“Riding in that old school but it’s new to me,” raps Kodak Black in his track “Boomerang.”

This reference relates to how teens use second-hand and vintage clothes to add spice to their attire. There’s a new market out there calling for shirts with big goofy graphics, hats with rhinestones, and oversized pants in the style of the rappers like Chief Keef, 10K Dunkin, and Slime Sito.

Thrifting involves scouring through racks at various thrift stores to find items that reflect this look, which is in some ways a reaction to the huge hip-hop stars who have popularized high-dollar designer brands that average fans can’t afford. While it can be time-consuming to search for clothes this way, they are much more affordable than paying for a designer piece that is only expensive because of the label on it.

Vintage in Trap Scene

While in the past hip hop has been known for artists rocking designer outfits that cost the same price as someone’s rent, these days you can slide with just about anything. The Trap scene slightly follows the rockstar image, it’s more about showing your lifestyle and your interests.

Thrifting can be done at any secondhand stores all over town, but there are certain stores in downtown Austin that specialize in the type of streetwear that has become popular recently. It’s all about testing your luck and looking for good finds are all part of the thrift game. Sometimes thrifters go into a local shop and come out with nothing, but other times you might find that rare item to show off.

The Monkies location is most likely one of the more popular spots. Right as you walk in you notice the ceiling looks like the bottom of a ufo and they have rows of racks with the most versatile drip. Monkies stands out for its variety of different genres of clothing with a wide selection of styles.

Pavement on the other hand is one of my favorite stores to go to. It feels like the default place to get vintage drip plus it’s also a buy/sell/trade store so shopping is one of many options. Speaking of exchanging, y o0s vintage has a unique way of purchasing because they sell by the pound. It’s basically what you would get if someone sorted through the local Goodwill for stuff that you might actually wear, and it is organized by style and era.

But thrift stores aren’t the only source for well-priced drip. There are a number of vintage goons reselling multiple items online. For example, you can find these drip plugs all over Instagram promoting themselves on their stories/feeds.

I personally know a couple of “drip plugs” that roam the halls of Akins. I hit up the streets of Akins to interview the El Jefe of thrifting — Miles Gaing.

Interview with Thrifting Pro: Miles Gaing

This is what he had to say about his experience in the thrift war.

Chris: How did you come upon flipping vintage clothes?

Miles: I found myself in the thrift game when I came across some Gucci flip-flops I’ve “found” in my brother’s room.

Chris: Did you flip them?

Miles: Of course I did, you know how much you can come up off some Gucci slides? Especially at this time because I was 12, I knew my brother didn’t care about them so I took them out his way.

Chris: I would’ve done the same thing bro, so what are the good finds looking like?

Miles: I’ve stumbled across some “hot drip drip” I found myself with a Supreme x Shreck t-shirt at Pavement.

Personality Through Thrift

Trapstars around the world are embracing the new wave of vintage. Vintage clothes nowadays are well respected compared to the past years. Hip Hop is known for its culture of rocking designer outfits that cost the same price as someone’s rent, but nowadays you can slide with just about anything. Trap is slightly following the rockstar image, it’s more about showing your lifestyle and your interest.