Sophomore Jeffery Lowder doesn’t shop the way most students do. While fast fashion dominates trends with cheap and mass-produced clothing, Lowder has turned to thrifting as a way to build a style that feels personal and unique to him.
Thrifting has become a popular alternative to fast fashion for many students, offering affordable clothing and a chance to try something new. Instead of buying the same trending items found in stores, students like Lowder are drawn to thrifting for its sense of individuality.
“I started thrifting probably about eighth grade,” Lowder said. “I was mostly intrigued by the unique choice of clothing that I was provided with as well as the convenient prices.”
Since then, Lowder has made thrifting a regular part of his life. “I visit local thrift stores and often discover new locations by exploring nearby areas or searching online,” Lowder said.
“I mainly go to Goodwill depending whether or not I’m in the San Antonio area,” Lowder said. “I mostly discover new places by going around. I look for different Goodwills and thrift stores by looking on Google Maps.”
With his experiences, thrifting has helped shape Lowder’s personal style and allowed him to find clothing that fits who he is.
“If I didn’t thrift, I don’t believe it would hugely affect my style, but if I hadn’t ever gone, I definitely would have lost some of the opportunities to find some of my favorite pieces,” Lowder said.
Lowder explained that when he thrifts, he focuses more on quality finds and personal preference rather than following trends.
“I typically search for quality fabric over design on a T-shirt and I will also look for name brands like True Religion,” Lowder said.
Over time, thrifting has changed how Lowder thinks about fashion and personal expression. What started as a way to find affordable clothing eventually became deeper, allowing him to explore and develop a sense of individuality with what he wears.
“Thrifting has changed my perspective on fashion in the sense that you shouldn’t stick to an aesthetic, you should wear what you feel like is you,” Lowder said.
