Shop Well for Clothes in a Thrift Store

Thrift store (opportunity shop, charity shop etc.) shopping is great for finding a bargain and adding items to your wardrobe for little cost. This article has some suggestions for making your thrift store hunting more successful!

Steps

  1. Decide if you're the sort of person who likes thrift store shopping. Thrift stores require a lot of rummaging, which can be time-consuming and tiring. Often they smell musty or are dusty, so if you have allergies, be sure to spend only short amounts of time visiting. Also, you won't always find an item in your size. You won't always find something you like, either. If you are someone who loves to rummage, would sacrifice a half day in pursuit of a bargain and enjoys the thrill of the hunt as much as the kill, then thrift store shopping is for you! You must have perseverance, determination, patience and grit.
  2. Decide what time is best for you to go. You need at least a spare hour, maybe two. Since rummaging requires energy, choose the time of day when you feel strong and energetic. Some stores are open at night or weekends. Nights are good because fewer people go then. Weekends are likely to be busier. Sales days are the busiest.
  3. Try shopping with a friend who you trust so won't you get frustrated with the time you will be taking. It can help to get another opinion and you'll be less likely to leave the store with something that looks awful, or something that you don't actually like. If you're having absolutely no luck, it's good to have a friend along so you can show them all the humorously horrible things you find.
  4. Enter the store of your choice. There are two ways to shop. The first is that you have come with an object in mind, for example, a pair of jeans. So head straight to the area where the jeans are and look with that in mind alone.
  5. The second way is that you have no idea what you're looking for, as long as it fits, is gorgeous and is a total bargain. In this case, start at the beginning. It is always wise to choose one type of thing though - for example, focus on clothes rather than also trying to look at the books, china, toys and bikes etc. Unless the store is tiny, you'll wear yourself out and possibly over-buy.
  6. Many thrift stores color code their clothes. This makes it easier for you to avoid colors that you don't like and not waste extra time. If the clothes are hanging up, it is easier to spot items. Learn to look for a. color; b. texture and c. style. If they're in a heap, dig in and pull!
  7. Color and texture should leap out at you just by running your eyes over the top or sides of the clothing racks. This takes care of the need to pull out every item.
  8. Just pull out the clothes that appeal by color and texture, so that you can check for style. Texture is really important - you should become familiar by eyesight with high quality fabrics and knits such as high quality cotton, cashmere, linen, silk, natural fabrics etc so that you focus on these. Avoid items that are all synthetic (except for serious outdoor clothing, or if you're looking for something that won't wrinkle in a suitcase) - that is probably why they're in the store in the first place. Look for classic styles which don't date easily.
  9. Be honest with yourself even before trying on the item. Do you really like the style overall - the arms shape, the leg flare, the neck plunge etc? Is it really your color? Will it match with clothes you already own? Also be honest with yourself about whether you would really make any alterations or repairs necessary before you would wear it -- if you're not likely to get out the sewing machine or pay a tailor, stick with items that already work!
  10. Check closely for stains, tears, mended parts, stretched stitching (often hard to repair) and marks. Do pants have a shiny seat, are beads or buttons missing? If you see these, ask yourself if are they easily reparable or are they so damaged that the rag bag would be a better place for these clothes? In general, only get items in good condition or capable of an easy repair. And never buy anything with perspiration stains - they just will not come out. Remember that buttons are not a problem - you can easily replace lost ones with better ones.
  11. If the item is quality but it suffers from issues such as stains or being too large or slightly outdated, then still consider it. As mentioned above, some repairs, alterations, or cleanings are relatively simple. If you are handy with a sewing machine, shortening a hemline is no big deal. If a white shirt has a stain, time to get out the bleach. A tailor can have it altered or cleaned and you will still end up being a lot less than purchasing it brand new or from a consignment store.
  12. Time to try on your clothes. Many changing areas only permit 3 items at a time (something that is a bit hard when you have a cartload of goodies!) or they are so open as to be almost immodest. A good trick is wear clothes that enable you to try the items on over the top. A good set is a leotard or swim suit with a little t-shirt and short flared skirt. Slip-on shoes are essential.
  13. Always look in a mirror to see if the clothes really do suit you. If there is no mirror, you take the risk but given the price, it'll probably be a cheap risk!
  14. If you still have energy left, look around some more. Sometimes items donated by the same individual of your taste and size will be close together on the rack. Maybe match some items together with the ones you already have.
  15. Buy your clothes. If you have coupons, be sure to use them.
  16. Wash your clothes. You can't be sure they're really clean. Check pockets before cleaning--you could be pleasantly surprised by forgotten money!
  17. Enjoy your creativity, thriftiness, and making the world a better place by donating money and items. Second-hand is no longer second-best; it is about sharing wants & needs with others around the world.

