I work at a second-hand/thrift store and whenever that comes up in conversation one of the first things people will say is: "I would never buy underwear second hand."
And I get the sentiment, but most of these people have no idea how privileged they are to think that buying 'used' (we only put out new undergarments, usually things that were bought in the wrong size) underwear is gross. Obviously, it's great that you can choose to go buy new things for yourself. Most of the people who purchase underwear from thrift stores can't drop $6 or whatever per pair - they're homeless people who can't make it to the larger stores, or when they do they get kicked out.
The lower prices associated with thrift stores means that the people who shop there sometimes have a lower budget, and whenever I'm talking to someone in the store and they loudly say they wouldn't buy 'used' underwear, it embarrasses people who either have to, or for whom it is simply easier. If someone is buying underwear from my store they're in a place in their lives where they need compassion, not to feel dirty for having needs.
You do not have to understand why they might not walk miles to reach a store where they may be turned around at the door, or stared at, or hear shit talked about them, to pay over 12x the price they would at a thrift store for a basic need that they probably won't be able to wash - and thus will have to discard and repeat the cycle - BUT you can do the bare minimum and think about it enough to realize that you're perfectly capable of closing your fucking mouth.
But if I say any of this, no matter how gently, in person it's rude.
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