Thrifting is such a fun way to shop. Sure, it takes more time and probably more trips than a mall but there’s nothing more satisfying than spotting that perfect vintage jacket for $12.
But it’s not for everyone.
The thing is, thrifting is not designed for convenience. It is not designed for those who want to find something quick. You’re basically on your own. No styled mannequins. No nothing.
And to me, that’s part of the beauty. No pushy sales associates. No promo posters with 5’11 models on them. Nope, you’re completely free of decisions that have been made before you got into the store. You’re looking with an open mind.
When you shop with no particular destination, it allows more room for creativity. Everything you touch makes you wonder: “Hmm, could I see myself in this?” or “This is extremely tacky, but I think I could pull it off.” It forces you to imagine yourself in every outfit possible, whether it’s from the 1950’s or 80’s.
When it comes to thrifting, it’s all about the hunt. Sometimes you might have to visit a few thrift stores before you even get your hands on something unique. But when you do find it, the piece becomes more rewarding to wear. And what makes it even more special is that you will most likely never see someone else wearing the same thing.
One thing I learned from thrifting is the art of the scan. It’s the only way to avoid wasting time and missing out on potential gems.
You can easily spend a few hours at the thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL, especially if it’s a large one. This is why you should scan the aisles for pieces based on your aesthetics first before trying to rummage through piles and piles of clothes.
You’ll eventually see something that catches your eye based on your preferred colors and textures.
Did I also mention that you should dress for the occasion since some stores do not offer fitting rooms? I personally like to wear a form-fitting tank top with some leggings. This also makes changing quick and efficient for the stores that do.
Overall, thrifting can be time-consuming but it is fun and rewarding. There’s nothing like meandering through somebody else’s junk without knowing what’s around the corner.
At some point in your life you probably shopped at a small consignment shop or a goodwill, probably because of the prices some people are attracting to thrifting to flip stuff for profit, others for the lower prices on clothing, shoes and furniture.
What is thrifting?
Going to a store with discounted or second-hand items to buy products for less than what would be paid in a big box store.
Reasons to buy second hand
it’s cheaper
prevents waste in landfill
most secondhand shops will give back to the community
find high quality items for a lower price
opportunities to score rare items you’ve been looking for
good for the planet
less pollution
maximizes life of items
How thrifting is better for wallet and planet
when it comes to buying clothes, they can get expensive and if you have a limited budget this can help keep spending low.
by buying secondhand and donating items it keeps items out of the landfill
How thrifting is better than fast fashion
instead of spending money on cheaply made clothes hit up your local thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL for some name brand quality clothes for the same price or less
pre thrifting checklist
check the site for daily deals or coupons
check for the color or item that has an extra discount on it
what could you use around the house
sizes for the clothes or shoes you’re seeking
figure out what days the product is brought in or what time to check out the most recent donations for an ultimate find
check accessories like bags or wallets
give yourself a budget to stay within
bring your donations to keep the circle going
give ample time to really search it takes time to find amazing stuff
You know those bumper stickers that read, “I break for yard sales”? Well, mine says, “I break for thrift stores.” And I do. Over the past three decades, I’ve thrift-shopped my way across the Midwest, Northeast, and from L.A. to Seattle.
Thankfully, I’m too picky to be a hoarder. I buy only what I need or what I know I can sell for a profit online. And though every secondhand store is unique, there’s a standard set of items I’m always on the lookout for.
Here are some things you, too, should always buy at thrift stores.
Where I live, high-quality used jeans sell for $7.99-$12.99 a pair. And though that may seem high for “pre-loved” denim, consider this: According to Statista, a consumer market research company, the average retail price of women’s jeans was $165 in 2018.
Think all thrift store jeans are junk? Think again. There are loads of high-quality clothes in thrift stores if you know what to look for — which I outline in “11 Secrets to Finding Quality Clothing at Thrift Shops.”
