Hello there! In this blog post I will share my six tips for thrifting for clothing! I have spent well over a decade scouring the shelves and online directories of thrift stores, looking for great finds for my wardrobe. From tops and blazers to jeans and dresses, thrift stores have a lot to offer. Half the fun is searching for the next great item to wear for a fraction of the cost! Additionally, thrifting is a fun homemaking skill to add to your toolbox.
To begin, let’s go over some interesting statistics regarding the thrifting market. The popularity of thrifting is not surprising. With the cost of living increasing, many are looking for ways to decrease everyday expenses. Not only can thrifting offer great finds at low costs, but it gives items a second life, cutting down on waste. According to Capital One Shopping, people who shop at thrift stores save an average of $1760 per year. The thrift market has steadily increased over the past decade, with this trend set to continue in the years ahead. According to the same Capital One article, second hand accounts for 9% of the United States apparel market. Interestingly, the Gen Z market is more likely to have purchased used, coming in at 83% of those surveyed, according to an article done by Threads Monthly. This statistic is up over the general population, which comes in at 75%.
Given the popularity of purchasing second hand, gently used apparel and accessories, what are some general tips to keep in mind? This is what this blog post is for! I’ve spent over a decade purchasing much of my clothing and apparel from thrift stores. Continue reading for some of my tips and tricks to remember when shopping for second hand items.
Tip 1: Thoroughly Inspect Items Prior to Purchase
This may seem like a no brainer but thoroughly inspecting second hand items is key for a successful purchase. There may be minor issues like a tear in the fabric, a missing button, or a stain. Depending on the clothing concern, the issue could be easily mended after purchase. However, some issues may not make the piece worth it.
Tip 2: Shop Thrift Store Sales
Sometimes thrift stores offer clear-out sales, marking down most if not all items to incredibly low prices. It is a good idea to get to these sorts of sales early before items have been picked through.
Tip 3: Know Your Prices
All sorts of clothing from different brands end up at thrift stores. Nicer pieces tend to be included in the “boutique” section of the thrift store. Sometimes pieces from cheap retail chains can be found on the shelves, such as H&M or Shein. While the thrift store may be offering cheaper prices than these retailers, keep in mind that it may be worth your money more to just buy these items brand new. It is good to know when you might be getting a good deal on a quality item, or just a few dollars off a cheap one. Everyone’s thrifting goals are different, so it is good to know yours before heading in.
Tip 4: Know Your Quality
Check for the quality of seams and the fabric type when making clothing selections. Also check for color quality, and whether the color has changed or faded. Sturdy, high quality pieces at a discount may be a good purchase for a longer term investment. If you are just looking for a T-shirt to paint the back porch in, then a cheap, lesser quality piece might work well for you.
Tip 5: Know Your Color Season
Knowing what colors fit your hair, eyes, and skin tone is very helpful when shopping for clothing, be it at a thrift store or otherwise. Knowing this helps narrow down the search, avoiding purchases you might later regret. Color season quizzes are plentiful on the internet, here is one I have linked below. Going with a friend who can honestly tell you if something looks good or bad on you is also another helpful tip.
Tip 6: Know Your Budget (Impulse Purchases)
One stressor that can be somewhat unique to a thrift store shopping experience is the pressure. “This is such a unique find! This won’t be here the next time I come! I’d better just go ahead and snag it before someone else does!” This sort of scarcity mindset can lead to impulsive buys. While not all impulsive buys are unwise, keep in mind your budget and your goals with your thrift shopping experience. I know first hand the stress of coming across an interesting item that is out of my budget, but is at the same time a deal in comparison to the normal list price. A few things I like to run through in my mind are:
Will my life truly be devastated if I leave the store without this item?
What value would this item add to my life? How do I see myself using this item?
Would the money I would spend on this item be better used on a different item?
Are there items I’m willing to put back on the shelf/rack so I can afford to purchase this item?
Is there anything I would change about the item? Is this really the version/color/fit/quality that I want?
Has this or a similar item been on my bucket list for awhile?
After having the item in my cart for 15 minutes, does this item still have the same appeal?
Keep in mind that these questions are meant to decipher between a truly impulsive purchase that you might later regret, and a great deal that will add value to your life or your home. The answers to these questions take the purchase of the item out of the impulsive realm by reclaiming some decision making.
Also keep in mind that a lot of little purchases add up to one big purchase (forgive me if this seems asininely obvious, but it is easy to forget). I know I’ve added a bunch of $5 and $10 items to my cart, only to realize I’ve racked up quite a bill at the end.
Closing
Keeping these tips in mind can help as you peruse the thrift store shelves for apparel items. Not only do thrift stores offer great finds, but they offer affordable items that help as budgets tighten across the nation.
Sources
Comments