Thrifting 101: How to Actually Find Good Pieces
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
My first time thrifting, I didn't know where to start. There was an overwhelming amount of options: clothing, shoes, and miscellaneous items, and as a result, I walked away empty-handed. But if done right, thrifting can be one of the best ways to elevate your wardrobe and home on a budget. That's why I wanted to share thrifting hacks I wish I knew before getting started. Here are some tips and tricks to maximize your thrift yield, whether you're a beginner or an experienced thrifter.
Start With a List
The biggest problem I faced on my first thrifting trip was not knowing what I wanted to look for. There were so many racks and shelves of items that I was quickly overwhelmed and ran out of time while trying to look through everything. It is helpful to enter a thrift store with a clear goal in mind so you know which sections to check. For example, if you are in search of a new pair of sneakers, you'll know to look in the shoe section instead of wasting time searching in the clothing racks. Creating a list of your thrifting goals beforehand can also stop you from making impulsive purchases of items you may regret later. One great way to organize your thrifting goals is to keep a list in the Notes app/documents on your iPhone, or write them down on a sticky note.
Choose the Right Location and Time
Not all thrift stores are the same, so be careful where you choose to go. Some people may thrift at Goodwill for their vast variety of items, such as clothing, books, and home decor. On the other hand, teens or people into fashion may prefer shopping at Plato's Closet since they specialize in trendy, second-hand clothing and accessories for teens and young adults. Rural thrift stores are also a great way to find hidden gems, mainly offering unique vintage items at lower prices that you may not find in chain stores. For experienced thrifters, consider visiting a Goodwill Outlet, where you'll find piles of items and clothing sorted into large bins. If you're willing to dig, chances are you may walk away with 30 pounds of clothing for as low as $15.
Timing
Timing is just as important as location. Shopping on weekday mornings or early afternoons is the best time to go thrifting since stores are less crowded compared to weekends. Fewer people means a higher chance of finding hidden gems before anyone else does. The golden rule in thrift is first come first serve, meaning that arriving late will allow everyone before you to snag all the good stuff. This applies both to thrift bins and regular thrift stores.
Always Check the Quality/Tags
Before impulsively buying an item, be sure to check the condition. Check for rips, stains, missing buttons, and broken zippers to make sure you don't end up with a regrettable purchase. Note that some pieces of clothing may have stains that may cost more to remove than the item itself. Another way to determine quality is to check the tags. Not only will this help you determine the materials, but also the value of the item. You may even find name brands for 50% less than the actual price; now that's a good find. Keep an eye out for brands like Ralph Lauren, Chaps, L.L. Bean, and Land's End, as they are commonly found in second-hand stores and are of good quality and value.
Be Patient
Finally, remember that the inventory of thrift stores is constantly changing, unlike regular retail stores. This means that there will be days you may walk out empty-handed, and that is completely okay. Thrifting takes time and patience, so don't let one unsuccessful thrifting trip discourage you. Think of thrifting like a treasure hunt. The joy of thrifting comes from finding hidden gems when you least expect them, which is what makes it such an exciting and rewarding experience.
Remember, thrifting is supposed to be fun. Everyone has different goals and expectations, so grab your list, head to your local thrift store, and happy thrifting!
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