16 Tips For How To Thrift Shop and Find Gems

We’ve all heard it before but I’ll say it to kick off this post: money doesn’t equal style. Some of my favorite bloggers and content creators are actually experts at making fast fashion look like designer pieces and thrifted items look like haute couture.

Excitement for thrift shopping has grown over the last few years as the sustainable fashion revolution has taken over. Finding creative ways to give clothing a second life whether it’s by selling pieces on Poshmark or by upcycling or donating them to your local thrift or consignment store. 

In one of my earliest thrifting experiences growing up in New Jersey, I found what would be my prom dress at the bottom of a box for $13 (clothing in boxes is seriously the best kept thrift store secret, if you ask me). The royal blue dress had gold and purple beading, shoulder pads and a hook and eye closure in the back and I rocked the heck out of that dress at prom.

I had no idea how to thrift shop when I first started going 10+ years ago but over time I’ve learned some tricks that have helped me find some real treasures. Here are 16 of my best tips for how to thrift shop for clothes.

1. Before you even hit the stores, research what items are best to thrift (like denim and leather jackets) and which items you may want to steer clear from (like swimsuits) so you know what to focus on when you head out.

2. Make a list of what you want based on what you think might be missing from your closet...

3. ...but go in with an open mind. Thrifting is all about the hunt and you might stumble upon something that you weren’t expecting.

4. Try to plan your thrifting adventure on a weekday if possible. There will be fewer people there and you’ll likely have a bigger selection of items to choose from than if you waited until the weekend. No matter which day you choose to go, go early to maximize your options.

5. Bring hand sanitizer and water. You may not think you’ll need them but I am always grateful when I remember both.

6. Items out on display (in cases, on prominent hangers, etc.) will likely be priced higher but items in the back of a rack or in bins and boxes might be hidden gems so be patient and take your time to sift through as many pieces as you can.

7. Ignore the size tag most of the time. Some vintage pieces will run smaller and if you see something you like and it fits you, don’t worry about what the label says.

8. Remember to check the men’s section too! You might find cool vintage tees or cozy sweaters.

9. Make sure to try things on! Not all thrift stores have fitting rooms so come prepared and wear a fitted tank and thin leggings or bike shorts to try on your pieces, even if they don’t have a designated space for you to do so. Many items at thrift stores are final sale so don’t wait until you get home to make sure you love it.

10. Check each garment you’re planning to buy carefully for stains or tears and if it has any flaws, you may be able to negotiate the price.

11. Ask the store owner if they offer discounts on bundles of more than one item or buy one get one free on similar items. You never know what discounts might be there if you just ask. 

12. Bring your own reusable tote bag when you shop as some stores don’t have them. Even if they do have them, you might get a discount for bringing your own bag.

13. Bring cash! Some thrift stores don’t accept credit cards and you don’t want to have to turn down an amazing find because of your payment method.

14. Don’t feel pressured to buy something just because it’s cheap. Buy things you can really picture yourself wearing and loving. If you can’t picture the first outfit you’ll create with it, put it down and back away slowly.

15. If you find something you love that doesn’t fit you quite right, remember you can always get it tailored. Tailoring vintage clothing will also extend the life of your pieces. 

16. Don’t want to go in person? Check out one of these online thrift shops! Just make sure you read their return policy and look over sizing info in detail so you’re satisfied with your purchase.

I hope you learned some new tips for how to shop at thrift stores. Looking for more thrifting advice? I know some people who can deliver just that. Check out my blog post on 10 thrift fashion bloggers you need to follow in 2021 for lots of fun thrift hauls and sustainable fashion tips.

yours,

Austen