Tools
Tools are go-items at thrift stores and something I always buy at estate sales. I’m not talking about circular saws and welding torches here, just basic tools everyone should have.
Since much of what gets donated is older, it’s easy to find used tools that are well-made and proven by years of dedicated service.
Look for genuine made-in-America stuff, like your parents or grandparents had. And don’t let a little surface rust discourage you. With just the slightest TLC, most old tools can go for another generation or two.
Totes, trays and baskets
Sure, Amazon sells countless products to organize your home. But, again: Why pay retail?
Canvas totes are always on my shopping list. They’re handy for stowing items in the trunk of my car, packing for an overnight trip, and shopping at garage sales and flea markets.
Trays and baskets are my other go-to storage items. Trays are perfect for displaying cologne, organizing TV remotes or storing craft supplies. Use baskets to store pet supplies, winter gear and bath towels.
Holiday decorations
Psst: When you pay less for holiday decorations, you’ll have more money to spend on gifts.
Over the years, I’ve built a handsome collection of handmade Christmas tree ornaments — all purchased at thrift shops for about 50 cents apiece.
And, like clockwork every year, I find a box of brand-new holiday greeting cards for a dollar or two. (Sorry, retailers, but spending $6 to $12 a box just doesn’t work for me.)
But why stop there? Thrift stores sell artificial trees, tree skirts, wreaths and wrapping paper. Best of all, when you buy from charity-related shops, you’re directing your dollars toward worthy causes. And that’s a good idea every season of the year.
Art and craft supplies
Thrift stores offer limitless options for artists and crafters.
Besides old canvases that can be painted over, I look for vintage photographs, wallpaper samples, fabric, yarn, pottery and silverware.
With a little inspiration, nearly everything in a thrift shop can be reimagined and repurposed. And since the raw materials are so inexpensive, you can let your creative spirit run wild.
Dishware
I’ll say it loud and proud: “I buy all my dishes at thrift stores.” Sure, nothing matches in the strictest sense, but that’s part of the fun.
Creative designers make an art form of setting tables with highly curated “mismatched” sets of dinnerware. You can copy this great look for pennies at a thrift store. Here’s how:
I choose a main color family (classic whites and creams) and an accent color (navy blue). Next, I let my creativity take over, buying interesting pieces that fit within my chosen palette.
Every plate, bowl, cup and saucer is different, yet it all works together. When a cup breaks, I pick up a used, unique replacement. Stress level? Zero. Cost? Practically zero.
Perfume
Though I’m not a big fan of perfume, many of my friends and family are. It’s a treat to find a bottle of Burberry or Dior mixed in with thrift stores’ standard fare of Avon and Charlie.
And it happens more often than you might think. Most major department stores donate their perfume testers. Look for the telltale missing cap.
The best part? Many thrift shops aren’t familiar with high-end fragrance brands. Some bottles sell for $3 or $4 apiece.
One-of-a-kind items
I’m always on the lookout for the weird and wonderful.
Kids’ pinch pots with wild glazes, threadbare silk rugs, a stack of black and white snapshots — these one-of-a-kind items make our homes unique. And they can all be found in thrift stores.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon a hand-painted image of a sleeping dog. It’s primitive but done with such care that I couldn’t pass it up. Today, that $4 find is one of my most treasured possessions.
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
I’ve been around thrifting all my life. Growing up, my mom never passed up a sweet deal from the secondhand store. She taught me to thrift shamelessly, and be proud of what I’ve been able to snag.
Now that I’m older, I’ve become very diligent in making sure that the majority of clothing and household items are obtained secondhand. Whether it’s from a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL, online marketplace, family member, yard sale, or picked up off the side of the road, it’s safe to say that the vast majority of stuff is pre-loved.
But one of the most important things I’ve learned about thrifting is that it’s so much more than just saving money. There are several reasons why buying secondhand is the way to go, from the impact it has on the environment to the impact it has on your local community.
