Trend Thrifting di kalangan Mahasiswa Kesenian di Kecamatan Lubuk Pakam

Abstract

The thrifting trend has shifted from a mere economic alternative to a complex socio-cultural phenomenon among youth, particularly creative students. This study aims to identify and analyze the thrifting trend among art students in Lubuk Pakam District, focusing on the underlying motivations and lifestyle patterns behind their choices. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this research engaged students majoring in Dance Education and Fine Arts Education at Universitas Negeri Medan living in Lubuk Pakam as primary subjects. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that thrifting among art students is driven by multidimensional factors beyond financial affordability, including aesthetic preferences, self-expression, social media exposure, and environmental awareness. Thrifted fashion provides unique, non-mainstream items that enable students to explore creative styling and project a distinct aesthetic identity aligned with current fashion trends. Furthermore, eco-conscious values motivate students to reduce textile waste through clothing reuse. In conclusion, thrifting among art students transcends simple second-hand purchasing, functioning as a medium for identity construction, artistic creativity, and sustainable living. Implicatively, these findings highlight the emergence of a conscious consumerism model driven by aesthetic and ecological literacy within higher education art communities, which can inform future studies on youth subcultures and sustainable fashion practices.