Wastefulness stands as a prominent crisis in today’s society, especially in regard to clothing. Important issues such as fast fashion and the destruction of clothes that could become repurposed demonstrate the unsustainable use of clothing. To combat this growing issue, apps such as Depop and Poshmark work to promote the exchange and repurposing of one’s clothes to another, no matter their location. These apps stand as better options for online clothing purchases compared to other ways. When someone no longer enjoys the clothes they possess, they can sell them on these apps, while also withholding the opportunity to purchase other’s clothing that stands out to them.

“Sustainable apps help people who, like me, don’t have a car to go thrifting whenever they want so it’s a lot easier online. It also creates a fun community online and can broaden the ‘media’ of fashion that people take in,” magnet sophomore Leika Badstibner said.

These apps work the same as several social media apps— assigning and setting up a profile and customizing it to one’s liking. Preferences allow consumers to find their ideal fashion statements. Although it varies from platform to platform, users typically display the clothing they are prepared to sell, allowing others to suggest offers and ask questions. They can also browse the platform to find pieces they want to sell.

“The best thing about these apps is the sense of having someone helping you, by making a purchase, and you help them by getting them a piece of clothing they want. It’s a really nice transaction where everyone is happy when things go smoothly,” magnet sophomore Pamela Musungu said.

Along with limiting waste, these apps also allow buyers to completely customize their closets, choosing pieces that represent them well. This can build their wardrobe exactly to their style of choice, and those on the craftier side can choose items that they need to create their own pieces.

These apps ease the search of trying to find clothing by permitting a wide selection, ranging across all styles of clothing. The clothes sold on these apps typically come used and sold when owners no longer enjoy the articles. Luckily, washing clothes remains an easy fix for older clothing, leading to finding a new home for someone that will appreciate it. People who enjoy older style clothes especially would enjoy this way of shopping, just as they would with thrifting, as it gives them the opportunity to reach sellers of authentic, antique clothes.

“I love thrifting. I tend to go to smaller thrift shops in Roswell or East Cobb because I find the locally owned ones to be honestly more inclusive. I’ve thrifted since I can remember with my mom since I didn’t grow up with a ton of money and I still love it today. I am able to find a lot of cute clothes for inexpensive prices,” Musungu said.

These apps decrease mass production of clothing, preventing the continued creation of fast fashion. Prices also tend to remain lower, as a majority of the used clothes do not come in pristine condition. However, these apps can also distribute and sell limited edition and specific versions, such as signed clothing, causing various prices to stand higher.

“I do use depop a lot and I love it! It has such a wide range of clothes that you wouldn’t normally find in a regular store, and it’s usually for a great price. It also puts a fun spin on thrifting because it includes the aspect of unique clothing, but adds a fun experience of getting it in a package,” Badstibner said.