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
1. LESS CLOTHING IN LANDFILLS
The U.S. alone throws out roughly 10 million tons of clothing each year, which can sit in landfills for up to 200 years. Donating used items drastically reduces waste, while buying secondhand helps to reduce demand.
2. LESS WATER CONSUMPTION
It takes approximately 2,700 gallons of water to produce a single cotton shirt, which is enough for one person to drink in 2 1/2 years. Cotton production places stress on surrounding ecosystems and requires the use of harmful pesticides.
PERSONAL IMPACT
3. CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Thrifting gives the opportunity to find some pretty fun and funky stuff. And because it’s less of a price commitment, there’s more wiggle room to pick and choose what trends and looks you want to try out.
4. ALL THE NOSTALGIA
If modern fashion isn’t really your thing, or you’re just looking to take a trip down Memory Lane, buying secondhand allows you to explore products from various different decades
5. THE HUNT FOR “BURIED TREASURE”
When thrifting, you never know what you’re gonna come across. There could be something super valuable tucked deep within a shelf or jammed between clothing racks just waiting to be discovered.
Why Wearing Secondhand Clothing Is One of the Best Eco-Friendly Actions You Can Take
The world’s landfills are already overflowing, but we still have to buy items—from clothing and decor to furniture and home improvement items. Thrifting is one of the best ways to lighten your impact as a consumer.
Every purchase you make supports ideals, practices, and companies. By thrifting, you make a vote for sustainability, fair working conditions, good prices, and great style.
For the Planet
While your clothing choices may seem innocuous and simple, what you choose to wear affects more than how you look in the mirror.
The fashion industry produces 10 percent of all humanity’s carbon emissions, is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply, and pollutes the oceans with microplastics.
The clothing supply chain, much like other consumer goods, can be a vicious cycle of excess production and mismanaged waste.
That’s why shopping ethically is so important. While there are some amazing brands that care about the environment and their workers, it can be hard to navigate fashion standards and expensive to shop new. According to Fast Company, “In 2018, 40 percent of consumers couldn’t name a socially responsible company.
29 percent admitted doing no homework to determine which companies were socially responsible. Those who did research were most likely to rely on product packaging to evaluate whether a company was doing good work.”
Insert thrifting. Buying secondhand is by far the most sustainable choice you can make. When you purchase items that already exist, less finite resources are needed. Thrifting also delays existing clothes and other products from ending up in the landfill.
For the People
Working conditions of fast fashion companies are often dismal, such as cases of sexual harassment and poor safety measures. Research from Remake estimates that 80 percent of garment workers around the world are women between the ages of 18 and 24 (many even younger), often earning less than $3 per day. These women find themselves simultaneously locked into poverty and dependent on the little wages they do earn.
Beyond the production process, treating raw materials can be hazardous not only for the end consumer, but especially for the worker. Pesticides, such as for high-volume, high-risk crops like cotton, can easily seep into our skin (which happens to be our largest organ). Leather goods have a history of being particularly hazardous, with the tanning process putting workers at a much greater risk of cancer.
On the other hand, thrift stores are often local small businesses, which boost economies and support communities. Fair wage enforcement is much easier because of local government oversight. Plus, the health risks of secondhand clothing and other items is much lower—even for synthetic fabrics and non-organic natural fibers—because the item has often been aired out and pre-washed.
Many thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL even have a social good component. They hires and trains workers who face barriers to employment. Proceeds from Salvation Army Family Stores support centers for people struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction. This nonprofit revenue has a real impact on people living near these stores.
For the Savings
Zero-waste advocate Bea Johnson makes a good point about our current consumer culture: “Disposability is a modern concept, something that was invented by the manufacturers and their powerful marketers out of financial greed. They promise us time savings in our life, so we can be more productive, but don’t the products that they sell rather hinder efficiency? They need to be bought, discarded. What a waste of time and money!”
