Thrift shopping is having a moment. More and more people are giving pre-loved clothing a second chance at life and for a good reason. Not only can great quality pieces be found for too-good-to-be-true prices, but by buying secondhand, we’re keeping still-wearable garments out of the landfill. Plus, who doesn’t love a good thrift shop find?
If you’re new to the art of thrift shopping, be forewarned: hunting for pre-loved treasures can be tiring and overwhelming. The rewards, however, outweigh the challenges!
To help you make the most out of your next thrift shopping excursion, here are seven tips on how to thrift shop like a boss. By following some of our go-to thrifting tips, you may just walk away with unique threads for amazing deals. Can’t beat feeling like a million bucks when you’re spending far, far less. 💸
1. Make a Plan Using Your Smartphone
“Thrift shopping without a clear goal is like grocery shopping on an empty stomach: It’s doable but not ideal.”
Thrift shopping without a clear goal is like grocery shopping on an empty stomach: It’s doable but not ideal. Make a mental list of what you’re looking for based on what you already own. This will help keep you focused and on budget. In addition, save pictures of coveted gems and fashion inspiration on your phone for quick reference. This will make it easier for store clerks to help you locate specific garments or let you know if they have something similar on the racks.
2. Sell Your Pre-Loved Garments First
Another way to stick to your budget is to opt for consignment stores that not only sell pre-loved clothes but also buy them. Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or simply clear your closet before adding new treasures, these stores are great for trading-in the garments you no longer wear. The best part? You can shop while the store clerks inspect and price-out your inventory. If you’d rather, you can also sell clothing and accessories online!
3. Dress for the Occasion
Depending on where you shop, some thrift stores have limited to no fitting rooms—and we don’t recommend buying something without making sure it’s a good fit, as many thrift stores don’t issue refunds or exchanges. To remedy this, wear a form-fitting tank top and biker shorts or leggings to make trying things on as easy as possible, even if it means changing in the middle of the store. For the thrift stores that do have fitting rooms, this also makes changing quick and efficient.
Thrifting is like a sport. It requires stamina, patience, and, sometimes, upper body strength to carry your finds when shops don’t provide carts or baskets. You can easily spend hours in a thrift store worthy of its name. This is another reason to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. A crossbody bag is also great, so your hands can be free to browse all those racks!
4. Shop With Cash Only to Avoid Impulse Buys
“Purchase only the clothes you need and that fit well with your current wardrobe.”
To stay on budget, bring cash when you go thrift shopping. While it’s easy to fall into the ‘but it’s so inexpensive’ trap, remember to stick to your values. Purchase only the clothes you need and that fit well with your current wardrobe. You will stumble upon unique and beautiful pieces, but if they are not your style, you won’t get any wear out of them. So admire them from afar, take a picture if you must, but don’t take them home with you.
5. Save Time by Scanning the Aisles
“Make your way through the store and scan each rack for pieces that stand out.”
Rummaging through multiple piles and racks of clothes is not for the faint at heart. Depending on the size of the thrift store you go to, taking the time to look at every single piece will take forever. To avoid wasting time without missing out on potential gems, you must master the art of the scan. Based on what you are looking for and your preferred color palette and aesthetics, make your way through the store and scan each rack for pieces that stand out and catch your eye. This takes focus and is a skill you will develop over time. Practice makes perfect!
As mentioned before, most, if not all, thrift store purchases are final sale. To avoid discovering defects too late, ensure you’re inspecting each piece as you browse as well. It’s easy to miss a small hole here or a stain there amid the shopping excitement, so take your time going over your finds before committing to a purchase. Not skipping this step can save you unnecessary heartbreak.
6. Tailor Your Thrift Store Finds
Whether it’s new, thrift, or vintage, every piece in your closet should fit you like a glove. Since pre-loved items are often one-of-a-kind, you may need to make alterations. For simple modifications like hemming, try doing it yourself with our instructional guide. You can also take your thrifted items to the dry cleaners. For more intricate customization, you’ll want to consult a tailor, so make sure the piece is worth the investment before you purchase it.
7. Make Friends With Your Thrift Store Staff
Once you find a thrift store that fits your style and budget, make friends with the staff. They can help you while shopping and also give you valuable information, such as when new merchandise comes in and the clothing they are looking to buy for the store. Plus, everyone needs a shopping friend to tell them yay or nay on a specific piece!
“Everyone needs a shopping friend to tell them yay or nay on a specific piece! ”
Kathleen Elie is a marketing strategist as well as the Editor-In-Chic and founder of Conscious & Chic, a hub where style aficionados can munch on all things ethical in fashion, beauty, food and travel. Bridging the gap between creativity, social impact and business is one of her many passions due to her Finance, International Business and Fashion Design academic background. You can connect with her @ConsciousNChic and @KathleenElie on Instagram. She’d love it!
