In my experience, all thrift store in Destin, FL and vintage shops have a denim section. If you walk into a vintage shop and are having trouble finding the denim section, don’t be shy about asking for help.
There are also great online resources for denim shopping that can make the process more seamless, along with finding a wider range of sizes. Check out our online vintage shop roundup as a good place to start.
LOOK AT THE TAGS
When I am shopping for vintage denim, the first thing I look at is the tag. Over time, I have acquired a good eye for knowing if the tag is vintage or not. The key is noticing the information on the tag itself. Use this visual guide to help in distinguishing vintage tags based on eras.
The logo on the tag is a great indication that you have found a vintage piece—see the font and the way the tag is sewn into the jeans. Another thing I look for is “made in the USA.”
Manufacturing outside of the US didn’t spike until the late 1970s and, while it is still vintage if it doesn’t say made in the USA (a true vintage piece is 20 years old), the quality is typically higher if it was made locally.
FIND THE SHAPE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Be prepared for the sizing and shapes to be totally different than modern denim. Vintage denim jeans are four sizes smaller than modern jeans. Try not to focus on the sizes, however, and rather on how well the jeans fit. Bring a variety of sizes, washes, and shapes into the dressing room with you.
It may take some time before you find the right fit for your body type. And remember, you can always get your denim tailored. When I found my first pair of 501s, they taught me the magic that is tailoring—it allows you to create the perfect fit for your body.
When shopping for vintage denim, I ask myself a few questions to help me find the right fit and determine where the piece will need tailored:
Does the inseam sit where I want it on my hips and waist?
Do I like how the jeans sit on my booty?
Where is the length of the jeans sitting?
How baggy are they? Are they too baggy around the thighs or waist?
FEEL THE FABRIC
Being that synthetic fibers have been around since the 1930s, many vintage pieces have blended fabrics, which aren’t the most lasting or highest quality. When shopping for vintage denim, you want to look for pairs made from 100 percent cotton and woven twill.
True vintage denim is thicker in feel, being that it does not contain synthetic fibers, whereas modern denim jeans are much stretchier. With this in mind, it may take time to break in a new pair of vintage denim—just like leather, thicker vintage denim takes some time to break in to fit your body.
Fashion trends come and go. Keeping up with the fast-changing fashion trends has led manufacturers to produce large clothing at faster speeds. This process has had lasting effects on the environment.
Clothing is worn and tossed faster than expected. People tend to toss clothing out when it no longer fits. Not to mention all the clothing that is thrown out because it is no longer in style. These pieces of apparel usually end up in two places: the garbage dump or second-hand stores.
Studies show that the average American tosses out 81 pounds of clothing every year. Add all that up and it can be equivalent to 26 billion pounds of textiles that end up in landfills all over the United States. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste because the clothing gets recycled by allowing someone else to buy it.
KEEPING THE OCEANS CLEAN
The ocean is home to 50 to 80 percent of all life on earth. Tossing toxins into the ocean impacts the lives of aquatic species and animals that play critical roles in the environment. One way that we can keep oceans clean is by thrifting.
Most clothing nowadays has some form of polyester. This type of fabric does not decompose in the ocean. If it ends up in the sea, it can pollute and harm the environment. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste by giving people a safe way to recycle clothing.
REDUCING THE USE OF WATER
Aside from polluting oceans, the fashion industry is also to blame for consuming water. It is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. A large amount of water usage affects the water supply for drinking purposes.
For example, it takes 650 gallons of water to make one new cotton t-shirt. A pair of jeans takes 1,800 gallons of water. The thrift industry reduces the use of water by selling jeans that can be reused and passed down. This process helps decrease the need to produce new clothing.
STOPPING AIR POLLUTION
When you think about which industries being the largest air polluter, what comes to mind? Perhaps, the oil industry is your top choice. However, did you know that the fashion industry is one of the world’s largest air polluters? It produces 10 percent of all humanity’s carbon emissions.
Minimizing air pollution is critical to prevent health issues and prevent climate change. Calling for a donation pick up Omaha service and shopping at thrift stores is easier to reduce air pollution. This helps reduce the need to manufacture new clothing and shoes.
There’s something wonderful about heading to a thrift store in Lebanon, TN and finding a unique piece of clothing that fits your style perfectly. The “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” saying is quite truthful. Now more than ever, people are donating clothing, home goods, electronics, and other objects that are in terrific condition.