Clothes and home goods can be pricey, especially when you shop with transparent brands with air-tight supply chains. Make your wardrobe budget stretch farther by shopping secondhand. Every brand, size, style, and color under the sun can be thrifted. Shopping vintage or visiting a curated thrift shop may make a dent in your wallet, but the average thrift trip has cute finds at a fraction of the price.
For the Style
It can be intimidating to dig into the world of thrifting. Bloggers make it look so easy to pull off that thrift-store-ironic-chic style, meanwhile you either look like your 8-year-old self or a grandma. The good news is, it gets better with practice. The more you thrift, the easier it is to scan the racks and check all the best corners of the store or app. You can find some truly unique pieces when you shop secondhand, but you can also snag trendy items at a discounted price if that’s your vibe.
We see it, we like it, we want it. In our world where the ‘new’ and trendy are a thing, buying second hand fashion has received a little bit of hype.
Due to the growing popularity of sustainable fashion, buying second hand from thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL has become increasingly mainstream. Aside from being trendy and looking ‘cool’, there are several benefits to buying second hand fashion.
Here they are:
1. Wallet speaks first
This is probably the most obvious advantage of buying fashion second hand. You can find your favorite brands and designer items second hand at a lower price.
This is simply because they have previously been worn by someone else and/or are no longer used by the previous owner. The wallet then speaks: you can access the latest trends or go back in time without risking to bump into fast fashion.
2. Reduced textile waste
Besides being one of the most polluting industries globally, the fashion industry is also one of the most wasteful; where 85% of textile waste ends up in landfills (according to World Wear Projects).
Moreover, estimates by the Ellen McArthur Foundation suggest that just less than 1% of used clothing is recycled into new garments.
3. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
The fashion industry contributes to 10% of the world’s carbon emissions each year (according to statistics published by the UNEP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
For example, buying just one brand new white cotton shirt can generate the same amount of emissions as driving a car for 35 miles, according to Oxfam. By purchasing second hand instead of purchasing brand new clothing, you can help to minimise the growth of carbon emissions!
4. Saved water
The production process for our clothes requires a lot of water. By a lot we mean it takes 2,700 litres to make a cotton t-shirt (assessment by World Wildlife Fund) and 10,000 litres of water to make a single pair of jeans! (Statistics by the United Nations). Yes, that is A LOT of water and these are just a couple of examples.
If more of us recycle and reuse second hand clothing, the water used for the production of clothing can be repurposed. For example, it can be used to provide more drinking water instead of ending up as industrial waste!
5. Where did you find that again?
We have to admit, it can be a little awkward when you come across somebody wearing the EXACT same clothing item as you. Buying second hand can prevent this problem! Because it is from a previous season or a different decade, chances are that you will not find someone wearing the exact same item that you have found second hand.
From rare pieces by your favorite brands to sought-after vintage gems, you will surely find a unique piece that complements your personal style!
6. Old trends are new trends
We all know that fashion trends come and go. Fashion that was once considered to be out-of-date is suddenly trendy again. Old school fashion trends such as wide-leg jeans or those oversized shoulder pad blazers that were very popular in the 80s (for example) have suddenly made a comeback today. Chances are, you can find trendy items second hand!
7. Better quality
As time has gone by, the perceived consumer value for clothing has declined over the last 15 years. The quality of fashion has gone downhill or is not the same as it was previously.
The popularity of low-cost fast fashion in the late 90s and early 2000s is partially responsible for this. Fast fashion retailers began to replicate design elements from designer brands and produced them cheaply and fast.
Therefore, it is possible that sometimes, older or vintage items can hold better quality. Second hand fashion is often sold in good enough condition for continued wear, which already proves that it has stood the test of time.
Thrift shopping, or “thrifting” for short, is buying items from charity or thrift shops. Sellers are often non-profit charitable organizations that sell goods at low prices. Goods are typically donated second-hand items and occasionally new items too.
Thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL are different from consignment shops, curated second-hand stores, and vintage stores, but they all typically sell second-hand items and sometimes new items at discounted prices as opposed to what you would find at traditional retail stores.
Why thrift shop?
1 | Save money
One of the biggest benefits of thrifting is that you save money. A new shirt that costs $50 at the department store can cost $10 at a thrift store. That’s a savings of $40 right there.
You might not find the latest brands and styles new with tags on every shopping trip, but it’s normal to come by popular brands regularly. You could walk out of a thrift store with a bag full of clothes for the cost of that one new $50 shirt from a retail store.
If you have children, you know that they outgrow or wear out their clothes quickly. You can restock their wardrobes with new and gently used clothing for less than you would if you shopped at retail stores.
2 | Shop without (or less) guilt!
Many people love to shop and keep doing it despite knowing that it’s not in their best interest. Guilty!
I used to spend a lot of my free time shopping and browsing shops. I’d spend my work lunch hours and weekend afternoons at my favorite stores because it was a fun way to relax. I’d buy clothes that I didn’t always need and then feel bad when I didn’t wear them afterward.
When you shop at thrift stores, you likely spend less money than you would at a retail store. It’s easier to swallow paying $30 for three tops than it is $100 for those same three items.
Thirty dollars may be in your budget while $100 may not be. So you can feel less guilty or even feel comfortable with shopping when it’s at a thrift store.
Plus, you can accidentally ruin clothes without feeling guilty about it. When I spilled pen ink on my white cardigan after wearing it only a handful of times, I breathed a sigh of relief that I only paid $5 for it. I didn’t cry when I lost my Lululemon jacket either because it was less than $10 from a thrift store.
3 | Get unique clothes and costumes
Thrift stores are the go-to place for Halloween costumes and ugly Christmas sweaters. You can get vintage and specialty clothing for a lot less than at premium vintage stores or brand new.
This past Halloween, I came across two unique costumes that I ended up selling. The first was a new Steindl Trachten traditional German dress from Germany for $15. It was missing a few pieces but still sold for $50. The other was a new handmade Damsel in The Dress corset for $13.
4 | Conserve the environment
Another major reason to thrift shop is to support environmental conservation.
Mass clothes manufacturing is demanding on the environment. Material such as cotton must be grown and prepared for use. Manufacturing of synthetic materials requires oil and results in textile waste. Human labor is also required to sew fabric into wearable clothes.
Clothes are often made in countries such as China and Bangladesh and then shipped around the world to sell in countries like the US. This places even more demand on the environment and human labor.
When you reuse and recycle clothing, you reduce demand for new clothing production as well as demand for environmental resources.
5 | Support local jobs and organizations
Your dollars support the people and organizations in your community. Goodwill in my area stresses that the money from sales goes toward employee job training. When the employees move on from Goodwill, they are likely to remain employed in the area using their skills.
You can feel good knowing that your shopping benefits local communities, organizations, and people rather than faceless national or international retail stores.
6 | For fun and entertainment
Thrift shopping provides hours of entertainment. Many thrift shoppers love the thrill of the hunt and scoring a great find. It’s a scavenger hunt for grown-ups.
You’ll be amused by the unique items and random oddities you’ll come across too. My favorite finds are cat-themed items. I take pictures of all the cat items I come across like these.
7 | Find a treasure
While you may be pushing your luck expecting to find an undiscovered Van Gogh or Monet painting for a few dollars, you can regularly find hidden gems or personal treasures.
8 | Furnish your house
Let’s face it, furnishing a new house or apartment gets expensive. Many thrift shops have a furniture and houseware section where you get essentials for a fraction of retail price.
I’ve seen more utensils, plates, mugs, and kitchen items than I can count at thrift stores. One thrift store I used to visit sold used table sets and living room furniture. I donated my working TV there a few years ago after getting a new one.
9 | DIY projects
I admire people who can take a piece of old furniture and restore it into a unique and modern piece. Where do people get tables, cabinets, and chairs to restore?
