Thrifting can always be confusing and overwhelming, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and satisfying! No matter where, or how, you thrift, these ten tips will help you max out in findings without the struggle!
1. Be Open Minded!
Don’t focus only on one color or style. Thrift store selections are constantly changing, so it’s never guaranteed that you’ll find what you’re looking for in your size or preferred color. By being open and also searching for items similar to what you had in mind, the payoff may end up being better than what you originally came in for!
2. Don’t Isolate Yourself
In retail stores, people tend to shop in their respective sections and rarely stray from them. At thrift stores, wonderful finds for everyone are scattered around, so do not isolate yourself to one section! It may seem weird to shop in the men’s section or vice versa, but it’s truly not, AT ALL! Don’t be afraid to even check out the kid’s section! Sometimes, you may even find more pieces in a whole new section!
3. Research The Store Before Shopping
Thrift stores vary greatly on the available sizes and complexity (or simplicity) of sopping in them. Some stores only choose select, newer pieces, making it easy to shop in. Most stores, however, just accept and put out everything they receive, making it a bit more difficult to look through.
4. Give Yourself Plenty Of Time
Running short on time? You may want to postpone your thrifting trip. You may feel pressured to get through everything on a hunt for a new perfect piece. Unless you just want to stop in quick to check out the general store, thrifting might take longer than expected.
5. Don’t Shy Away From Experimenting
If there’s any good place to experiment with fashion, its the thrift store. You don’t need to worry about draining your bank on a few items and there are so many different options at a thrift store, you can let your creative mind run!
6. Dress Light & Comfortable!
If the store you’re shopping at has a dressing room and you plan to try on outfits, wear something comfortable that is easy to get in and out of. Shopping in an outfit that was difficult to put on will become a nightmare when you realize that you found something you want to try on. Dressing light will also help you quickly try on things such as jackets and sweaters and still get a good image of the garment on your body.
7. Shop Smart! Be Efficient
Don’t just start at one end of the rack and work your way down one by one. Thrift stores can be huge so this will take forever! Skim quickly through the rack to see what colors and textures catch your eye and search the surrounding area. Doing so will save you time and the frustration that comes with constantly looking through clothes you don’t like.
8. Ignore Sizing
Vintage clothes and clothing from different brands have all sorts of different sizes and size ranges. Also, people have washed and worn the item multiple times so the size may be outdated. Don’t focus on the number or letter on the tag! You may find a pair of pants that fit perfectly in a size 2 and another pair in a size 6! Just be sure to try it on before you buy if you’re unsure and bring a measuring tape so you can approximate your body sizes.
9. Look Through Off-Season Clothes
These items generally tend to be cheaper and since they are in lower demand, you may have more to choose from than if you were to shop while they are in season. Do yourself a favor and style ahead!
10. Check The Quality & Condition
Just because something is cheap, doesn’t mean you should buy it. If a top has a faded stain, chances are, it won’t come out. If a jacket has a huge tear and you don’t know how to sew, it may not be worth it. A rip or stain may not be a big deal, but try to make your best judgment. Buying something to throw in the back of your closet is still wasted whether it’s $5 or $50.
Some of the best pieces in your closet may have been found in a thrift store! Don’t let anyone look down on you for shopping secondhand or convince you that style had to come with a high price! Almost anything can look amazing with the right complementary pieces and styling!