Whether they’re clearing out clutter or making room for more stuff, this propensity to buy and buy has made thrifting an even more rewarding habit for your wallet. But apart from the personal advantages of shopping secondhand, thrifting is a great benefit for the environment.
Put the “reduce, reuse, recycle” slogan into even better practice—donate more and thrift often! Learn more about how thrifting is good for the planet below.
Keeps Clothes Out of Landfills
Think back to that reduce, reuse, recycle slogan we’ve all been taught since elementary school. When we were first taught this, it typically had to deal with plastics and paper.
Many people don’t realize that recycling incorporates more than the typical plastics and includes textile recycling as well. Just because you’re not putting your clothes in the blue bin and leaving them at the edge of the road doesn’t mean thrifting is not an important form of recycling.
One of thrifting’s biggest advantages for the planet is that it keeps clothes out of landfills. People now more than ever are recognizing that the clothes they no longer want will make much more of an impact when donated and brought to thrift stores, rather than tossed in the garbage. When clothes are thrown away, they sit in landfills for hundreds of years.
Especially now that a lot of clothing is made out of synthetic material that won’t degrade, these clothes tossed into landfills take up a vast amount of space and contribute to the greenhouse gases plaguing our planet. Even clothes made out of organic materials won’t biodegrade properly in landfills and will output methane gas.
When people donate clothes and shop secondhand, they’re playing a great role in keeping clothes out of landfills.
Contributes to Charities
Shopping secondhand also plays a role in boosting community development. Your money is typically used to help local charities and businesses, rather than multinational corporations that take advantage of the planet.
Better yet, these charities that the stores benefit will often help out community members in need or strive to help the planet. Think about it this way—when you shop secondhand, you’re supporting a business that strives to help others.
When we’re helping others, we’re helping the environment in some way as well. This contribution to charities can take the form of assisting those in need in the community and can help an organization that’s planting more trees or supporting third-world countries and their water sources.
Lowers Your Carbon Footprint
Another significant way thrifting is good for the planet is that it lowers your carbon footprint. This is another one of those phrases we were taught young—carbon footprint.
We often think that the only way we can do this is by biking to work instead of driving or by reducing our shower time. Though these are wonderful ways, thrifting is one of those steps to reducing our carbon footprint that doesn’t take much effort.
All it asks is that you head to a thrift store rather than engage in online or fast-fashion shopping! We mention fast fashion because now more than ever, a ton of energy goes into clothing manufacturing. The whole process—transportation of raw materials to the production processes and shipping to stores—takes up a plethora of energy and time.
The fashion industry is moving faster than ever, creating millions of clothing items every day to fill up the stores every week. When you buy secondhand, you’re preventing that massive waste of energy and resources on the production of new clothes.
Thrifting is an easy way to make a difference in your own carbon footprint and take the small steps to lower the world’s.
Helps Preserve Water
In a similar sense, thrifting helps preserve water. Like we’ve mentioned, clothing production is a process that takes up a lot of time and energy; it also uses a lot of water—water that we need dearly and are slowly running low on.
Water consumption is extremely high in every single stage of clothing production. Take a cotton T-shirt, for example. When made unsustainably, even simply growing one kilogram of cotton requires at least 10,000 liters of water.
That’s just the beginning of the production process. There’s wet processing and printing, packaging and transportation processes—all these steps add to the overall water consumption. When you shop secondhand, you’re playing a part in preserving water.
As we’ve stated, textile recycling is a part of the whole “reduce, reuse, recycle” mentality, and water preservation is just as important as that.
When you recycle clothing—either donating or buying secondhand—you’re preserving water. It’s just as important as driving less, eating green, and shutting off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
Reduces Chemical Pollution
Another great way that thrifting helps the planet is that it reduces the chemical pollution induced by creating and buying new clothes. Let’s think back to cotton—the production of cotton not only uses tons of water, but it’s also highly pesticide intensive.
This means that when cotton is produced and manufactured, it causes soil acidification and water contamination. And this is from material that many people consider sustainable. In general, textile-manufacturing processes involve the use of harmful dyes and crude oil by-products.
The process of creating and shipping new clothes contaminates surface and groundwater, pollutes the air, and so much more. Shopping secondhand begins to eliminate the constant chemical pollution that results from clothing production.