It’s not only furniture that you can make into DIY projects. These are other items that can be upcycled and repurposed:
Wicker baskets
Containers
Miniature trays
Chalkboards and bulletin boards
Plates and bowls
Picture frames
Lamps
Benches
Baskets and containers can be used for storage, side table décor, planters, and centerpieces. Large and small trays can hold pens, jewelry, and other loose items. They can be turned into decorative signs too. The ideas for these items are endless!
10 | Make money
My favorite reason to thrift shop is to make money. Turn your thrift shopping fun into a profitable business.
You can do this by looking for items that are worth more than their sale price and reselling them at a higher price. It may take some research and trial and error to know what sells well, but once you start making sales, you’re in business!
Many people like me do this as a side hustle. Reselling can be lucrative though. It’s common for serious full-time sellers to make five and six figures a year.
If you’re looking for a side hustle and like thrift shopping, this one might be for you!
If you are unfamiliar with the term thrift shop, it is a shop that sells used items that include clothes, furniture, and books. Most often, thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL run for charitable reasons.
However, many people, especially kids, get embarrassed when they visit thrift shops and buy items from there. Well, those people are mistaken, as thrift shopping has several benefits other than giving back to the community.
If you are still hesitant about visiting the nearest thrift shop in your area, we will help you learn more about how amazing thrift shopping can be for you, and for your kids, too! Read on as in this article, I will tell you why thrift shopping is awesome!
Saves Money
As a parent, you already have tons of financial responsibilities, and you try your best to make your kids have the best childhood as much as possible.
Buying all their clothes from established brands will take up a considerable amount of your budget. However, thrift shopping will help you save more money which you can spend later on, on fun trips, camps, toys, and gadgets for your kids, or even give yourself a treat by going to the spa or buying yourself something nice.
Therefore, although your kids might complain about having to wear used clothes, they will have so much fun when they get to travel more or get more toys
Waste Reduction
The process of manufacturing, packaging, producing, and distributing brand new clothes requires the consumption of a considerable amount of water and energy. Moreover, when people throw away their old clothes, this adds to the environmental pollution.
Thrift shopping is a great way to reduce waste as it doesn’t require all of these harmful processes. Shopping online is also beneficial nowadays, and one good reason for you to visit or purchase from an online thrift store is that you will not use any means of transportation, which means less pollution.
As you can see, thrift shopping can help reduce waste and save our environment in so many ways. So next time you feel embarrassed for going to a thrift shop, or your kids complain about it, remember that you are taking part in saving the earth, and you should educate your kids about how they will be contributing to cleaning our planet and reducing the amount of waste produced.
Good Quality for Low Price
Another reason why thrift stores are awesome is that you can still find high-quality items in good condition at a low price. Who said that items sold in thrift shops are of poor quality and broken?
There are great bargains in them that you can take advantage of. Thrift shopping means that you will be getting more for less. Moreover, even if you have found an item that you really like but has a dent on it, you can fix it later, and still, it will be cheaper than buying brand new, especially if it is a piece of furniture.
We mean, think about it! Any item you chose that still looks good is a used item that withstood the use of another person, and that should say something about the quality of that product!
Spread the Kindness
Shopping at thrift shops is an act of kindness since you help others by buying from them. It is not just about buying good quality products at a low price and saving money, as they support different causes and help out many people in need.
Purchasing through these shops is a great way to teach your kids the value of money, kindness, and that the important things in life are not material possessions. The world is going through a lot, and supporting your community will definitely make the world a little better. Although, in your own city, it will have a great impact.
As you can see, shopping at thrift stores is a very smart financial decision. You get to save money that you can spend later on other important things, or travel to a fun place during your vacation. Moreover, you get to have high-quality products without paying a fortune.
Their benefits are not limited to monetary value, as buying from them helps a lot in reducing waste and saving energy and water, so it is a great way to be part of saving our planet, especially if you decide to do online shopping and reduce the amount of carbon footprint that your vehicle will emit as you transport to and from the store.
