By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Apr 05, 2009 at 5:29 AM

In some social circles, it’s trendier than ever to wear used clothing purchased from thrift stores, rummage sales or consignment shops. However, others aren’t as smitten with the thought of wearing something that’s already been worn by a stranger.

Milwaukee has a great selection of used clothing stores, from classics like Bay View’s Luv Unlimited, 2649 N. Kinnickinnic Ave., to the new ReThreads, 2943 N. Humboldt Blvd. The city boasts lots of Value Villages and Goodwills, too.

But what are your thoughts on recycled clothing? Fashion forward or fashion faux pas?

I’m not into recycled clothing. I think it’s gross to wear something that has been worn by someone you don’t know. Also, I like my clothing to appear crisp, immaculate and brand new. I like the concept of wearing used clothing, I guess, but I’m not into the practice of it.

I wear recycled clothing. Wearing recycled clothing is great for the pocketbook and the environment. Plus, a lot of new clothing is made overseas, sometimes requiring workers to work in unfair conditions. I don’t want to look like everyone else, which happens when you shop in a mall.

I like a mix of both. I like to wear new items and vintage items together. For staple items, I buy new, but for fun fashion that I may only commit to for a season or so, I like to thrift. There are great local boutiques in Milwaukee that sell new clothing and they need support, too.