Thrifting is one of those elusive arts that can be totally overwhelming when you don't know how to approach it. I've been thrifting for almost a decade now and almost never buy anything first-hand anymore, because buying second-hand just offers the opportunity to find SUCH high quality items at a ridiculously low cost.
I'm excited to share my love for thrifting with you and equip you with a solid game plan - so without further ado, here's my beginner's guide on how to thrift! Let's break it down so you can find all of your new favorite staples like a pro.
1. The Game Plan: What You Need (and What You Don't)
Walking into a thrift store without a plan is usually a waste of time. So start by making a list of stuff you're actually looking for. Thrifting is the only thing that's ever made me believe in manifestation, because somehow stores really quite often deliver on what you'd like to find, against all odds.
Here's the catch: also make a list of what you're not looking for. We all have those items that we over-buy and just have a million different versions of. I own a disproportionate amount of pants and jackets, so I try to stay away from those sections in second-hand stores. It's SO easy to get carried away and buy the tenth pair of jeans that looks just like the nine you already have at home.
2. Navigating the Thrift Store Jungle
Walking into the store is super overwhelming for most people. Lots of my friends have reported wanting to go thrift, stepping in, and walking right back out because of the sheer amount of options. So here's a strategy for how to map your route, throw on blinders, and start your trek.
Start by finding the section that matches the item at the top of your wishlist. Then try to find your size, if the store runs that way (most do), and just slowly move through that section in order. Generally it helps to have a list of your do's and don'ts mentally prepared (for example I avoid patterns and look for black, grey, and other dark items) so you can scan past most items quickly.
When you find something that meets your search criteria, give it a quick quality check. I'll discuss this more below. If it passes, just grab it and keep moving. Once I'm done with a section, I try to get a feel for whether I want to look through a new section or call it a day. That splits everything into very digestible sections instead of just floating around the store like a lost ghost.
Once I'm done, I evaluate my pile of items (usually I'll collect 3-10 throughout the store) and then choose my favorites to try on and/or actually purchase.
3. Choosing the Store
Every thrift store is different. The items will 100% depend on the people stocking the store. Smaller local shops and stores that purchase their donations (such as Buffalo Exchange) might favor specific styles and brands, while larger (free-donation-based) chains often have a more generic selection. The more curated the stock, the higher the prices will run, too. Stores in fancy neighborhoods can be full of barely-worn designer stuff, if they aren't already overrun by pro thrifters.
I generally recommend choosing a store based on how much time and budget you have available (you'll need at least one of the two if you're looking for anything decent). If you have time to search through loads of stuff to find a hidden gem for $4, go for the massive generic stores. If you are fine with spending $20-40 on a piece that's a breeze to find, check out a second-hand boutique or vintage store that curates items that fit your style.
4. Timing: Your Secret Weapon
Most stores have sale days and restock days that you can orient yourself by, depending on if you're trying to catch new drops before everyone else or snag the lowest prices. Some even have free email or text message subscriptions that will give you a heads up about upcoming sales events. As a generic rule I recommend shopping weekday mornings if you have the opportunity to, as that's the most empty time (and lots of people can be a major contributor to store overwhelm/anxiety).
5. Quality Check: More Sherlock, Less Shopper
Don't commit to a purchase before confirming you're okay with the quality. Thrift store finds will have a condition range anywhere between new-with-tag and needing repair to be worn. Of course, they'll also range in quality of fabric and craftsmanship. They'll often be priced accordingly to those two factors, but sometimes special items slip under the radar of employees in charge of pricing (especially at huge places like Goodwill).
I've purchased items at every quality level and condition. What's most important is to make sure it works for you. So if you have some skills in alteration and/or clothes repair, you can go for a heavily discounted item that has a torn seam. Or maybe if it's a patterned vintage item you don't care much about a nearly-invisible small coffee stain. Vice versa, if you're looking to invest in a coat for life, you may want to avoid fast fashion finds, even if they're brand new, etc.
Some checks to run for condition are: stains, holes, loose seams or seam ends, frayed hems, pilling, and fading.
For quality, some elements to evaluate are: the seam finishes (how visible/ugly/uneven are they), how does the fabric feel, how heavy is the fabric (cheap stuff often weighs nothing and vice versa), what is the fabric (check the little label that breaks down the fabric components), and which brand is it (google them to see what new items go for, price-wise). There are many more components you can learn to evaluate to get a really quick feel for the quality of an item without being familiar with the brand. Let me know if you'd like me to write a full guide on this soon!
6. Trying Stuff On: Optional but Recommended
Generally, the recommendation is to try items on when possible, of course. Many shops don't have fitting rooms, so for those I wear leggings and a tight crop tank to the store and just throw things on over. As you thrift more, you'll also develop a good feel for what will fit you and what won't.
Some days, I am just too uncomfortable trying on pre-owned items and have to take them home and wash them first. In those cases, I don't take any risks and try to buy items with styles and fits that I've worn before and feel confident evaluating just based on size.
To Wrap It Up
Thrifting is more than just shopping - it's like going on a treasure hunt, and as a bonus it also protects the landfills from the fast-fashion epidemic. Thank you so much for checking out these tips, and I hope they help you find all the most amazing things! 🖤