When it comes to your wardrobe, you probably have a few vintage pieces and even some hand-me-downs, but how often do you go second-hand shopping? Well, we’re here to suggest that you check out what your local second-hand shops and thrift stores have to offer your closet.

There’s nothing second-rate about great deals and helping the environment. Whether you’re already a second-hand queen or you only shop at the mall, you may need some reasons to make a trip later this week or later today. Here are seven reasons to shop second-hand before hitting up traditional boutiques and stores.

Reasons Why Second-Hand Should be Your First Choice

One-of-a-Kind Pieces

While the clothing you find at the local secondhand shop or thrift store may not actually be one-of-a-kind, you can pretty much guarantee that you won’t run into Stacy from down the street wearing the same dress as you. Because thrift stores have clothes that people hang onto for just a bit too long, they’re often quite unique.’

You can even find some great grandmother D-I-Y sweaters with sequin and beadwork that will sparkle in the light and light up your day. These one-of-a-kind sweaters and embellished jeans can make a real statement or an excellent, authentic Halloween costume.

I’ve gotten more compliments on my secondhand statement pieces that I have on some of the expensive limited edition designs I’ve taken home from boutiques.

The Hunt for Clothes is Fun

If you’ve never shopped second-hand you must! It’s a blast. There’s nothing more thrilling than pushing hangers across the racks to find the perfect top for Friday night out with the girls or some great high-waisted stone washed jeans to wear bowling. And you never know what will turn up, so it always feels like an adventure. I always check out the men’s section to find some great boyfriend-cut jeans or a loose men’s button-up.

You can also find some of the wackiest, weirdest, more exciting vintage prints at thrift stores. You’ll find patterns that instantly transport you to the 80s or the early 90s.

Saves the Environment

One of the best reasons you should shop secondhand is to reduce waste. While we love beautiful clothes, they can take a toll on our Earth. Many may not realize it, but the fashion industry is a leader in water pollution. By reselling and purchasing vintage clothes, you can minimize your impact as a fashionista. If one in ten Americans shopping resale, it would save almost 100 billion gallons of water annually and keep 95 million pounds of clothes out of landfills.

Thrift Stores Often Support Amazing Causes

Nothing beats looking great and feeling good. And your chances of feeling good about your spending increase when your money goes to a worthy cause. Most thrift shops are connected to wonderful charities that provide clothing, food, and jobs to people in need. You can learn a lot just by stopping into a local thrift store and asking what non-profit they’re associated with. By shopping at a charity shop, you may reduce illiteracy, provide a family with dinner, or provide a needy person with a coat in the winter.

It’ll Save You Some Cash

This one may seem pretty obvious, but it’s worth pointing out that second-hand saves you money. And I’m not just talking about money on a shirt here and there, thrift stores often have some great designer finds. You may even find some looks from one of the 10 revolutionary fashion designers.

I find some of my favorite designer labels by checking the second-hand shops in the wealthier parts of town. I’ve gotten vintage Dooney and Bourke bags, Dolce and Gabbana dress, even Zac Posen gowns–all for under ten dollars each! Did my friends know how much I paid? No way, but I can tell you the compliments were worth 10 times what I spent.

Vintage, Vintage, Vintage

I love vintage. There’s nothing better than a rare vintage find. Finding a vintage pair of Levis makes my week, if not my month. I love how I can find the perfect 501s already broken in. I even think it’s a bonus when the previous owner’s wallet has made its mark on the back pocket. I get this great feeling that my jeans have a mysterious history of their own. It’s a truly unparalleled experience.

Also, don’t you just love the real thing a bit more than a remake? Being able to find original vintage clothes will change your shopping philosophy forever.

You can Turn Your Passion for Clothes into a Business.

As second-hand shopping becomes more popular, you can use this trend to your advantage by curating and selling your amazing finds or the clothes you no longer wear. Everyone shops online for great vintage pieces. If you want to start a small shop without the burden of a storefront, try selling online. Just register a quirky domain name, take great photos of your clothes, and sell away!

Don’t let your passion consume your budget, when you’re looking for a great outfit for your next party, stop by the vintage shop and see what you can find. You will surely be the talk of the night if you can score the next best designer deal or the perfect vintage dress. When it comes to your first stop, make second-hand your first option. Bring some friends and have fun trying on grannie’s applique cat sweater.