Embracing Thrifting with TikTok-Style Bundles
As an eco-conscious consumer, I’ve always aspired to shop secondhand. However, I’ve often struggled with the patience and discerning eye required for successful thrifting. Hours spent combing through racks of clothing and the subsequent dilemma of incorporating thrifted finds into my wardrobe left me feeling overwhelmed.
Then, I stumbled upon a trend that piqued my interest: “style bundle” videos on TikTok. These captivating videos featured creators assembling curated thrifted assortments, catering to various aesthetics like western-inspired, boho, ’90s, granola girl, and fairy grunge. The concept of thrifted bundles offers an innovative solution, allowing consumers to outsource the search and selection of secondhand clothes to skilled stylists.
The process is simple: Provide your stylist with a Pinterest board showcasing outfits you adore, share your clothing sizes and measurements, and await a personalized selection of items aligned with your taste.
Unsurprisingly, the bundle trend on TikTok is spearheaded by Gen Z and millennial creators, many with backgrounds in sustainability and fashion. They are redefining the thrifting experience by emphasizing individualized styling, and their videos garner hundreds of thousands of views. This trend is part of the rapidly evolving used-clothing market, which has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade. According to thredUP, a fashion resale website, secondhand purchases constituted a mere 3 percent of the U.S. fashion market in 2013, a figure that grew to 9 percent in 2023 and is projected to double to 18 percent by 2033.
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With millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills annually, thrifted bundles offer a convenient, stylish, and sustainable method for sourcing secondhand clothing. The best part is that these services are often budget-friendly, with some bundles starting at just $100 for a selection of pieces. Creators like Erica Lubinic, a 25-year-old TikTok influencer, found a way to introduce thrifted bundles into her routine seamlessly. “The algorithm just started to push them out,” she explains, “And people loved them.” Lubinic, who also runs Saint Ivy Vintage, believes in setting realistic expectations with her clients due to time constraints.
For Emma Heines, 22, who worked at a low-waste store before launching her online thrifted fashion shop, 2nd Life Studio, thrifting represents a lifelong journey. She recognizes the privilege of viewing clothes as disposable and acquiring them at minimal costs. Heines promotes the idea of embracing secondhand clothing as an alternative to fast fashion or mass-produced attire, emphasizing the wealth of high-quality clothing available in thrift stores.
This trend has led to several viral videos, with creators like Esme Carpenter amassing thousands of clients eager to use her services. Carpenter’s mission centers on building a timeless closet that defies fleeting fashion trends. She envisions her curated pieces becoming cherished items passed on to future generations.
Paying someone to style me was a new experience, and it entailed entrusting my personal measurements and style preferences to another individual. When my style bundle arrived, I discovered a refreshed version of myself in the selection: some pieces closely matched the photos I had shared (red gingham pants, a sleek black maxi skirt), while others were unexpected gems that added versatility to my wardrobe (a sleeveless mock neck top, a gauzy scarf). I found myself experimenting with new styles and combinations, rekindling my sartorial creativity.
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According to the stylists I interviewed, clients seek their services for various reasons. Some wish to rejuvenate their wardrobes after style stagnation, while others may have health constraints preventing them from shopping independently. Lubinic, as a “curvy girl,” takes pride in boosting her clients’ confidence by selecting pieces that flatter their body types.
While the popularity of style bundles continues to grow, there’s still ample room for new entrants to cater to the demand. As Heines aptly puts it, “We need as many people as possible trying to save these clothes from going into our landfills.” She’s on a mission to make a sustainable and circular lifestyle accessible to all, starting with a bundle.