Top 5 Tips to Buying Clothes from Thrift Stores

Thrift stores can be a great resource but also a big source of frustration. If you know how to shop there, it can be a good way to build up a wardrobe that you love without spending a fortune. Most of my wardrobe at this point has come from thrift stores, and I’ve compiled my top five tips to striking gold in the clothing department.

Tip 1: Have a list.

Create a list of things you want to look for, so that when you walk in to the thrift store you have a purpose. Make sure you’re still giving yourself enough time, because this isn’t a get-in-and-get-out type of list. You’re not looking for whatever you find, but rather for specific things that meet your needs. It doesn’t matter how inexpensive it is if it becomes clutter the moment you carry it into your home. That’s just expensive trash.

Tip 2: Check the brands.

Take note of the brands of pieces that you like. Is it a good brand? Does the brand construct their clothes well? If it’s a fast-fashion brand that sells clothing made to only be worn a few times, it’s probably not worth it. You want clothes that are going to form the basis of a wardrobe you can wear over and over, not something that’s going to fall apart after just a few washes. You can find good quality pieces that are going to be wardrobe staples for years, so make sure to check the brand.

Tip 3: Check the fiber content.

Do you have fabric texture preferences? How about environmental preferences? Do you prefer fabrics that breathe well and keep you cool? Make sure you’re checking the fiber content on the tag. If you can’t find it on the tag at the back of the collar, it’s often on the lower part of a side seam. The fiber content can be critical! I have so many great linen pieces that I couldn’t have afforded from the manufacturer, but I found them very inexpensively at the thrift store. Remember: Most things in the thrift store are inexpensive; some things in there are cheap.  Leave the cheap junk behind. You want to go home with inexpensive treasures.

Tip 4: Evaluate the real cost.

Even if clothes are inexpensive, that doesn’t mean they deserve to take up valuable space in your closet. Say you’re looking at a shirt that’s $5. If you already owned this shirt, but had to pay $5 in rent to keep it in your closet, would you do it? If you would, then it’s probably a great buy! If not, leave it on the rack and try something else. In the same way, ask yourself, “If I pulled this out of my closet right now, would I put it on and leave the house?” If you would, that’s a good sign. If you start bargaining with yourself, then consider choosing something else.

Tip 5: Be realistic about your taste.

You have your own style, and it may not be the style you wish you had. If you’re ready to change your style, then branching out at the thrift store can be a great choice. If you’re not, then you’re in danger of packing your dresser full of clothes you won’t really wear. Unless you’re very confident in your ability to alter your own clothes, make sure you’re choosing items that fit your body well. You want to be able to wear everything you’re buying straight out of the wash, not have a work basket that grows to the size of a mountain while waiting on you to get around to it. It’s so much more fun when you can wear your great new stuff right away.

If you’re looking around the thrift store wondering how people find anything in there, try it again with these tips. Thrift stores can be such a great resource. When you know what you’re looking for and you know how to make sure you’re getting it, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Happy thrifting!