Thrifting is a skill guys. And I am not going to sit here and say you can walk into a thrift store for the first time and find the designer dress of your dreams. BUT I fully believe that all of us can spend a little time and effort in a thrift store and come out with treasures. Specifically, clothing treasures!
I would truly argue that every clothing piece you have ever envisioned already exists. And chances are you can find it or a very similar one by keeping an eye out for it thrifting!
I could go on and on about why you should thrift (the environment, money, quality, entertainment) and chances are you already want to start thrifting if you are reading this so Im going to quit rambling and let’s start getting into these thrifting secrets. Learn how to thrift clothes you want to wear-
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Thrifting Secrets: How To Thrift Clothes You Want To Wear
My BEST tips for thrifting clothing:
Tip 1: Start with a game plan
Thrifting without a plan is like going to the grocery store hungry—you end up impulse-buying a bunch of stuff you don’t need and forgetting the things you actually wanted. Before you head out, take a few minutes to figure out:
A: What do I need?
Are you looking for staple pieces like jeans, jackets, or sweaters, or do you want something specific like a vintage band tee or a funky statement piece? Think about the last few times you were putting together outfits- was there any pieces you wished you had?
Like for myself I found myself constantly wishing for a simple black mini skirt but because I had enough skirts I didn’t want to spend a lot on it. That is what inspired me to start a thrift wish list- which is a list of clothes that I think about wanting so I add them to the list- and I go with styles here not brands. Searching for specific brands is challenging but a general vibe is easy if you commit!
At the moment my thrift wish list looks like this:
- Red leather or other bomber jacket
- Rain boots fun pattern
- Distressed denim skirt
- Tshirt dress neutral color
Specific enough to give me guidance for things that I actually want but not too specific that it limits creativity! And creativity is an essential part of thrifting- you gotta have the vision.
B: What colors do I actually wear?
It’s easy to get distracted by cool patterns and bold prints, but if you never wear them, they’ll just sit in your closet. Stick to the colors and styles that you choose to wear regularly.
Look through recent pictures to see what you actually wear and take note of what you reach for. That way you have color sections to focus on which can help to narrow down all the options at an overwhelming thrift store!
C: What styles do I love?
If you already know that oversized blazers, high-waisted jeans, and cozy knits make you feel amazing, focus on those rather than picking up something just because it’s cheap. Unique pieces are a super fun part of thrifting but if it is not something you actually can visualize wearing somewhere then it’s probably better off going to a different home where it will get worn and used 🙂
Tip 2: Timing truly matters!
Not all thrifting trips are created equal. If you show up at the wrong time, you might be digging through picked-over racks and empty shelves. In my experience this is the best timing for finding the best thrifting gems-
- Go early in the week. Many thrift stores restock on Mondays or Tuesdays after the weekend rush, so you’ll have first dibs on new arrivals.
- Avoid peak hours. If you can, thrift on weekday mornings or early afternoons because weekends and evenings tend to be crowded and the good stuff is probably already gone!
- Know when sales happen. Some stores mark down certain color tags on specific days, so check their website or ask an employee when discounts happen. Follow your favorite local thrift stores on Instagram as most announce the sales regularly!
Tip 3: Scanning is a skill
Walking into a thrift store can feel overwhelming, but don’t let the sheer volume of clothing scare you off. Instead of digging through every single rack, train your eyes to scan efficiently:
- Look for fabrics first. Quality pieces stand out like wool, linen, silk, and sturdy denim feel different than cheap polyester blends. Run your hands along the racks and stop when you feel something nice and substantial. Plus, chances are you are
- Scan for colors and patterns you love. If you wear neutrals every day then you probably don’t need to bother looking at anything neon. Plus- if you are looking for a certain vibe like capsule pieces then you want to avoid patterns. But going into the thrift store with a general idea of both colors and styles you want will make the trip more successful!
- Check the sleeve and hemline peeks. Instead of pulling out every item, look at what’s sticking out- you can spot cool textures, buttons, or vintage details this way.
Tip 4: Don’t get stuck in just the women’s section
Some of the best thrift finds aren’t even in the women’s section. If you’re only shopping in one part of the store, you’re missing out!
- Men’s sweaters, blazers, and denim jackets tend to be better quality, slightly oversized, and super on-trend.
- Kids’ sections often have cropped tees, sweatshirts, and accessories that work perfectly for petite frames. Plus, the prices are usually cheaper than adult sections.
- Check the lingerie and sleepwear section for silky slips, camis, or lace pieces that can be styled as everyday outfits.
Tip 5: Try it on or know your measurements
Thrift store sizing is all over the place. A vintage size 10 could fit like a modern size 4, and brands from different eras had completely different sizing standards. Instead of relying on the tag, here’s what to do:
- Try things on if you can. Some thrift stores have fitting rooms, and it’s always worth seeing how something actually looks on you.
- Bring a tape measure. If you’re shopping in a store without fitting rooms, knowing your waist, hip, and chest measurements can help you compare to the clothing tags.
Tip 6: Damage and repairs
Thrift stores don’t usually have return policies, so always inspect your finds before heading to the checkout. Look for:
- Stains – Small marks can often come out with stain remover, but big, deep-set stains might not be worth the hassle. But honestly unless the item is INCREDIBLE in my experience it’s not worth trying to get a stain out.
- Holes and tears – A little rip on a seam is fixable if you have sewing experience but massive holes might not be worth repairing.
- Missing buttons or zippers – If you’re handy with a needle or know a good tailor, these are easy fixes. If not, it might be best to pass.
Tip 7: Don’t get stuck in a styling rut
Sometimes, the best thrift finds aren’t perfect right off the rack but with a little creativity, they can become absolute wardrobe staples.
- Oversized shirts? Wear them as a dress, tie them at the waist, or layer them over a tank.
- Jeans that fit weird? Cut them into shorts or roll up the cuffs for a relaxed look.
- Dated blazers? Crop them for a trendy, modern vibe.
- Old dresses? Belt them, add accessories, or layer them with sweaters to make them look brand new.
Tip 8: Wash it all please!!
Thrifted clothes come with a mysterious past, and while that’s part of the fun, it also means you should definitely wash everything before wearing it.
- Use hot water and vinegar to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
- For delicate or vintage fabrics, hand wash or use a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Leather, suede, and wool items should be dry cleaned or spot cleaned as needed.
And that is all for now my friends! I truly and genuinely hope this was helpful and inspired you to get out there and start thrifting for any of your clothing needs!!
Korra-Shay
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