out with friends or a date day. You’ll see this trend all over social media, with younger generations dreaming up new thrifting activities all the time.

Want to get on board? Here are some thrifting activity trends you might want to try:

Thrift Store Date Night

This is one of the most popular thrifting trends at the moment, with people of all ages heading to local thrift stores for date night.

Believe it or not, there are tons of fun and creative activities you can do at your local thrift store. For example, get to know each other by picking out items and comparing tastes.

Think you might give it a try for your next date? Check out these popular thrift store date night ideas.

Friends at Goodwill shopping for top thrifting trends
Thrifting Trends You’ll Want to Try 6

Thrift Store Birthday Party

We’re willing to bet you never thought of visiting your local thrift store as a birthday party destination. But, the internet has dubbed thrifting as a new way to spend your special day.

If you want to take part in this thrifting trend, grab a few friends and head down to your local Goodwill. Like date night thrifting, there are many different games and activities you can prepare - just let your imagination be your guide.

Need some inspiration? Here’s one of the most popular birthday party thrifting trends:

Gather your friends and add everyone’s name to a hat. Then, draw names to determine who will be buying for who. Head to your local Goodwill - where everybody will buy an outfit for their partner. Whatever the outfit is, the person must wear it for the rest of the night. Whether you head to a restaurant, bar, or even a club, you’ll be wearing what your partner bought you! Let’s hope it suits you!

DIY Thrifting Challenge

This thrifting trend is great for families and friends looking for a fun activity. First, pick partners. Then, head to your local thrift store where each person will pick out an item for their partner to use for a DIY craft. Head home and get to work on creating a masterpiece. The most interesting DIY project wins!

Treasure Hunting

Many people online have started sharing their thrift store treasure hunting adventures. As a result, searching for vintage gems, and other valuable items, at local thrift stores has become one of the most popular thrifting trends. 

From vintage furniture and art to high-end brands, you never know what you might find! Plus, the thrifting market in Canada is one of the best in the world? Top 5, in fact! In a market like this, you’re sure to find something amazing - if you know what to look for.

Here’s how you can spot a treasure at your local Goodwill. Keep an eye out for:

  • Solid wood furniture
  • Art with solid frames (e.g. solid wood)
  • Branded tags on clothing (this will tell you if you’ve found a high-end gem)
  • Branded stamps and labels on items
  • First edition and hardcover books
    • Pro Tip: Be sure to open the front cover to see if the book is signed!

For more tips to up your thrift store game, check out this article - Thrift Store Tips.

Man refurbishes shoes from Goodwill thrift store
Thrifting Trends You’ll Want to Try 7

Refurbishing Thrifted Items 

Refurbishing thrifted items is another one of those thrifting trends that you can see all over the internet. In fact, some social media influencers make a living from this eco-friendly practice.

With this trend, thrifters visit their local thrift store location to find items that they can fix up and reuse or resell. Most commonly, this is furniture. However, some influencers have been known to refurbish vintage shoes, clothing and other items.

If you decide to give this thrifting trend a try, be sure to look for quality items that are in high demand.

Online Thrifting Trends

Did you know - you can now thrift shop online? 

Many businesses have moved their products and services online in recent years, including thrift stores. And, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, online thrifting has become a huge trend. 

Online thrift shops, like Goodwill, allow thrifters to explore inventory and purchase items without ever having to leave their home. Once you’ve purchased everything you want, just head down to your local thrift store location to pick it up!

New online thrift stores have revolutionized the way people thrift - making it easier and more enjoyable than ever before.

goodwill thrift store locations edmonton
Thrifting Trends You’ll Want to Try 8

Thrifting Based on Location

The last of our thrifting trends have spread around the internet like wildfire. This popular strategy - shopping based on the thrift store location.

Many online influencers have shared the value of searching for items based on where a thrift store is located. For example, thrifters often have luck finding high-end brand names at thrift store locations in affluent neighbourhoods. On the other hand, for child-friendly products, sporting equipment and household items, a family-centric neighbourhood is the place to go.

So, whether you’re looking for a specific item, or just want to see what’s available in a certain neighbourhood, keep this trend in mind.

Try These Thrifting Trends at Your Local Goodwill

Ready to give these thrifting trends a try? Visit one of your local Goodwill thrift store locations. Our friendly staff and gently-used goods are sure to offer a great experience!

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