Sep
07

Your Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in DC

Lifestyle

Worried you’re stuck in a shopping rut? Whether you’re sick of being tied to the same old trends or looking to browse on a budget, as it turns out, thrift shopping could be the solution for you. Otherwise known as second-hand shopping, thrifting is a great way to score (or donate) high-end clothing, shoes, accessories, household items, toys, furniture, and more – at well below retail prices, might we add — all while helping to save the environment along the way.

Wondering How Second-Hand Shopping Is More Sustainable?

#1: It Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Responsible for nearly 10% of worldwide carbon emissions, the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. According to a 2017 report by the American Apparel Association, each person that buys second-hand clothing can prevent more than 500 pounds of carbon emissions every year. The bottom line? It reduces one’s water, waste, and carbon footprint by more than 80%.

#2: It Keeps Clothing Out Of Landfills: Buying second-hand clothing prevents more clothes and textiles from ending up in landfills or incinerators, which produce gases that can contribute to climate change and create smog if left uncontrolled.

#3 It Minimizes The Use Of Hazardous Substances: Cotton — the primary raw material used in the fabrication of textile and apparel worldwide — requires a large amount of water, pesticides, and fertilizers to grow. These very toxic man-made chemicals pollute groundwater and waterways. Plus, they contaminate large areas of land, having a disastrous impact on ecosystems, the health of workers, and communities.


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Already sold on the benefits of second-hand shopping? Run, don’t walk, to scope out these local thrift stores in Washington, DC at a moment’s notice.

Prime Thrift: Prime Thrift is known for its large selection and very low prices — and the proceeds go to the veterans’ charity AMVETS. Besides clothing, it offers seasonal goods, kitchen supplies, furniture, and more.

Rosario’s 3×10 Tienda: Rosario’s, which sells most of its merchandise as a three-for-$10 deal, might just be the cheapest place in the District to thrift — the store even has $1 racks to prove it! It’s smaller than other thrift shops and the selection isn’t quite as varied as some of its counterparts, but that means you can browse pretty quickly.

Current Boutique: This shop stocks second­hand women’s designer clothing, including well-known brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Diane von Furstenburg. The front of the store displays new items, so make sure you head to the back to find the discounted pre-worn merchandise.

Secondi: Secondi offers women’s designer clothing and accessories while maintaining an air of selectivity about what they choose to sell. Have a designer bag you’ve previously bought secondhand that you’re suspicious about? Secondi also offers trained authentication services that come in handy when in doubt.

Frugalista: Descend into the basement at this Mount Pleasant outpost to find a thrifty businessperson’s paradise. While the store sells everything from prom dresses to loungewear, the deals on good-quality workwear are especially sweet.

Inga’s Once Is Not Enough: Inga’s resells high-end designer labels such as Prada and Chanel. While items are discounted, expect high prices in exchange for current styles — everything sold is less than five years old.

New To You: This shop sells consigned men’s and women’s designer clothing, handbags, and other accessories. It guarantees that no item is a knockoff, so you can browse without fear!

St. Alban’s Opportunity Shop: Located in the basement of a church near American University, St. Alban’s Opportunity Shop offers an assortment of donated goods at affordable prices. The funds, managed by Workers of St. Alban’s, support families in need.

Do you have questions about the real estate market in DC? Get in touch with us today, call 202.280.2060 or email us directly at jsmira@jennsmira.com.