Items I Would Never Thrift

Thrifting is a wonderful way to find unique clothing, save money, and promote sustainable fashion. I am someone who LOVES thrifting. I even created a whole brand behind it. However, there are some items that I would never consider buying secondhand. Here’s a list of things I steer clear of when thrifting, along with my reasons for doing so.

Undergarments

First and foremost, undergarments top the list of items I would never thrift. These include bras, panties, socks, and any other intimate apparel. The primary reason is hygiene. Undergarments are in constant contact with the skin and can harbor bacteria, even after washing. For the sake of personal hygiene and comfort, I prefer to purchase these items new.

Swimsuits

Much like undergarments, swimsuits are another category I avoid when thrifting. They also have direct contact with the skin and tend to retain moisture, making them potentially unsanitary if previously worn. Additionally, swimsuits can lose elasticity and color over time, so buying new ensures both hygiene and longevity.

Hats

Hats might seem like a less obvious choice to avoid, but I steer clear of them due to concerns about cleanliness. Hats can harbor sweat, oils, and even lice. Since they come in close contact with hair and skin, I find it best to buy hats new to ensure they are clean and free from any potential infestations.

Bath Towels

Bath towels are another item I would never thrift. They are designed to absorb water and are often used in intimate areas of the body. Even a thorough washing may not remove all bacteria or odors. For peace of mind, I opt for new towels that guarantee a fresh start and maximum absorbency. If I do ever thrift bath towels it’s to cut them up for cleaning rags, but even doing that is super rare for me.

Anything from SHEIN

While SHEIN offers trendy fashion at an affordable price, I avoid thrifting their items for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the brand is known for its fast fashion model, which often results in lower quality garments. Secondly, since their items are generally inexpensive to begin with, buying them secondhand doesn’t offer a significant price advantage. Instead, I focus on thrifting higher quality, durable pieces that promise longevity.

Conclusion

Thrifting is a fantastic way to embrace sustainable fashion and discover hidden gems, but there are certain items I prefer to purchase new. Undergarments, swimsuits, hats, bath towels, and anything from SHEIN are some examples. By making informed choices, I can enjoy the benefits of thrifting while maintaining personal hygiene and ensuring quality. Are there any items you refuse to thrift?