Clothes with a conscience

Alfiya Khan models an outfit curated by Bombay Closet Cleanse for a social media post. Pics/Shadab Khan

For far too long, wearing used clothes has been a practice born of necessity, not choice. Not anymore. Last year's lockdown saw the emergence of thrifting as a new shopping trend. Sana Khan, founder of Bombay Closet Cleanse - a thrift store she founded two years ago - believes that the growing popularity of thrifting lies not only in more people recognising the importance of mindful consumption, but also the relative affordability of the clothes. "When the government banned Chinese fast fashion retailers who were retailing entire outfits for under Rs 1,000, buyers were eager to look for alternatives. Thrifting gives them access to quality garments for the same prices they would expect to pay with these retailers, or sometimes even cheaper," she shares.

Every minor detail is examined and documented on social media

Most thrift stores collect garments from individuals clearing their wardrobes of items they no longer have use for. If the items are in a good condition, thrift store owners will assess them, price them, and host them on their websites.

The business of thrifting
Certain stores also upcycle damaged products or repurpose them, as Khan has, with her robes that are tailored from surplus fabric with minor defects. Others tie-up with export houses or designers to collect rejected items. The latter practice, says Khan, prevents these items from ending up in landfills, considering the high costs of warehouses.

"While many social media-based thrift stores are run by single individuals or a duo, at best, those who want to make this a full-time vocation are rapidly realising that curating, photographing and then selling single pieces can be a very laborious process that is difficult to sustain. Of course, this also means that the stores are no longer selling exclusively ‘thrifted' goods, as these items have not been used. A good way to understand if you are purchasing pre-owned or surplus stock is to check if the store is offering the same item in multiple sizes. Ethical owners will disclose the same as well," she suggests.

Clothes are segregated based on their uniqueness and quality by thrift store owners

A fine line
Although thrifting is born of the premise of mindful consumption, it is easy to go overboard and binge-shop thrifted items because of how budget-friendly they are. Khan says she often advises repeat customers about making impulsive purchases, and posts about the pitfalls of fast fashion on her social media account. "I try to not mark down the prices too much so that customers pause to think about their purchase," she signs off.

Thrift picks
Furrie Thrift: The store donates 50 per cent of proceeds towards feeding stray animals.
Log on to: instagram.com/furrie_thrift

Prettyy Preloved: Check out their collection of summer dresses.
Log on to: instagram.com/prettyy_preloved

All Things Preloved: We're into their on-trend bucket hats and belts.
Log on to: instagram.com/allthingspreloved

Log on to: instagram.com/bombayclosetcleanse