‘The Sims 4’ Makes Thrift-Shopping For Secondhand Clothes An In-Game Hobby

Circular fashion is coming to The Sims 4. With the release of the new expansion pack, High School Years, fashion marketplace app Depop is dressing avatars in preloved threads. 

In the in-game boba hangout and thrift shop, ThrifTea, five popular Depop sellers were invited to create and sell original pieces. The store will have a rotating inventory of items where players can come in to trade and sell clothes using the new in-game app on the phone feature of The Sims 4, called ‘Trendi’. It also has a mural on its side that was designed by artist Monica Ahanonu.

It works very much like how Depop works in the real world, except that players can sell premade clothing from the app to other Sims players in exchange for Simoleans, the game currency. Players can even pave their way to become ‘Simfluencers’ through the app.

Creators chosen for the project represent a global community, reaching from the UK to the US and Australia, each sporting a distinct style. The artists include Bella (@internetgirl), Jeremy (@happyxloco), Selena (@selenasshop), and Lapoze McTribouy of Sooki Sooki Village (@judaku).

Pieces range from beaded necklaces to graffiti leather jackets and miniskirts, taking inspiration from the 70s and Y2K fashion trends that have been having a comeback in pop culture. 

Upcycling and thrift-shopping has played a big part in the lives of teenagers today and it only makes sense that a simulation about teens features such a big part of the culture. High School Years is being released on July 28 via a Twitch Livestream from the game’s account. 

[via Vogue Business and Nylon, cover image via EA]