In general, when we take the time to shop the clothes that are readily available to us in secondhand and thrift stores, we’re not only finding those unique products that match our beautiful personalities, but we’re helping the planet as well.
There are so many wonderful benefits of thrift shopping, and when we take the time to visit and shop these special places, we’ll get to reap those rewards.
There’s a specific kind of joy that comes from finding the perfect pair of vintage jeans (especially when they fit).
That just-right faded blue denim tells a story, and it’s easy to daydream about whether your vintage jeans were once at Woodstock or riding horseback in the Wild West – it’s like wearing history.
If you’re new to vintage clothing and intimidated by the thought of digging through thrift store racks, I am here to help. Follow the tips below, and you’ll be on your way towards finding your new favorite pair of vintage jeans.
Know what you’re looking for.
Before heading to your local vintage or thrift stores, have an idea of what you’re looking for. Whether it’s light or dark wash denim, straight or flared jeans. This way, you’ll spend less time scanning the racks.
What’s my size?
It’s all about trial-and-error. You might try on ten pairs before finding one that fits, but that’s part of the fun. Ignore modern sizing conventions. Vintage jeans tend to run smaller and sizes may vary depending on the decade they were made. It helps to know your measurements and have a tape measure on hand if there’s no fitting room.
You can also try the old neck trick: wrap the waistband of the jeans around your neck. If the ends meet, then the jeans will likely fit. And keep in mind that vintage denim doesn’t have much stretch, so if they’re too snug, move on to the next pair.
Make them yours.
If you found a pair you can’t live without but the waist is a little too big or there’s an undesirable tear, don’t worry. Alter it as per your requirements
The difference between thrift and vintage stores.
Vintage stores are usually curated (and more expensive). Thrift stores generally have more to choose from and range in product quality (and are less expensive).
If searching through racks for a hidden gem doesn’t sound fun, a thrift store in Lebanon, TN is probably your better bet since they’ve done the digging for you.
You might have seen trucks driving through neighborhoods, bins set up in shopping center parking lots to collect old clothes or athrift shop in Santa Rosa Beach, FL accepting old clothes. This indicates there’s importance associated to donating clothes versus simply throwing them away.
The best types of clothes to donate are ones that aren’t damaged; they are simply items you haven’t worn in 18 months or so. You can put them to better use than as closet fixtures. Don’t forget that you can deduct clothing donations to qualified organizations on your income tax return.
Helps People Who Can’t Afford Clothes
Thrift stores run by charitable organizations typically provide the only way the homeless and other disadvantaged people can afford clothes. The organizations you donate to could not afford to carry out their work without your donated clothing items.
Helps Disaster Victims
Though the Federal Emergency Management Agency prefers cash to help disaster relief efforts, clothing donations also help. Instead of donating directly to FEMA, choose a reputable organization that helps disaster survivors.
If you have clothes you wish to donate to help disaster survivors, call them or another trusted organization that collects clothing for this purpose. The organization typically will send a truck to your house to pick up the clothing; it will be sorted, packaged and distributed to disaster survivors.
Helps the Environment
If people buy used clothing instead of new, fewer new clothes need to be made. This saves the resources used to create new textiles. For example, the polyester fiber production process puts a strain on the environment. Recycling clothing helps the environment in a similar way as recycling bottles, paper and cans does.
Helps People with Disease
Donating clothes helps organizations that help fight certain diseases. The clothing you donate goes toward fundraising. The organization uses the money raised to fight kidney disease by setting up early screening and education programs.
Keeps Your House Organized
Living in a state of chaos and clutter, besides being a possible fire hazard, can be detrimental to your emotional health. If you are ever late getting to work because you can’t find a particular article of clothing, you likely have too much clothing clutter. A good rule of thumb when deciding what to donate is to keep the classic stuff — the clothes that stand the test of time — and donate the rest.
Overflowing wardrobe making you wonder where to sell old clothes ?
One can never have too many clothes. True that! However, sadly, most of us have limited storage space. Even before you know, your wardrobe starts overflowing leaving no place for the season’s new hottest buys!
Does that mean you stop indulging in further retail therapy? No! In fact, it calls for selling off your older collections to make place for even more shopping (spatially and financially). From this, arises the age-old question that has driven so many crazy — where to sell old clothes? Well, it’s your lucky day as we have the perfect answer, so get excited and read on!