Thrift shopping can teach your kids many important values in life, like the importance of charity and giving back to their community, as well as how to set their priorities, and the value of money.
Time and again, one of the most frequent questions I receive on Instagram is where I go thrift shopping. But here’s the thing, the whole idea of what constitutes a good thrift store is completely arbitrary.
Why? Because it all comes down to what you’re looking for. A good thrift shop in Destin, FL for furniture may be different than one for clothing, and what I deem “good” may be completely different than what the person asking considers good thrifting. So, it’s far more effective to focus on technique.
If you fine-tune your thrifting skills, you’ll be far more likely to find that thrift store unicorn than simply trying to find the “good” thrift stores. After all, their supply is completely dependent on what people donate – the selection changes constantly.
Just follow my tips for successful secondhand shopping:
When:
When is the best time to go thrift shopping? I mean, you could go to the thrift store on a Saturday, but you’ll be competing with everyone and their mother for the good stuff. To me, the ideal days of the week to go to a thrift store are Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
If you think about it, people are usually spending their weekends cleaning out their attics, basements, closets, and garages and dropping off their donations on Saturdays or Sundays.
So, midweek you’re not only competing with fewer people, but the selection is usually better. Obviously, if you work a regular 9 to 5 job, it can be difficult – or near impossible- to make it to a store mid-week, so if that’s the case, try to shop early in the mornings on Saturday or Sunday.
Where:
Where are the best thrift stores? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found some vintage gold in city thrift stores, but if you live in the city, chances are you’ve visited many a picked-over Goodwill or Salvation Army within city limits.
While these thrift stores aren’t completely without reward – they’re great if you don’t have a lot of free time to devote to thrifting – you’re competing with a lot of people to find the gold, including college students and high school kids looking for that perfect 90’s Night or Halloween costume.
And don’t forget to check out the smaller thrift stores within city limits, too. Goodwill and Salvos aren’t the only options out there.
Size (Sometimes) Doesn’t Matter – but shop mindfully:
I always look everywhere in the thrift store. Because women’s (and men’s) sizing has changed so drastically over the years, sticking to your exact sizing section alone is pretty pointless. Everything fits differently, so it’s worth skimming through the racks to see what you can find. Look beyond your size and you might find some hidden gems.
While you’re at it, look everywhere else too: The men’s section is great for vintage Levi’s and Dickies, flannels, button-ups, menswear coats and grandpa sweaters. Check out the children’s section for shrunken jackets, denim vests, school uniform separates (think solid sweaters and pleated skirts), and misplaced ‘90s minis, and check out housewares for vintage planters and vases.
I say shop mindfully because it’s important to remember that, if you’re on the smaller end of the spectrum, you innately have thin privilege. Because of the size I wear, I could shop a variety of sizes and either alter a piece to make it work or wear something loose. Our larger-sized thrifting pals often don’t have that privilege, so if you’re shopping, leave the plus-sized items for the plus-sized community.
Learn to Recognize Quality:
This is my favorite part of thrift shopping! Thrift shopping is a great way to add higher-end fabrics to your closet that you may not be able to justify purchasing new. Keep an eye out for silk, cashmere, linen, and good-quality leather.
Example? A vintage/second-hand sweater from Saks is typically going to have better quality dyes and fibers than the same style from Target from last year, compare and contrast, and eventually, you’ll be able to discern a quality piece without even picking it up off the rack.
While I’m not totally opposed to purchasing big box or fast fashion brands from a thrift store, I usually skip over them because the garment almost always looks tired and worn out (a reminder to limit those purchases in the first place).
But that’s just me, and as always there are exceptions. Case in point: I recently bought a like-new Zara blazer for $1. Hard to go wrong there and it goes with almost everything.
