About a month ago, we wrote our first guide to successful thrift shopping. We got such great feedback on it that we decided to expand it into a full-length feature. For the uninitiated and the intimidated, read on to learn the tricks of the thrift-shopping trade.
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(Courtesy of TheVintageSociety.com)
Whenever I travel to a new place, I always check out the local thrift store — Goodwill, Oxfam, hole-in-the-wall charity shop, you name it. Not only does your purchase raise money for a good cause, it’s the most affordable and unique place to score a souvenir, and it’s interesting to sort through what the locals have worn. (You also get major coolness points back home for being able to say “Oh, I picked this up in Argentina” or “I found this in Paris,” knowing it’s a one-of-a-kind.)
Even at home, thrifting can be a deeply satisfying way to spend an hour or two. In fact, I only ever go into a thrift shop if I have cash on me, because I know I will walk out of there with something in hand.
My favorite thrift shop is divided into women’s and men’s sections, and then organized by tops, pants, skirts/shorts, dresses, coats, accessories, and activewear. It’s also in a ritzy area that’s pretty much split between retirees and young people, so having an idea of the local demographics is helpful in knowing who’s likely donating their stuff. (Indeed, this shop has plenty of brand names, from Seven for All Mankind to Eileen Fisher.)
I love the idea of rehoming unwanted clothes. It reminds me of an animal shelter in that way — they have plenty to offer for the person who has the inclination to give a new treasure the attention it deserves.
Intimidated by the lack of organization or squicked out at the thought of wearing other people’s castoffs? Fear not. There’s one central principle in the art of thrifting, and it’s called “compromise.”
In short, enter a thrift shop with the broadest possible idea of what you’re after. It could be a beaded bracelet, a trench coat, or a clutch purse. Then head to each section and assess your options.
I find the best way to shop is to do a sweep of the entire store first, grabbing anything that catches your eye. Don’t overwhelm yourself with options — once you reach 5 or 6 items, stop and try them on before roaming unexplored territory. That way you can edit your choices as you go, and you might later discover the perfect skirt to wear with the tank top you’ve already settled on.
There are a few pieces that deserve special consideration before you buy. Touching everything and trying each item on for size is key, especially if you’re still developing your eye for determining how a garment hangs on the rack will translate when it’s hanging on your body. Inspect every inch for stains or other defects that you know you won’t be able to repair; loose threads and missing buttons are one thing, but a funky smell is quite another. White shirts and dresses in particular must be searched thoroughly; check for yellowing, food stains, and sheerness, because you won’t be able to fix those problems. Have some faith in your DIY skills, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.
You can also use thrift shops as a means of procuring cheap clothes to alter and upcycle, or even just for the thrill of a bargain It’s remarkable how your price ceiling adjusts when everything is objectively inexpensive, because I’ve been known to balk at a $25 price tag on a coat before. Yet where else can I find a well-made coat for so little?
Above all, keep an open mind. Making the mistake of adhering to too specific a treasure hunt means you won’t give a second look to items that are truly special.