Introduction
In the past few years, thrifting has gained some popularity–whether that be to combat the rising prices of clothes in retail stores or for people looking for items that help them express themselves better, it has become a trend to turn to thrift stores. Yet, for many, it’s easier said than done, with countless options of stores to go to, endless racks to sort through—it can be extremely overwhelming. I consider myself to be an avid thrifter, so I thought what better way to help than to create a guide.
Finding and Choosing a Store
If you live in a bigger city, chances are there are different types of stores ranging from large thrift chains—like Value Village or Goodwill—or there may be independent stores that may or may not have an already curated inventory. This is why it’s important to do a little bit of research about where you go before you actually get there. I speak from experience when I say not every thrift store is built the same, and yes, they do get an influx of different clothes during different times of the year, but still, some tend to have a nicer variety than others.
It’s good to ask around, to see if anyone you know has any recommendations, or if they have anywhere to avoid. If you’re shopping for women’s clothing, chances are you’ll be able to find a wide selection at most thrift stores, but as mentioned before, some smaller, independent stores may be trying to appeal to certain buyers—stores marketed as vintage tend to have more expensive pieces that try to fit a certain image.
Get Inspo
I always have the best thrift experiences when I have an idea of what I’m looking for. The best tool for this is honestly Pinterest. Having a board dedicated to outfits you want to recreate, or pieces you want to have, can be extremely helpful while you’re there. At the mall, you’ll see mannequins dressed up, showing you how to wear their clothes, but at the thrift store, it’s not the same—it’s up to you to create an outfit and to style the items accordingly. This, though, can be challenging, which is why looking online for inspiration is the best step to take before actually going to the thrift store.
Your inspo, though, needs to have some level of reality. You will typically not find brand-new pieces that mirror things you’d find in retail stores now. I find that especially for athleisure, there aren’t as many trendy options. Yet, basic tops and jeans are always in abundance at the thrift store.
Along with this, it’s important to understand that sometimes an article of clothing might look one way on the hanger, but another way when it’s actually styled. Trying something on might actually reveal a flattering look, showing you something you wouldn’t have normally reached for.
Be Prepared
This is another reason that researching the store is key, because each thrift store has their own set of rules. Value Village—at least the ones where I live—do not have changerooms. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and to wear something that you can try clothes on over. In the summer, I wear a skirt with spandex shorts underneath and a tank top so that I can easily try stuff off; in the winter, I do something similar, wearing leggings and a tank top underneath my hoodie just to make the process easier.
Another thing to consider is bags. Bringing your own bags is also a good thing to consider, as many times these thrift stores don’t have their own or make you pay an additional fee for a reusable bag. Even if they offer bags, it’s good to always have at least one with you just in case.
The last thing you need to be prepared for is not finding anything. Patience is key when thrifting because there are always going to be bad days, and there will also be good days. Not finding something at the thrift store one day should not completely taint your expectations of thrifting, and having that kind of patience is important. Don’t give up after a dry day at the thrift store!
The same could be said about not giving up while you’re there—the perfect item might be waiting for you, but all you need to do is search those racks better. When I’m there, I go through the racks in my size, one size up and one size down, just to make sure there’s nothing—because we all know how women’s sizing is inconsistent, so sometimes you need to check all your bases.
In Conclusion
Thriting is a great way to find new outfits, especially on a budget, but knowing where to start is always difficult. Grabbing a friend, heading to a nearby thrift store and seeing what you can find can sometimes lead into something fun. So don’t be discouraged and try out thrifting!