Thrift shopping is magic, an adventure you walk into often times not knowing what you might find, but always hopeful for that one treasure to make your wardrobe. Ever meandered down the aisles of a thrift store and felt sort of lost? Well, don’t worry-you’re not alone! Whether one is new to thrifting or a seasoned shopper, the ways to uncover the best of fashion hidden right in plain sight are relatively easy to pick up. Here’s a more thorough guide on how to make your thrift store visits truly fashion treasuries.
1. Go in with an Open Mind, But Have a Plan
You got to be prepared for anything upon entering the thrift store. It is not like regular shopping, where you enter for what you want; thrift stores are filled with the unexpected. That’s really the magic of thrifting-finding those things you didn’t even know you needed.
The trick is this: Have an idea in your head, maybe you need a jacket or are looking for some quirkier accessories. But not really. The best thrift finds are those that come when you are open to exploring the different sections. You might be looking through jeans and find the perfect leather jacket, or you might be looking through the sweaters and find a super rare pair of vintage boots. Flexibility is key.
The minute you start focusing too much, you might miss the greatest treasures. So keep your eyes wide open, scan broadly in the store, and never be closed to different styles. You may just leave the store with something even better than what you initially wanted.
2. Timing is Everything-Know When to Go
Not all days in the thrifting world are created equal. When one enters a store right after it has been picked clean by several dozen other shoppers, there’s little to no chance they will find the gems. Timing plays an important part.
When’s the best time to go? Most thrift stores restock early in the week, between Monday and Wednesday. If you hit the store right after a restock, you’re more likely to score fresh finds before anyone else. Mornings work well, too-the store tends to be neater, and you get the first choice of whatever’s new.
Another secret: Go during seasonal transitions! Since people clean out their closets at those times, you’re more likely to score great pieces at the beginning of spring or fall.
3. Search for quality fabrics and brands
The biggest problem when thrift shopping is to sift the good stuff from the low-quality one. Here’s a secret: the best thrift shoppers focus on fabrics and brands. Both of these elements will tell you much about how long the item will last and, therefore, how valuable it is.
Start off by touching the fabric. Good fabrics- things like leather, wool, silk, cashmere, or 100% cotton-only get better with age and usually look even better the more wear they get. Even when these items are older, they still possess that richness and durability. Synthetic fabric items might look fine at first glance but tend to wear out quicker.
Brands matter, too. High-end brands use better materials and construction methods; so, keep your eyes open for labels such as Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, or even designer brands like Gucci, Chanel, or Prada. And when you hit upon those, well, that is like hitting the jackpot. But do not be blind to lesser-known boutique labels either; they may have that special, high-quality piece you might not find anywhere else.
4. Investigate Every Section Like a Detective
- Just a small tip: do not get stuck in your size or gender section. The thrift stores don’t always categorize things perfectly, and the best treasures just pop up anywhere. That is, in fact, the secret here: go through every nook and cranny of the store.
- Men’s Section: Scores of women love to wear oversized sweaters, jackets, and flannels that really add an effortless chic to their overall attire. Men’s blazers, especially, are great for creating that cool, oversized outerwear look.
Kids’ Section: Believe it or not, the kids’ section is really a goldmine so far as vintage tees are concerned, or for that matter, petite-sized women’s wear. You’ll be surprised how many of your retro finds have been kept hidden away in this section.
Accessories: Many thrift stores are carrying a ton of belts, scarves, hats, and jewelry. These really complete an outfit just perfectly, and people shopping pretty much go overlooking these items.
5. Look for Defects, but Consider Repairs
It’s easy to get excited when you’re thrifting and you find something you love, but before you head to the register, give it a close once-over for flaws. Check for stains, holes, missing buttons, or broken zippers.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid of minor issues. A missing button can be replaced, a small hole can be sewn up, and a dress that’s too long can be hemmed. Just think of it as making it your own-it’s like adding that little something special. A little creativity or a short trip to the tailor will work magic in transforming a thrifted find into the perfect one. Know your limits, though-some may have damage that’s irreparable. Be sure not to invest time and money into pieces beyond fixing when you can pick up another piece for less cost.
6. Be Creative with Your Finds
Thrift shopping isn’t just about buying clothes, but seeing the potential in every piece. Maybe you find a pair of jeans that are too long, or a jacket that feels a little outdated. Instead of passing on them, just think about how you could give them a new life.
- DIY Alterations: Those old jeans can be turned into the most in-fashion cutoff shorts with just a pair of scissors. Oversized shirts can be cinched at the waist for an entirely different look.
- Mix and match: Even if something isn’t perfect on its own, consider how it can work with pieces you may already have in your closet. Perhaps that slightly oversized men’s blazer you try on looks perfect cinched in with a belt to give it a more tailored look.
The more open you are to creative styling, the more you will get out of what could be made from your thrift store finds.
7. Patience Pays Off—Thrift Slowly and Steadily
It’s not a rush job, one may say. Actually, time and patience are involved in digging through the racks for real treasures buried amidst an ocean of clothes. You might spend an hour or more in just one store and leave with maybe one or two items, but they’ll probably be worth it.
But just don’t be discouraged if amazing doesn’t happen right away. Some of the best thrift shoppers go back to the same store many, many times in a month because the stock is always different. And when that great find happens, well, the sense of satisfaction is second to none.
8. Build a rapport with store staff
One that might go overlooked, but is so worthy, is befriend the staff. The people that work in thrift stores can become great friends. By being friendly and chatty, they’re much more likely to share insider knowledge, like when good stuff comes in, when sales are, or even holding something special they think you’ll like.
It’s like having a personal shopper-when you walk in and an employee hands you a brand-new leather jacket that they just put on the rack-for thrift prices!
9. Prepare for the Hunt—Dress Comfortably
Thrifting is an adventure, and, as with any adventure, you do need to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to slip on and off, in case you’re going to try things on. Some thrift stores don’t have fitting rooms, so you’ll probably want to wear something form-fitting-like leggings and a tank top-so you can try things on right over your clothes.
Bring along a reusable bag in which to carry your finds, and always have cash on hand. Some shops don’t take cards, or they may offer a cash discount.
10. Trust your instincts and enjoy it!
And finally, the most important secret of them all: Just have fun and trust your instincts! That’s what thrifting is all about, so go with your gut instinct if something catches your eye. It may not look that amazing in the shop, but if it makes you feel good, then you go for it! Fashion is personal. Thrift shopping allows one to find pieces that speak to one’s style.
You never know what story a certain piece of clothing holds, where it has traveled before finding its way into your hands. Therefore, just relish the thrill of the hunt, and let the journey be the reward!
