Student Thrifting in Amsterdam
By Ana Clara Dondoni Braz | Culture | December 4, 2023
Cover Illustration: Marbles Vintage, 2023 (Simon Ordonez / The Amsterdammer)
Culture Reporter Ana Clara Dondoni Braz talks to three university students who share insights and recommendations about thrifting in Amsterdam.
Thrifting means that preloved vintage items are given a second chance to be appreciated. In an eco- and budget-friendly manner, a variety of clothes, accessories and material possessions of your preference can be found in second-hand stores.
The concept of thrifting dates back centuries. During the 1930s Great Depression, several individuals found it difficult to make enough to survive, and purchasing new clothes was frequently out of their price range. Therefore, people started using thrift stores as a more cost-effective alternative.
Yet, its popularity seems to have risen in recent years. This could be due to a major awareness of the impact of consumerism on the environment, fashion and your wallet, or the enjoyment of hunting down unique vintage items.
Amsterdam’s reputation as a vibrant and diverse city extends to its thrift stores. The presence of international students in the city’s eco-conscious and socially aware culture opens the possibility for an abundance of thrift stores to attract the target audience. As these students look to style themselves in a new way in a new city, they contribute to the general thrifting trend among young people. However, considering the fact that thrifting has become a trend, some places have ceased to be cost-effective, particularly in the city center.
To explore the cultural significance of thrifting in Amsterdam, three third-year students from the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit share their views and advice about their thrifting experiences. Korina Lorenz, 20 years old, is a Croatian student in both Psychology and Literature at the UvA and VU. Dewi Peper, 21 years old, is a Dutch student in Communication Science at the UvA. Eirini Tassi, 20 years old, is a Greek student in Political Science at the UvA. They all share a common passion for thrifting and regularly purchase new items.
When it comes to reasons for thrifting, the interviewees mentioned the sustainable and ethical aspects of the action. They indicated that by contributing to the recycling of clothes, it is also possible to help small businesses, stands and charities. The originality and the potential existence of anecdotes are also relevant factors that make thrifters enthusiastic about it.
“You give that clothing piece a second life. […] You feel more special, as most people don’t walk around wearing the same thing. I like the uniqueness of thrifting,” says Dewi.
“I like the value of the things, engravings and little drawings that tell a story about the previous person who lived with them and had experiences with them. Thrifting has a beauty in this continuity of stories,” explains Eirini.
The blend of quality and price-worthiness is likewise mentioned by them. Clothing from thrift shops is considered to last longer compared to fast-fashion companies. Nevertheless, the prices in a number of stores are different than they used to be.
“In recent years, thrifting has become more of a trend for young people. The prices have increased quite a lot, actually. Now I see things that are equally expensive as in stores,” elaborates Korina.
Moving on to their favorite spots to thrift in Amsterdam, they recommend a few must-visit popular places and hidden gems. Starting with well-known markets, IJhallen is the biggest flea market in Europe and is held once per month during weekends. Waterlooplein is another notable market in the city center, open from Monday to Saturday.
As for lesser-known locations, RataPlan has two stores located in the western region of Amsterdam that provide a range of products that are constantly updated to satisfy buyers. Another is Gideon Italiander, with five stores in Amsterdam, known for its incredibly cheap prices and a variety of items in small and large amounts.
An alternative option is to keep an eye on fundraising events that take place in local cafes. Recent examples are “Cultureel Eetcafé Skek” and “Studio Strip,” which initiated thrift events to raise funds for Palestine. Another tip is to be mindful of online platforms, like Vinted, which offers a variety of products that can be shipped, for a small fee, to nearly all countries within Europe.
Thrifting purchases and anecdotes are always intriguing to hear. Eirini has uncovered sketches from local artists whose work has been lost in time. During one of her visits to IJhallen, she purchased original sketches from a World War Two French resistance artist. Dewi, on the other hand, paid 12 euros for a designer coat that was originally priced at 700 euros.
The last point of discussion centered on thrifting tips. Korina mentions the potential benefits of bargaining and the importance of wearing appropriate clothes to try out items. Dewi recommends going by yourself or with a friend who knows your style to take the time to find good pieces. Eirini suggests doing some research before going to places, as in certain areas items arrive through theft.
In short, with a number of thrift markets and stores available, Amsterdam’s vibrant thrifting scene provides a unique and enjoyable experience, while offering hidden gems and contributing to sustainable fashion. Whether you are an occasional or active thrifter, there are many opportunities to explore your fashion and the clothing culture of the city.
“I like the value of the things, engravings and little drawings that tell a story about the previous person who lived with them and had experiences with them. Thrifting has a beauty in this continuity of stories”
– Eirini Tassi (Political Science student at the UvA)
Ana Clara Dondoni Braz is a university student in Amsterdam. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Amsterdammer.