Now you really don’t have to worry about where to sell old clothes and where you can get the maximum pay-outs for the same. There are amazing marketplaces today that will happily take your second-hand clothes off you and also help you fetch a few extra bucks. No, we’re not talking about garage sales and age-old vintage shops!
It’s time to go digital,where the scope of secondhand online fashion is steering the world.
Do you think it’s going to be a cumbersome process? Far from it. You can consign off the clothes you no longer need quicker and easier than ever before. Follow these simple steps to know where to sell old clothes in a jiffy and how:
• Collect all the garments that you would like to consign off.
You’ll be surprised at the sheer volume of clothes lying around uselessly when you rummage through your closet. Select clothes that are without stains and tears. Some websites encourageonly authentically branded products.
• Search for secondhand online retailers.
There are plenty of websites dealing in secondhand clothing today. Pick the one that promises the best facilities. If you would like a middle-party to handle all deliveries and hassles, you can search for specialized websites. These are more organized and usually limited to apparels only.
• Go to your chosen site and check the estimated pay-outs.
Usually they have a seller price estimator option where you can determine the price brackets of your pre-owned garments. The rates are determined as per the brand, condition and type of clothing you’re consigning off. Choose a website which promises the best income.
• Register
Once you’re happy with the price estimates and have found where to sell old clothes hassle-free, register and request a free pick-up (if available).
• Ask for exact rates
Usually the website will take your garments in-house and conduct a quality check.Once the garment is approved, your exact payout will be determined and shared for approval.
• See your garment’s image up on the website and collect the money on sale
Now doesn’t that sound like a plan? Create more space and money to buy that beautiful dress you’ve been waiting for! Dress ‘this season’ by getting rid of all your older outfits. Never wonder where to sell old clothes anymore — just jump the digital wagon and see the magic unfold!
Donate
For a good cause one should donate too. Thrift shops in Santa Rosa Beach, FLallow you to donate your old clothes. They are a non profit organization. Go for this good cause if you wish to.
What to look for when shopping for clothes at a thrift store
Many fashion conscious folks have great aspirations and desires to own trendy clothes or vintage apparel, but often find them heavy on their pocket. This is where shopping at a thrift shop in Santa Rosa Beach, FL comes in. Thrift shopping is a fantastic way to procure high-end clothes and accessories that are well below retail rates.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that when you have decided to buy pre-owned items, you have to carefully decide what you want to buy, where you want to buy it and the condition you’re ok with. There are several second-hand consignment stores you can visit to gauge quality.
But if you’re busy schedule does not permit a visit, then there are several internet portals where you can leisurely browse the collection without worrying about parking. Thrift shopping online is a great way to purchase second-hand clothes from the comfort of your home. All you need is a strong mobile data or Wi-Fi!
So when you’re shopping at a second-hand clothing store, what are some of the points to consider before making a purchase?
Stains
Unfortunately, this is something that you will have to watch out for in pre-owned clothes. Since they have been worn by others, it is possible that you will find some stains in the clothing. It is up to you to decide whether you’re ok with slightly stained clothes or not.
The price of the clothing will also depend on the condition and quality of clothes, and that includes stains. When it comes to thrift shopping online, carefully check the specifications of the clothes where the quality and condition of the clothes will be mentioned.
Fabric
Fabric in clothing is very important. When you’re shopping, be sure to check the fabric of the apparel that you’re buying. The fabric has to be comfortable and something that you can wear all day. If visiting the store, it is possible to touch the clothes and try them on. When you’re thrift shopping online, click on the old navy pants you’re planning to buy and check the specifications where the choice of fabric would be mentioned.
Washing Instructions
When looking to buy pre-owned clothes, do take a look at the washing instructions. If you’re at the store, check where the ‘washing instructions’ are mentioned or ask a staffer to help you out with it. If you’re thrift shopping online, check the website to see where the instructions for washing are mentioned for the specific clothing. Some clothing requires only dry cleaning, so if you’re not up for that, then maybe the particular attire may not be for you.
These are some of the points to consider when you decide to shop at a second-hand clothing store — online or otherwise.
