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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A woman has sparked a viral debate after defending thrifting against claims online that it is "gross," sharing powerful sentiments that resonated with thousands.
Medina Colaku (@medinacolaku) responded to remarks dismissing thrifting as unpleasant, passionately arguing its value. Her stance, which champions sustainability, individuality, and intentional consumption, amassed 489,300 views and 55,200 likes on TikTok.
"I love the thrill of the hunt—finding something unique, often with history, and giving it a second life in my home. There's a magic to discovering pieces that feel meant for you, especially when they're high-quality or designer items for a fraction of the price.
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"But beyond the treasure hunt, thrifting for me is about intention. It's about making mindful choices, resisting overconsumption, and curating a home that feels collected rather than mass-produced," she told Newsweek.
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Colaku acknowledged that her take might ruffle feathers, but stood firm in her beliefs, stating that if someone considers thrifting to be unappealing, it may reflect more on their relationship with consumer culture than the practice itself. She argued that thrifting isn't random, but rather rooted in motivation—whether for the thrill, financial savings, or sustainability.
"Thrifting isn't just about saving some money, but like, who doesn't love that? It's about rejecting the mundane, the boring, the basic. You can find high-quality items in a sea of planned obsolescence. And if you don't know what that is, Google it," she said in her TikTok video.
Highlighting the mindfulness required for thrifting, Colaku suggested that the process encourages self-awareness, creativity, and independence from mass-market trends.
"I know there's no such thing as perfect ethical consumption, but if I can take a stance against capitalism in a small, meaningful way, then I will—through thrifting. It allows me to invest in sustainability, repurpose forgotten items, and challenge the idea that new is always better. It's not just about saving money, it's about making intentional choices that align with my values," she further explained.
Among her favorite thrifting finds, Colaku listed a French Provincial headboard, which she described as having "perfect ornate details and old-world charm," along with original artwork from the early 1900s that brings historical depth to her home.
She also noted that she has thrifted brand-new couches and patio sets, emphasizing that secondhand shopping isn't limited to vintage items.
In addition to personal thrifting, Colaku runs her own curated secondhand homeware shop, which she sources herself. She encourages others to explore sustainable shopping through her website: healing your home with Medina.
The video ignited a mix of reactions online. Many agreed with her perspective, while others defended their preference for new items.
"Foraging is a primal urge, and thrifting is rooted in this," one user commented in agreement.
However, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. "This was a sour taste. I'm an artist and stylist. I choose investment pieces over thrifting and fast fashion. So if you are reading this, no, choosing not to thrift doesn't mean you don't know who you are," wrote Rissa.
Some acknowledged that their views had shifted over time. "As a former 'ew to thrifting girl,' yes, this is exactly the correct take," said TikTok user Tina Everitt.
Others pointed out the economic and environmental necessity of secondhand shopping. "People seem to forget that for families like mine, thrifting is a necessity. Plus, all the decor that I've saved from a landfill," wrote Melissa.
Many shared their own incredible finds, reinforcing Colaku's argument. "I got an Oscar de la Renta coat for $8 last Saturday at Goodwill. And a Ralph Lauren vintage rain jacket in perfect condition for $5. You are SPOT on. It's curated and sustainable style," another user commented.
Still, some pushed back against the idea that avoiding thrifting signals a lack of self-awareness. "No, it doesn't mean any of that actually. It could just be they don't find joy in searching through entire stores to find what they want. I know what I like and can find it in new stores, on sale," one person countered.
Do you have any amazing thrifting finds that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.
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