How to Thrift for Clothes: 16 Tips
Thrifting for clothes can be an exhilarating treasure hunt, offering not only a sustainable alternative to fast fashion but also the chance to uncover unique pieces that add character and flair to your wardrobe. Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or new to the game, mastering the art of thrift shopping can elevate your style, save you money, and make a positive impact on the environment.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to thrift clothes and discover the best finds. From strategizing your visits to understanding the best times to shop and learning how to spot high-quality items among the masses, we share 16 essential successful tips for thrifting for clothes. With these expert thrifting tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a thrifting pro, ready to curate a unique and eco-friendly closet.
1. Research Before You Go
Before you even step out the door, do a little homework on where you plan to go and the best things to buy at thrift stores. Understanding the thrift landscape—online thrift stores, local thrift stores, consignment shops, and vintage havens in your area—can vastly improve your thrifting game. Not all thrift shops are created equal; each has its own unique flair and specialty. For example, secondhand shopping at an online thrift store like ShopGoodwill.com can expand your options exponentially.
Whether you're looking for high-end vintage clothing or everyday wear, knowing where to go saves time and leads to better finds.
2. Set a Budget
It's easy to get carried away in the sea of used clothes, but remember, wise shopping is budget-conscious shopping. Setting a budget before you start your thrift adventure ensures you don't overspend and helps you prioritize your finds. Thrifting is, after all, about smart, sustainable choices, not just accumulating more. When budget-conscious, thrift shoppers save up to $150 per month on average. However, if you go in without a budget, it’s easy to spend more than you intended on thrifting in the first place.
With a budget in hand, you'll find that the thrill of the hunt becomes even more rewarding, knowing you're making financially savvy decisions.
3. Make a List of Needs vs. Wants
Ah, the classic battle between needs and wants. Walking into your local thrift store without a plan is like navigating a ship without a compass—you might find treasures, but you could also get lost. Jot down what clothing items you genuinely need before getting distracted by the glitter of wants. This strategy helps keep your wardrobe intentional and clutter-free, ensuring that each thrifted item serves a purpose or sparks joy.
4. Wear Clothes That You Can Try Things On Over
One of the best tips to consider when thrifting for clothes is to dress for success. Wearing comfortable clothes you can easily slip items over (think leggings and a fitted top) makes trying on clothes a breeze, especially in stores with limited fitting room access. This little hack not only saves time but also helps you make better decisions about fit and style on the spot.
5. Get Familiar With Fabric Types
One of the joys of thrifting is the plethora of fabric types at your fingertips. However, not all fabrics are created equal. Learning to identify quality fabrics, from luxurious cashmere to durable cotton, can elevate your thrift finds from good to great. Plus, being mindful of materials will help you choose items that last longer and have a lesser environmental impact.
6. Know Your Sizes
In the diverse world of thrifting, sizes can be as varied as the clothing items themselves. Familiarizing yourself with your measurements and sizes across different brands and eras can be a game-changer. Remember, vintage sizing can be vastly different from modern sizing, so keep an open mind and always try things on when possible.
7. Inspect Items Carefully
Thrifting is a bit like detective work—inspection is key. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as stains, holes, or loose threads, and decide if they're fixable or deal-breakers. Quality over quantity is the mantra here. A well-made piece in good condition is worth its weight in gold in the thrifting universe.
8. Look Beyond Current Trends
True style knows no era. One of the most exhilarating aspects of thrifting is the chance to craft a personal style that transcends fleeting fashion trends. Vintage and retro pieces not only add character to your wardrobe but also speak volumes about your commitment to sustainability and individuality. So, go ahead, mix that classic '70s blouse with skinny jeans, and create a look that's uniquely you.
9. Understand Brands and Quality
Knowledge is power, especially in the realm of thrifting. Understanding the hallmarks of quality brands and how to spot them amidst the sea of thrift store clothes can significantly upgrade your thrift hauls or help you score big when thrift flipping.
Brands are not just about the label but the craftsmanship and durability they represent. A high-quality vintage item from a recognized brand can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe, offering a style that endures beyond the fast fashion cycle.
10. Shop Vintage Items
There's something undeniably enchanting about vintage clothing. Each piece tells a story, a whisper from the past that adds depth and personality to your wardrobe. Shopping for vintage items isn't just about style; it's a nod to sustainability, reducing the demand for new, resource-intensive garments. Plus, vintage finds are often unique, allowing you to stand out and express your individuality with pieces that aren't available off the rack in retail stores.
11. Check for Sales and Special Discounts
Who says thrift shopping can't get even more budget-friendly? Many thrift stores offer sales, special discounts, and promotions. Keeping an eye out for these deals can make your thrifting experience even more rewarding, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck while supporting sustainable shopping practices.
12. Keep an Open Mind
Thrifting is an adventure, and like all great adventures, it requires an open mind. What makes thrift shopping so thrilling is the potential to find something extraordinary in the most unexpected places. Maybe it's a designer piece hidden among the racks of a small thrift shop or a vintage gem that's just waiting to be discovered. Approach thrifting with curiosity and flexibility, and you're bound to stumble upon incredible finds that you might not have considered otherwise.
13. Be Patient
Patience truly is a virtue in the world of thrifting. The perfect find might not reveal itself on your first visit, but persistence pays off. Thrift stores are constantly receiving new thrifted clothing, so regular visits can increase your chances of discovering that dream piece. Remember, thrifting is more marathon than sprint; it's about enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
14. Visit Regularly
The dynamic inventory of thrift stores means that no two visits are ever the same. Regularly visiting your favorite stores or checking in on online thrift stores like ShopGoodwill.com can be key to snagging the best items. Seasoned thrifters know that timing can be everything—what's not there one day might magically appear the next, ready to find a new home with you.
15. Embrace Alterations
Not every thrift find will fit like it was made for you, but that's where the magic of alterations comes in. Embracing the potential for tweaking and tailoring can open up a world of possibilities, transforming an almost-right piece into your new favorite wardrobe staple. Whether it's hemming a skirt or taking in a jacket, alterations allow you to personalize secondhand clothing, ensuring they complement your style perfectly.
16. Wash and Care for Items Post-Purchase
After scoring some incredible secondhand clothing, it's essential to give them a little TLC. Washing and caring for your items not only ensures they're ready to wear but also extends their lifespan, furthering your commitment to sustainability. Not sure how to wash thrifted clothes? Follow care labels or opt for gentle, eco-friendly cleaning methods to keep your thrifted treasures looking their best.
Online Thrift with ShopGoodwill.com
In the digital age, the thrill of thrifting isn't confined to physical stores. Online platforms like ShopGoodwill.com offer a vast, constantly updated selection of clothing, accessories, and even furniture, bringing the thrifting experience to your fingertips. It's a great way to explore wider selections, discover rare finds, and support a great cause—all from the comfort of your home.
Thrifting for clothes is more than just shopping; it's a journey towards more sustainable fashion and intentional living. It's about the joy of discovery, the thrill of the hunt, and the satisfaction of making choices that reflect our values and individuality. Armed with these tips, set forth on your thrifting adventure with confidence, curiosity, and a heart ready for the treasures you'll find.
Sources:
Mezzacca, M. (n.d.). Top Cities to Thrift. Retrieved from https://couponfollow.com/research/top-cities-to-thrift.