By Leyda Chavez, Scarlett Anderson, Katie Crouch

Shopping second hand isn’t just smart, it’s stylish. Thousands of people around the world are shifting towards thrifting or the act of going to thrift stores. Yes, the popularity has given this action its own verb, thrifting. 

Thrifting isn’t necessarily a new idea though. Resale, donation, vintage, and antique stores have been around for decades. 

Ragstock, one of many thrift stores, has such a wide variety of styles for everyone. 

“I think vintage is something that is kinda timeless and there’s always something you can find in a thrift store that you’re not gonna find in most other places,” Ragstock, Store Manager, Lennon Martin said. “I think that is what keeps bringing people back is the uniqueness.”

Finding vintage items brings back memories from the past. Many pick up this hobby at a young age. Whether it’s from their relatives, loved ones or even people they look up to. 

Madison Whitehorn, a well known customer at Ragstock, has been shopping there for quite some time. Always finding new items to add to her style.

“They have a very good blend of you know the vintage clothing and they also have newer more modern clothing so I can kinda mix my style.” Whitehorn said. 

The hunt for new vintage stuff can be difficult at times but when it’s not, it can be rewarding.

“There’s a good collection for all types of quality and stuff and maybe that’s going down to Goodwill or like Ragstock, there’s a lot of options here.” Darby, an IU Bloomington student, said. 

New styles come from searching in many local thrift stores. Looking at all the vintage clothing trying to create an outfit no one else will have. 

At the Bloomington Antique Mall, Minette Wenzel, a clerk and booth owner of vintage clothing recognized the spark towards the thrifting environment. 

“I feel like people are really into taking pictures on the square and they really want that unique look and I feel like that’s why thrifting gives you that one of a kind style, and outfit that no one else can have if you curated it yourself.” Wenzel said.

In the world of thrifting, it’s seen as a place to wander around and experiment with different styles at a convenient price. Exploring the vintage aspect brings nostalgia to all old trends and history inside each and every piece of clothing. 

“Pulling something together from all generations and every piece had a story. I think that’s really what people look for especially in the Bloomington area being such a spunky urban area and  always up with the trends.“ Wenzel said.