Thrifting, or shopping for secondhand treasures, is not only an eco-friendly choice but also a journey into unique and affordable fashion. There are just so many great things lurking in thrift stores! After years of thrifting myself, I’ve come up with a list of the very best tips for scoring big at any secondhand shop. Keep reading for a complete thrifting 101 guide – let’s jump right into it!
1. Leave stereotypes/judgements at the door
I have heard so many things about thrift stores from “they are dirty” to “you are taking away from the poor”… None of these are totally true. I feel that there are so many stigmas about thrift shopping, when really all you should do is give it a try before judging. You can even make thrifted pieces trendy too!
2. Go early and often
New donations usually come in during the weekends after yard sales are over, people have spent free time sorting, stores put out new merchandise, etc. The earlier in the week you can get to the thrift store, the better the finds. Plus, try to shop early in the day too (aka close to when it opens). In addition, know what days are sale days at your local shops. Thrift stores usually have great prices, but these sales make those deals even greater!
3. Be prepared to dig for treasures
You won’t find the best items if you don’t spend time doing lots of sifting through racks of clothes (or even going through bins at some places). Thrifting 101 hack – take time to go through everything, including sizes that “aren’t yours”. Used clothing can fit differently and things can be misplaced in the store as well.
4. Hit up all the thrift store departments
Along with going through the racks, make sure you visit all departments. Mens, kids, home goods, etc. Don’t limit yourself to just one area! Some of my best finds have come from the men’s and children’s aisles.
5. Don’t have high expectations – let the finds find you
You will usually be disappointed if you go thrift shopping hoping to find an ultra specific item. The best part about thrifting is finding something totally unique that you didn’t expect. Go in with an open mind and you will feel even happier when you pick up awesome pieces!
6. Look over your items before making a purchase
To avoid buying a defective object, make sure to look at the possible purchase(s) in depth! There are plenty of tips to avoid damaged items at the thrift. For clothes, look for snags, rips, and worn seams (in areas like under the arms and near the crotch). For home items, make sure pieces aren’t chipped, broken, or missing pieces.
7. Don’t be detered by a bit of DIY or repair
This especially holds true for decor and furniture. Turn your apartment into exactly what you envision by doing some DIY transformations. For clothes, don’t be afraid to do simple sewing tricks to make an item fit exactly how you envision it. Get creative – make the items even more unique!
8. Be mindful of your consumption!
Sure the thrift store has great prices (and secondhand shopping is much more sustainable), but do you really need the 20 items in your cart? Ask yourself if you really need it before checking out to avoid impulse purchases.
Thrifting is more than just shopping; it’s a sustainable and fun way to buy your clothes. By embracing the world of secondhand treasures using these thrifting 101, you not only contribute to reducing fashion waste but also unlock a world of unique and budget-friendly style possibilities. So, grab your reusable tote bags and embark on a thrifting adventure—your closet and the planet will thank you. What are your top tips for thrifting??
Love,
Jenna ♥