If you’re looking for cheap thrills, thrifting is where it’s at. There is nothing quite like seeing the words Gucci inscribed on a pair of sunglasses for $2. On another day, I purchased a pair of vintage Ted Lapidus oversized sunglasses made in Paris.
HOT SHOPPING TREND
Thrifting is a hot and hip shopping trend. It’s especially popular with younger shoppers who like the value and sustainability of buying gently used goods. Even Macy’s and JC Penney are showcasing thrifty goods in department stores in new partnerships with ThredUp. If you need something, anything, you’ll find it at the thrift store sooner or later. A lot of stuff is brand new.
DON’T WAIT
If you like it, buy it. Items won’t be there for long because merchandise turns over quickly. Also, ask when new merchandise is stocked so you’ll know when to visit. Plus, the more often you visit, the more treasures you’ll find. Also, try to shop early, when stores first open for business to get the best selection.
SAVE MORE
Usually, most items are 50% off at least one day a week. Check your favorite thrift’s website to see when the best sale days will be held. Also, most thrifts have a color-coded ticket system. For instance red-tagged items may be 50% off on a certain day each week. Signs are usually posted as you enter stores, or just ask at the register. Don’t be afraid to ask for an extra discount if items are damaged.
KNOW LABELS
Vintage goods are not only cool, they are collectible and can be valuable, too.
WHERE TO LOOK
Windows, glass display cases and behind registers are the spots to focus your attention. Don’t be afraid to ask to see items. Check those back racks. Get down. Great finds can be hiding in low-lying bins or under piles of stuff. I have found a few beautiful vintage beaded evening bags mixed in with wallets piled on top of clothing racks. It takes time to go through stuff, so don’t be impatient. You will be rewarded.
AUTHENTICATE IT
Buyer beware: There are a lot of fake designer goods in thrift stores. Before you buy, compare logos and fonts on items you think may be authentic to see if they exactly match real designer versions. Details matter. Most high-end brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton have serial numbers and date codes. There are tons of YouTube tutorials that give tips on how to spot fakes.
Also, look for high-quality materials and leathers, heavy hardware, clasps and zippers. Search inside handbags and accessories for tags with holograms and serial numbers (my Fendi bag has both). Closely examine linings and stitching to see if they are secure; make sure they aren’t stained and ripped or they will be harder to sell on the resale market.
If the item is very inexpensive and you’re not sure if it’s real, I’d buy it and do the research later. There are professional authenticating services you can consult, too.
WHAT TO BRING
Your smartphone is your best friend. Use it to check items on the fly before you buy to see if a brand you aren’t familiar with is a treasure. Also, bring a magnifying glass or loop to spot teenie makers’ marks stamped on vintage costume jewelry (some brands can be quite valuable) or to read minuscule print on labels sewn deep inside handbags. A magnet is also useful; silver and gold are not magnetic.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
A store’s proximity to ritzy areas matters. Donations come from surrounding neighborhoods.
These shops carry used designer goods that people are trying to sell. You can save up to 50% to 75% on everything from used Louie Vuitton purses to Hermes scarves and Chanel suits. Consign your high-end thrift-store finds at these stores to make some money or trade for other goods. Most of these shops post items on Facebook to entice you to visit.
MOBILE MARKETPLACES
Looking to buy an exercise bike or a bedroom dresser? New app-based marketplaces use location services to hook up local buyers and sellers. They are catching on like wildfire, with millions of users.
If you’re new to thrift shopping, or simply haven’t been often, it can be a daunting experience. Shop with confidence at your local thrift shop with these helpful tips.
Find special deals
Thrift stores are known for discounted, gently-used clothing. However, many thrift stores offer specials and bargains on top of their already low prices.
Choose a thrift shop with a mission you believe in
Many thrift shops are a part of charities who offer social service operations, such as the big name Salvation Army and Goodwill. After expenses, all proceeds from the thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL are used for charity.
It should be a relaxing experience
With Christian music in the background, customers can shop clothing for the whole family, shoes and accessories, housewares, and home decor.
Donate goods you no longer use to the same thrift shop
As you fill your closet with great deals on clothing, accessories, shoes, and household items from your favorite thrift shop, remember to give back. You can make room for the new by donating your gently used clothing, accessories, linens, and small household items, in good condition.
Thrift store shopping takes patience and self-control, but you can find some of the best items at a thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL. 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, 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 