Fashion Thrifting: an Anti-Monotony Solution in the Era of Fast Fashion

Amidst the massive and environmentally damaging fast fashion trend, thrifting is now becoming an increasingly popular solution, especially among the younger generation in Jakarta. Thrifting, the act of buying secondhand items such as clothing and accessories that are still in good condition, not only provides different and unique fashion choices but also has a positive impact on environmental sustainability.

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Fast fashion is recognized as one of the world’s most polluting industries, accounting for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of industrial water usage. The production process of fast fashion accelerates the consumption of disposable goods, which ultimately become textile waste and microplastics that pollute the oceans. Furthermore, the synthetic materials used in fast fashion come from plastics that are difficult to break down naturally, exacerbating the global environmental crisis.

As a sustainable alternative, thrifting helps reduce textile waste by giving secondhand clothing a second chance. This trend also offers a variety of styles, as each item has its own unique character and story. Vintage styles from the 80s and 90s are back in vogue, allowing for creative expression in fashion.

Source: Kompas.com

In Jakarta, there are a number of popular thrift spots that are often visited by lovers of sustainable fashion. Here are some recommendations for the best thrift spots.

• Pasar Senen: this legendary market is the largest secondhand goods center in Jakarta, offering a wide selection of branded and non-branded clothing at affordable prices.
• Pasar Baru: in addition to clothing, this market also offers vintage cameras and accessories, perfect for those who love unique items.
• Blok M Square: this place is known for its vintage atmosphere and diverse collection, ranging from clothes to cassettes and vinyl records.
• Kebayoran Lama Market and Taman Puring: perfect for those looking for quality shoes and secondhand items at competitive prices.
• Jembatan Item (Jatinegara Flea Market): this place offers a variety of secondhand items ranging from clothing and electronics to antiques.

In addition to physical locations, digital thrifting is also growing in popularity with the emergence of apps and online platforms that make it easier for people to find and sell used clothing. Some of these include:

• Carousell: the largest online marketplace in Southeast Asia, offering a variety of preloved items with a direct price negotiation feature;
• OLX: a long-standing platform that provides a thrifting category with a wide selection of used clothing, from casual to vintage; and
• Preloved.co.id: a community for buying and selling vintage and preloved clothing that supports sustainable fashion in Indonesia.

With the growing popularity of thrifting, young people in Jakarta can not only look stylish without breaking the bank but also contribute to environmental conservation. This trend serves as an anti-monotony solution in the era of fast fashion while also being an environmentally conscious movement that supports sustainability. (SNS/SYN)