Thrifting has become very popular recently, and for a good reason! It’s one of the most sustainable ways of shopping and doesn’t contribute to the growing fast fashion issues. Not to mention, it’s way more affordable, and you can find really cool unique pieces. Thrifting is a great way to shop, but it can be intimidating if you don’t do it right. So the next time you’re in the mood to shop, do it sustainably and follow these thrifting tips:
Location is key
The key to a good thrift store is the location. The thrift store items depend on the people who donate clothes, so the site is super important. More expensive areas tend to have nicer items, but just keep in mind that they might be more pricey, even though it’s still secondhand clothing.
Timing is everything
Thrifting is not a quick process. You often need to sort through tons and tons of racks to find one thing you like. And so, you want to make sure you go when it’s not busy. That means avoiding the weekends and around specific dates, like Halloween and the start of the school year.
Go with a vision
From my own personal experience with thrift shopping, I know how important it is to go with an idea of what you’re looking for. Going in blindly is only going to make the process that much longer. Narrow down exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a pair of vintage jeans or an oversized crewneck.
Pay attention if something is fixable
The clothes at thrift stores often come with some wear and tear, but it’s important to note if it’s fixable. A little rip you can sew up yourself is different from a bunch of stains on a pair of shoes. Don’t waste your money on something that isn’t fixable.
Try online
Since we might not all be comfortable shopping in person at a thrift store right now, try doing it online! There’s a ton of online secondhand stores you can safely shop at from your home’s comfort. Some of the most popular are Depop and Poshmark.
Stay motivated
Thrifting can really be a hit or miss. Some days, you’ll find a bunch of amazing things in just an hour. Other days, you’ll search for hours and come out empty-handed. But, it’s essential to stay motivated and have fun throughout it all. You’ll get better at it the more you thrift, so just keep the spirits high!
