underconsumption core

• (uncommon) underconsumptioncore

From underconsumption +‎ -core

underconsumption core (uncountable)

1. (Internet slang, aesthetic) An aesthetic that emphasizes minimalism, frugality, buying less, and recycling or reusing fashion or other objects.
   • 2024 June 9, “What is the appeal of Underconsumption Core?”, in Thrifting Future‎^[1], archived from the original on 10 March 2025:

     Underconsumption core promotes the idea of buying only what is necessary and maximizing the utility of existing possessions. This shift from excessive consumption to intentional purchasing resonates with those feeling the financial strain of rising living costs and economic uncertainty.

   • [2024 August 23, Sherilyn Sim, “Young people embracing TikTok trend of ‘underconsumption core’”, in Straits Times, page A16:

     This led her to embrace a TikTok trend known as “underconsumption core”, where she focused on buying less, decluttering and using items she already had. […] On TikTok, the hashtag #underconsumptioncore boasts more than 39 million views worldwide]

   • 2024 December 29, Cathrine V. Jansson-Boyd, “Underconsumption Core: Just Another Fad?”, in Psychology Today‎^[2]:

     For anyone who has not come across it, underconsumption core is when people make use of what they already own and avoid buying in to new trends, with an aim to have a sustainable mindset. This may involve purchasing second-hand clothes, repurposing clothes you already have, or finishing a mascara before buying a new one.

   • 2025 March 9, Callie Holtermann, “Eclectic Grandpa, Coastal Grandma, Mob Wife? Fast Fads Are Tiring Out Gen Z”, in New York Times, page A.1:

     In a flurry of videos last year, some expressed frustration at the buy-buy-buy ethos on the app. Others pushed “underconsumption core,” which encourages users to show off their off-trend, but still thoroughly wearable, clothes.

   • 2025 May 24, Brittany Wong, “'Underconsumption Core' Is Going Viral On TikTok. Here's Why Gen Z Can't Get Enough”, in HuffPost‎^[3], archived from the original on 24 May 2025:

     April Silva, a TikTok user and lifelong thrift store fan, is a big proponent of underconsumption core. She defines it as a more minimal approach to shopping

   • 2025 July 29, Laura Van Diesen, “Sewing your way to sustainable fashion”, in The Boar‎^[4], archived from the original on 5 August 2025:

     In retaliation to those ever-present videos of influencers parading fast fashion hauls or convincing you to bulk-buy the next micro-trend, trends such as ‘underconsumption core’ are becoming more popular. Underconsumption aims to muffle the noise of fast fashion advertising by slowing down and focusing on what you have, instead of what your explore page says you need.