Photo by Bygones on Facebook
Virginia is doing its part in the growing popularity of sustainable fashion practices. In a world of fast fashion, two cities in Virginia are thrifting capitals—and they’re helping the environment while staying stylish.
Richmond makes the top 10 on Thriftcon Co’s list at number nine. Hampton Roads follows closely behind at number 11.
The metrics for this ranking include the number of thrift stores in an area, Google searches for thrift stores in the area, and the amount of thrift-bought clothes per household.
Thrifting recently became a trend on social media, especially for Gen-Z, as styles from the early 2000s make their way back into modern fashion. Thrifting is a more affordable way to buy clothes than at traditional retail stores.
Not only is thrifting affordable, but it also combats the environmental damage from fast fashion, as about 10% of global carbon emissions come from this industry alone.
Even traditional clothing production is harmful to the planet: Growing cotton is the second-leading user in water consumption. It takes about 10,000 liters of water to produce 1 kilo of cotton.
Then there’s the amount of landfill space fast fashion clothing takes up. Reusing clothing can help lessen these environmental effects, making thrifting a sustainable choice.
While you could just stop by your local Goodwill, local thrift stores provide a means to support small businesses and help local economies.
We’ve put together a list of local thrift, consignment, and vintage clothing stores to check out in Virginia’s two hotspot areas.
RICHMOND
Thrifts and Consignments
Photo by Ashby on Facebook
Ashby offers modern pre-loved clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. With affordable prices, they offer one of the largest collections at the lowest prices. They also provide a service where patrons can sell their clothes for either store credit or payment via PayPal.
Check out their website and Instagram.
Rumors is a thrift store that focuses more on unique pieces of clothing. While still affordable, they are slightly higher priced than others in the area—but they make up for it with their one-of-a-kind collection! With two other locations in North Carolina, the store provides the unique service of shipping recycled pieces.
Head to the shop’s website and Instagram for more information.
Circle Thrift is a unique second-hand buying experience. This thrift offers a wide range of clothing, household items, and more. This gem is located in the heart of the city near the Virginia Commonwealth University campus.
Check them out on Instagram and Facebook.
Diversity Thrift strives to provide the best and most inclusive shopping experience in the area. Diversity sells clothing, furniture, accessories, and more. The store also has great deals throughout the week, and they accept donations daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Check out their website and Facebook for updated events.
Run by The Junior League of Richmond (JLR), The Clothes Rack sells used clothing, household items, and furnishings. The store helps to fund the JLR and other community programs around the city. The Clothes Rack has been in business since 1948, providing affordable and sustainable clothing for the area.
For more information, visit their website and Instagram.
Vintage Shops
Photo by Bygones on Facebook
Bygones is a staple for all things vintage clothing in the area. Located in the heart of Carytown, Bygones has made its mark for the past 40 years as the go-to place for unique vintage pieces. Their selection includes women’s clothing from the 1870s to the 1970s, as well as men’s tuxedos and other offerings.
To learn more about this landmark, visit their website or Instagram.
Halcyon Vintage is yet another staple shop that buys and sells previously loved vintage items. Their selection ranges from everyday wearable items to special occasion pieces. Since 1983, the store’s mission has been to make old fashions new and exciting and to give clothes new life.
Visit them on their website or Instagram for more.
Founded in 2013, Blue Bones Vintage is a female-founded vintage store that sells fun and exciting pieces for all. They carry everything from everyday clothes to jewelry and household knick-knacks. Blue Bones has something for everyone.
For details, visit their website and Instagram.
HAMPTON ROADS
Thrifts and Consignments
Photo by Uptown Cheapskate on Facebook
Uptown Cheapskate is located in Virginia Beach, and their company mission is to provide eco-friendly ways to shop for clothes. They sell many everyday clothing items, along with accessories.
For more details visit their website or Instagram.
Located in Norfolk, Thrift Store USA is more like a thrift mall! This thrift has such a large location and selection that it serves everyone in the area. They sell everything from men’s, women’s, children’s, and baby clothes to glassware and household appliances. They have deals for college students, seniors, and military personnel as well.
For more details on these deals, visit their website.
Located in Newport News, Act II is a family-owned and operated boutique that sells pre-loved women’s fashion pieces. This small business boasts 5,000 square feet of recycled fashion, with new inventory every season. The store also accepts donations monthly.
For more information on donations Act II is taking this season, visit their website.
Established in 2000, Worth the Wait is a Virginia Beach staple in pre-owned luxury shopping. This consignment shop sells everything from Gucci to Chanel, including still-tagged merchandise. They hold a large collection of women’s apparel and accessories, including special occasion pieces like formal attire and wedding dresses.
To find out more check out their website.
Vintage Shops
Photo by The LOT on Instagram
The LOT is a vintage streetwear shop in Norfolk’s downtown shopping district. Showcasing a diverse collection, the store sells vintage and pre-owned sneakers, shirts, and much more. Get ready, shoe lovers—The LOT is well-known for its extensive collection of Nike’s.
To check out what they have in store, check out their Instagram.
Packed House in Norfolk has everything the vintage shopper could want. One of their most unique collections is the vintage magazines, which range from old comics from the 70s to old MAD comics. Along with their clothing and magazine collection, they also sell records and other recycled pieces.
To find out more visit their Instagram.
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