I love shopping at thrift stores because feels like a big treasure hunt.
When I starting thrifting, thrift stores felt overwhelming and disorganized. Flipping through racks of halfway decent clothes only to go home and find they don’t fit or disintegrate within one season 😔
Over time, I learned how to navigate thrift shops and buy items that I truly love and fit my body. Depending upon the item, my sweet spot is spending less than $7-$10 on an item.
Today, I want to share with you all the tips and tricks I know about shopping in thrift stores.
TIP #1: Thrift in high-end areas
I know, I know – I sound elitist and slightly snobbish in the header but hear me out for a sec. When I was a child, I grew up in a very blue-collar area of Atlanta. With 5 siblings, money was tight for my parents and we bought most of our clothes from thrift stores. So, this tip isn’t meant to disrespect a particular community.
However, I have visited various thrift stores across the country. From my experience, clothing sold in thrift stores tends to reflect the socioeconomic status of the local area. If the locals buy their clothes from Walmart, chances are you’ll find these fast fashion clothing brands in the thrift store.
I noticed more affluent neighborhoods of Atlanta like Dunwoody and Northern Buckhead, tend to have higher quality items. Sometimes you’ll see designer items that are in really great condition for $5-$15
I prefer buying items that would cost substantially more if I purchased the same item brand new. It doesn’t make sense to pay $7 for a t-shirt with Romwe quality. Especially when I can visit Romwe.com and buy a brand new one for the same price.
TIP #2: Ask an employee when the store restocks their inventory
Visiting a thrift store right after restocking hours increases your chances of finding high-quality items. Especially if you’re thrifting in an affluent region since more people looking in these areas for bargains and deals.
Larger thrift stores add to their inventory every day. But I’ve seen smaller ones that restock on Wednesday or Thursday to prepare for the weekend crowds. Mornings are usually better than evenings too.
TIP #3: Have a Shopping List
Thrifting without a list is like grocery shopping on an empty stomach during a new diet. Somehow, potato chips, ice-cream and pocky sticks end up in a grocery cart meant for fruits and vegetables.
Thrift stores carry a large inventory of clothes; it’s tempting to place items in your cart that you’ll never wear because it looks “cool”. No – full stop, don’t do this. Save your time, money and energy by bringing a list. If you’re feeling creative, you can make a Pinterest board with various outfit ideas and items you want to purchase.
Sometimes I’ve got inside thrift stores and don’t see a single item I want to purchase – and that’s okay! It’s the thrill of the hunt and sometimes a lioness may not catch anything.
What matters is buying clothes from your wish list that “spark joy” and buy what you love.
TIP #4: Read the label
Nothing ruins a good thrifting trip like falling in love with and item that’s “dry clean only” 😣 . I avoid items that need to be dry cleaned like the plague because it will cost more money over time. Avoid purchasing silk, chiffon, velvet, embroidered beads or metallic threads and merino wool. The exceptions are for items you absolutely LOVE and don’t mind spending $10 to dry clean it.
TIP #5: Know Your Size
Considering the times we’re living in (thanks COVID-19 👍🏾 🙄), a lot of thrift stores do not allow shoppers to visit the changing rooms. Nor are customers allowed to exchange items. Therefore, it’s important to know your size and measurements. Get a measuring tape, measure your bust, waist, hips and inseam and write them down on your phone. Don’t forget your ring size if you’re looking for jewelry.
Sometimes with women’s clothing, you come across “vanity sizing”. In other words, a pair of jeans will say its a size “0” but the measurements are a size 2. I’m not sure why companies do this – perhaps its a marketing ploy 🤷🏽♀️
Here’s a cool way to check if you’re jeans will fit. Grab them and place the outer seam is located on the hips, on top of your belly button. Next, place the second seam on your spine. If it doesn’t fit on top of your spine, that means it’s too small. If the seam overlaps your spine, it’s too big.
You can also wear a long skirt and try items underneath to see if they’ll fit. I’ve done it since May when stores in Atlanta started to open back up and nobody bats an eye.
BONUS: Ask your cashier if you can sign up for their mailing list
This will help you stay up to date with new sales, store openings and how your donations serve the community. Many thrift stores in Atlanta help disadvantaged people find jobs, housing, and even college enrollment. It’s nice to see how shopping – a hobby that is stereotyped as vain and conceited – can be used to help those in need.
Well, that’s it for today’s blog post. I’d love to know if you buy clothes from the thrift store – what are your favorite thrifting tips? Tell me in the comments.
Don’t forget to follow me on my other social media accounts as well – Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. Also, check out my previous blog post – 5 Items You Need in Your Closet This Fall
Until next time 😘 ,
Monaco Jones
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