Tips

  • Be patient - the reasons for why people throw out clothes and other items are so varied but in the main it is because the item is underfoot, no longer wanted and often out-dated. So, there will be junk to rummage through but one person's junk is another's person's treasure and your little treasure is hidden there somewhere!
  • Take along a bag of stuff you don't want anymore when you go to buy things for you at the thrift store. It will lessen the load in your life and help the recycling continue.
  • Salvation Army and Goodwill have very cheap clothing, even for a thrift store.
  • Don't argue about the price. The prices are generally very good anyway. They are priced to sell and to raise funds for a good cause. And if you think it's cheaper at the dollar store down the street, go and buy it from there instead of arguing. Haggling might be the norm but it depends on your store and part of the world. Do it kindly and with good heart.
  • Many of the people running these stores are volunteers and are doing this out of the goodness of their heart. Treat them to a cheery smile and a short chat and let them know they're doing a good job.
  • Keep an eye out for sales and half price days. Then you'll get totally amazing bargains.
  • Leave your purse in the trunk of the car (or at home). Carrying cash in your pocket frees up your hands for sorting/digging/browsing.
  • Many thrift stores state 'no ticket, no sale'. This is to avoid fraud. However, if you find something un-ticketed and you really love it, just see one of the sales staff and explain that that was how you found it and that you'd really like to purchase it. Usually they'll find a price for it!
  • If something is not right with the store, make a gentle suggestion about changing it. Or even become a volunteer there yourself and help make the change.
  • Don't wear a coat. You'll be more comfortable without a coat on and it's easier to hold clothing up to see if it fits, looks good on you, etc.
  • If you don't like the clothes after you get home, you can always sell them on eBay.
  • Don't forget jewelry, hair clasps, ribbons, watches, belts, scarves and hats. These make wonderful and very inexpensive additions. You can often pick up a very expensive silk scarf or a designer belt for next-to-nothing if you rummage carefully. Maybe even a pashmina?
  • There are some great hats at thrift stores but once you get home you should put it in the freezer for 24 hours, and then (if possible) wash it. This kills any things, like lice, that might have been living in it.
  • If you can't think of three things that would go with it that you have or are buying, don't get it.
  • Shoes should be clean and not over-worn.
  • Don't buy clothes that you don't absolutely love, or don't quite fit, or are otherwise substandard--even if they are a bargain! It's tempting to buy something that's almost right, because it's so inexpensive. It's still a waste of time, space, and your appearance to buy something that's just not quite right. If you do insist on the multicolored sweater that is two sizes too small, give it away to someone who would appreciate it.
  • Visit thrift stores in upmarket areas to find good quality natural fabrics, usually with a good cut. The clothes found in higher class areas tend to have been better looked after too. However, some thrift stores are national chains that deliver goods from all over, rich towns, poor towns--don't overlook the thrift store in the less upscale communities.
  • When going to the thrift store, make sure you have a list of what you need or want.

Warnings

  • Don't feel ashamed or embarrassed to be shopping second-hand; it's practical, smart, and financially sensible. Anyone who would put you down for doing it only makes themselves look bad (and shallow!).
  • Don't steal from thrift stores. Not only is it illegal but, you're stealing from a place that is raising money to help people who really need it. If you really can't afford it, tell them. Many will refer you to their help center which can give you coupons for free clothing etc.
  • Take water to drink. Certain thrift stores might be too poor to have air-conditioned premises or are very dusty/musty and you may feel your senses overwhelmed. Drinking some water will help to dampen down the heat/smells.

Things You'll Need

  • Money, or coupons of some sort (if they offer them) to the thrift shop.
  • A large, sturdy bag to put your objects in. Some shops provide bags, but some don't, and clothes (and plenty of other things) can be VERY heavy!

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