LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Why does it matter so much about what people wear? For some people, it’s just a piece of clothing, but for others, it means self-expression because they’re wearing a piece of art they created.

About 54% of Gen Z are wearing vintage clothes, according to GWI Blog. However, a few people disagree about what is considered “vintage.” While there is no real way to identify what is vintage, some think anything older than 20 years old is considered vintage, as explained by Laurel Crown Furniture. 

“I feel like (vintage clothes) are pretty popular, like it’s the new norm,” said Gabby Carrillo, a Los Alamitos High School student.

The style of Y2K has also resurfaced with Gen Z. The cheetah print, low-rise flare jeans and halter tops are all items Gen Z loves. But where do these kids get the worn-down clothes? Well, it’s simple — they find them at thrift shops. 

“Thrift stores have become ravaged, and most devastatingly, overpriced. Quality items are ripped from bins in the Goodwill Outlet to be sold for an over 100% markup,” Isabella Andrew said in her article, “The Ethics of Reselling”

Of course, some people love to shop at thrift stores for their vintage style and graphic T-shirts, while others have a different approach. Some folks buy low-priced clothing from non-profit thrift stores and resell it on Poshmark, TikTok Shop and many other websites. Thrift stores have been raising their prices on used clothing due to reselling. Goodwill, from selling jeans for $10, has raised their price to $20 or more, according to Mavis Butterfield’s article “Why Is Goodwill So Expensive?”

“I think this defeats the whole purpose of thrifting if (people in need) can’t buy used clothes for affordable prices,” said another student from LAHS.

The vintage trend has not only been in the clothing industry. With Gen Z approaching the homeowner age, incorporating this vintage style into their house has become very popular. The dark brown paint with antique thrifted items are just a few things that Gen Z uses in styling their houses. 

While some people have immoral thoughts about thrifting, there are always mixed opinions about fashion. With the rhinestones, Hello Kitty, worn graphic T-shirts or low-rise jeans, people worldwide are encompassing this style, and the vintage scene does not seem to end anytime soon.