thrifting tips

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I thrift probably 99% of my clothing! A great way to decrease textile waste and save money, but sometimes it can be tricky to get those awesome finds if you’re just starting out. Here are my tips to help you improve your thrift game!

1. BE PATIENT🖤

Thrifting isn’t like regular shopping where each item on the rack is individually displayed and organized. You have to be willing to dig ! This means you need to have patience and be prepared to take your time. The biggest mistake people make when they enter a thrift is a lack of patience. I have friends go in and skip around looking at something here and there and then they proclaim they “can’t find anything good”. Here is my advice, set aside some time to thrift either with people who won’t rush you or with yourself (thrifting is my “me time”). Before you go get yourself a little treat, a snack or a coffee or whatever you prefer. Just make sure you ate something! You need that energy 🌞. Look at EACH item, you never know where the good stuff is so you have to be patient enough to flip through most of the items on the rack 😊.

2. KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS/SIZES🖤

In case you thrift at a place that doesn’t have an open changing room it’s helpful to know all your sizes, but also your basic measurements. Knowing your measurements is helpful especially if you are interested in vintage clothes. Vintage sizing is not the same as modern sizing. For example if you were a size 5 in modern clothing it will not be labeled as size five in certain vintage items. Vintage size numbers have decreased over time due to vanity sizing. For example, a woman with a 32-inch bust would have worn a size 14 in 1937, a size 8 in 1967, and a size 0 today. Also I would recommend brings a soft, roll up measuring tape if you have one to double check the measurements of vintage items because they may have shrunk over time and the labeled size may not accurately portray the size anymore ( this is really only necessary if you aren’t able to simply try on the item).

3. DRESS COMFORTABLE🖤

Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. I would recommend wearing a “basic” shirt/ pants combo. For example I like to wear a simple shirt and a pair of jeans that way when I try something on I have a universally matching option. If I try a shirt on it almost always will give me a good idea of what it would look like in an outfit and if I try pants on the same thing goes since I am wearing something that will not clash. I’d also recommend slip on shoes so it’s easier for changing.

4. MOOD BOARDS AND MANIFESTING🖤

Before you enter the thrift think about specific things you would like to find. Make a list !

For example:

-brown belt

-dark wash boot cut jeans

-a white Lace top

-black maxi skirt

Having a list will help you remember what your thrift goals are and keep you focused on what you wanted. If you don’t find the item on your list during that thrift trip you could always save it for the next time you go!

5. KNOW SALES AND RESTOCKS🖤

If you’re shopping at goodwill be aware of what color tag is on sale that day. Also knowing what day of the week your goodwill restocks is helpful for example if your store restocks on Tuesday you can bet that there will be way more available on Tuesday and Wednesday than on Monday. You can google this or ask a store associate when they restock.

I have so many more tips so let me know in the comments if you’d like to hear more !🩷🩷🩷