Top 6 Tips For Thrift Shopping!
If you've been following me for a while then you know how much I love thrift shopping! I have been thrift shopping for close to 9 years now, both for myself, my kids, and my home! It makes me so happy that thrifting has become more popular and mainstream because it really is the best. Here's a few reasons why I think that!
It's usually more affordable than buying new.
It’s more eco-friendly by giving old things new life and consuming less.
You can find unique or vintage items.
With kids items, you won't waste money on new things that they only use or wear for a short time.
It's more fun than regular shopping in my opinion because it's different each time!
Even though I love shopping, I still try to limit my trips to when I need something. I mean if you take that literally then none of us would ever truly need to shop haha I mean what do we actually “need?” Underwear, a pair of pants, and a t-shirt? That's besides the point. The point is I don't just go all the time for the sake of shopping and spending money. And that brings me to my first thrifting tip!
TIP #1
I recently did an “overhaul” of my closet and style. I really wanted to zero-in on what I actually wear and what I feel most confident in. I also looked into color theory to figure out which colors are most flattering for my skin-tone, hair/eye color ect. This is actually a super fascinating thing to look into if you haven't already! There's plenty of people who charge a fee to analyze you but I just did it on my own through Pinterest resources.
So anyway, once I felt like I finally knew what I liked to wear and what looked good on me, I wrote this all down in my phone notes. So then before/while I thrift shop, I reference that list in my phone. And guess what? Most thrift stores sort the clothes by style then color so save shopping time by ONLY looking through your saved colors. This helps me find items I love so much faster and helps me avoid buyers remorse later haha.
TIP #2
Along with knowing what styles and colors I like best, I also keep a list of things I actually need/want. It's easiest for me to do this with the seasons. So for example, at the beginning of summer, I will look through my closet and see what wasn't worn last summer and why. These items will most likely be donated or sold. I will then take “inventory” of what my closet is lacking.
I love to check out Pinterest for outfit ideas and see what I can copy from my closet. If there's a key item that I think I could wear a lot then I make a note in my phone for next them I shop. I usually try to go shopping at the start of a new season and I will always reference my list first and look for those items. Again, this just saves time and keeps me from over-buying. So for example, if I have been needing to add a black graphic tee to my closet, it's pretty easy to look through the black tshirt section and not the entire store.
TIP #3
Alright so now that we have our list saved on our phone of the colors, styles, and specific items to look for- it's time to head to the store! I personally hate shopping when it's crowded because it makes me feel rushed. And so I NEVER shop on weekends haha if you can avoid it, I highly recommend it.
I have found that Tue, Wed, Thu are the least busy days. The times can totally depend but I try to go when I think it would be inconvenient for others to go. (Ie just before school lets out and everyone is busy with pick up and stuff) or sometimes late morning/early afternoon is great when many are at home for naptime or lunch.
TIP #4
Not all thrift stores are the same! I have better luck finding good quality and stylish items at consignment or resale shops. So places that buy clothes from people will have a better selection. Yes it will also cost a bit more but you will get better condition, better brands, and less dated. Also since you're heading there anyway, take in your unwanted clothes and get some cash or store credit! They usually don't take a lot (they're picky) but even if I just get $10 store credit, that can totally get a pair of jeans or a pair of shoes!
However don't rule out donation places like Goodwill! I recently went to Goodwill and found a Lululemon sports bra for just $5! It was in amazing condition (and double points- a sports bra was on my list of needs!) Especially if you are looking for vintage or super unique items then donation places will be a better option for you! (Hello mom jeans from the 80s!)
TIP #5
So this section is sort of a 3 part tip so it’s kind of long- sorry!
But now that you're shopping by color first then style.. you have found a couple promising items! Yay! Now look them over carefully! Check for stains, tears, missing buttons or broken zippers. I'm not skilled in clothes repair so if I find these things, I weep and it goes back on the rack. If it's an item you are in love with and want to repair it then totally do it! Some items really are worth a bit of TLC especially if it's a high value brand.
If you've looked it over and see no issues then go try it on! I know it's not always fun to try on at stores (I'm looking at you awful lighting and fun house mirror!) But most thrift stores have a final sale policy or a return for store credit only so it's a good idea to try it on! Once it's on, give it a good look again to check for holes and stains.
I have a rule that no matter how good the price or brand is, I don't buy it if I don't love it! If I put something on and it immediately makes me smile and excited to wear it and makes me think (damn I'm hot) then I know it's a winner! If I have to do weird poses to make it look good or come up with reasons to get it or think too hard about how I'd style it ect- it's a no!!! I also don't buy anything that requires me to buy other things in order to wear it. If I can't already wear it with at least 3 things in my current closet then I pass.
If I'm on a budget (which tbh I always am! Haha) and have to choose between things or if I'm stuck between two very similar items, then I go for the better brand. And this isn't for like a snobby reason- I just feel like higher quality brands make better clothes that will last longer and are usually more comfortable.
TIP #6
While on the topic of trying on, my next tip is what to wear shopping! Of course I wear something comfortable but I also wear an outfit I already love and wear often. That way any jeans I try on will look great with my existing top/shoes and any top I try on will look great with my jeans! I also wear a nude bralette so it will go with any top I try on. I also feel like if I am wearing an outfit I already love, it sets the bar a little higher for clothes I try on. Like yeah if you go from dingy old jeans and a worn out t-shirt to trying on anything new and “shiny” of course it will seem better and like you love it. (Trust me, avoid buyers remorse by doing this trick!)
If I'm on a budget (which tbh I always am! Haha) and have to choose between things or if I'm stuck between two very similar items, then I go for the better brand. And this isn't for like a snobby reason- I just feel like higher quality brands make better clothes that will last longer and are usually more comfortable.
My last tip which I know is hard sometimes so it doesn't get it's own section.. SHOP ALONE! I have a really hard time shopping with my kids. I feel rushed and like I can't really focus because I'm also watching them. Also it's just nice to get some alone time ya know!! So leave the kids at home with your partner if possible and you'll have a much better time! If it’s hard to leave the kids home, try asking a friend for a trade! You can take their kids one day while they go shopping alone and then they can do the same for you another day, win-win!
Alright that's all I have for you! Did you find these tips helpful? I hope you give them a try next time you go thrifting! Thanks for reading along.