If there’s a specific brand you like, learn to recognize the markings of that brand. I used to thrift a lot of vintage Coach and Dooney & Bourke bags, and I know to look for a specific type of strap and style of clasp when scanning the purses section before checking for signs of authenticity. Honing a keen eye makes it easier to pick out any gems that may be hiding within the chaos.
Steer Clear of “The Challenge” – unless you’re really, really serious…
So, I used to have a big problem. I used to buy ridiculous things at the thrift store. I would find something that could be totally awesome (!!!)… if only the hem was shorter, the bust was taken in, the sleeves were cut off, and the collar replaced.All that left me with was one giant basket of “to be altered” clothing – that I never actually altered and eventually re-donated or gave away.
I fully support altering clothing, and I would love to think that I had the extra time or patience to actually alter all those things. But most of the time I don’t. Be honest with yourself when you’re thrifting, and if you know you’re never going to do the alterations, leave the item for someone else to enjoy.
Thrift store shopping takes patience and self-control, but you can find some of the best items at consignment shops.
There’s a strategy to becoming an efficient thrifter, and if you do it often enough, you can end up with great finds at much lower prices than you would at a standard retail store.
11 Thrifting Tips
If you love thrifting new clothes and are looking for shopping tips to help you find your next great buy, check out the following list:
Sell before you buy. Selling a few items that you are no longer using can help you save money for your thrifting and create storage space for your upcoming purchases. You can sell your items online or at a consignment shop before you load up on thrift store finds.
Find out the store’s specialty beforehand. You can make the thrift shopping experience much easier if you know what the store carries. Some thrift shops specialize in clothing or toys, while others will have a wide array of furniture or home décor. Before heading out, find out which store stocks more of the specific items you’re looking for, and search there first.
Dress appropriately. Many thrift stores don’t have fitting rooms, so you might need to wear something you can easily slip secondhand clothing over to try on. Secondhand stores usually don’t offer refunds, so you want to make sure your clothing fits before you buy it.
Give yourself a clear goal. Thrift shopping should be about finding things you need, not meandering around looking to collect items. Take note of the things you already own, then make a mental list of the things you’re looking for. If you need to, take pictures with your smartphone to help you remember what you have and what you want.
Get your items tailored. One of the few disadvantages of thrifting is that you may find the perfect piece, but it may not fit properly. This can be an easy fix: If it’s a quality find, take it to a tailor. Or, if you’re confident in your sewing and hemming abilities, you can attempt a DIY tailoring job to make your item fit just right.
Know when the stores restock. Most stores are busiest on the weekend, and many quality goods may be gone by then. Pay attention to when your local thrift stores restock new items and try not to wait too long to check them out.
Avoid impulse buys. Thrift stores may have low prices, but it can start to add up if you buy enough items. Set a budget and leave your cards at home. Taking a cash-only approach will help you stick to your list of needs and help you avoid overspending.
Learn how to discern quality. Consignment stores can offer designer brands, vintage items, or other high-end quality pieces with low price tags that you can find if you know what to look for. Natural materials will often be of higher quality than synthetic ones.
Shoes made of 100 percent leather usually have the words “Vero Cuoio” marked on the bottom, which is the Italian phrase for “true leather.” Blazers with linings and wool-blend coats will also be more expensive items than other materials. Get familiar with high-quality tells to discern which items will be worth the money.
Scan the aisles. It’s easy to get caught up searching for great, inexpensive buys at the thrift store in Destin, FL, but part of your strategy should be to search quickly through the aisles to avoid spending too much time in any one store. Train your eyes to scan along hangers or shelves to spot particular color palettes or other items of interest quickly and efficiently.
Haggle. You can sometimes negotiate the price of items that are broken or damaged. If you find an item worth salvaging, try haggling the price down with the sales clerk to make it even more affordable.
Shop off-season. Like with retail stores, the best time to buy seasonal clothing is when the demand is low. Shop for jackets and boots in the summer, and look for sundresses and sandals in the winter.
Steve Clark 