How to shop at thrift shops
Happy National Thrift Shop day! I thought today was the perfect time to write about this topic.
Jason Wu dress from The Real Real
We live in a time that each day people are more interested in sustainability and how mass production impacts our planet.
On the other hand, individuals are seeking to have their personal style and not only follow all the latest trends and rules.
This probably explains why second-hand sales are growing substantially. In fact, researchers claim that they will pass fast fashion sales in ten years.
Impressive, isn't it?
And I can see this movement among my clients, too. They love to buy and sell things at thrift shops. I actually know two women who decided to purchase clothes only at this type of boutique.
Even if you've never been to a thrift shop, I highly recommend trying it. That's why I wrote some tips to help you out:
THRIFTING BEGINNER? START WITH THE ACCESSORIES!
If you are a jewelry lover like me, the feeling of finding a unique necklace or pair of earrings is wonderful. It's also easier to find a vintage item at a reasonable price. After I learned how to get some jewelry, I moved on to scarves. Once I became confident with this new shopping experience, I finally decided to look for clothes.
BE OPEN-MINDED!
As a friend of mine says, you need to go to a thrift shop with an open mind or a creative soul. With some exceptions, these stores are very different from regular shops. We need time, patience, and inspiration for hunting.
The Real Real - Soho, NY
GIVE ONLINE THRIFTING A CHANCE!
It's not always easy to look for a specific item and find it right away. Let's say, if you're looking for a gray blazer for Fall, it won't necessarily mean that you'll encounter one exactly on your size. I suggest searching first on websites such as eBay, Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp, or The RealReal.
LEARN HOW TO ANALYZE PRODUCTS BEYOND THE LABEL.
It's quite common to find previously-owned pieces without tags. If that happens, here's what you need to do: feel the fabric and check the finishings.
Scarf from Amarcord
For example, I bought this scarf in the photo above in Brooklyn. It didn't come with a label so I couldn't really know the brand or the fabric. But it felt like silk and the finishing was handmade, which means it had excellent quality.
So, how do you get your eyes trained? Take a look at high-end designer clothes: inspect the material, the seams, and other details. Then, compare it with fast fashion clothes. You'll see the difference!
BEWARE OF TRENDS AND LUXURY ITEMS
When something is trendy, the price goes up. Besides, don't expect to find a high-end designer bag half of the price of a new one. Sometimes, it can be even more expensive if the quality is superior to the current style.
PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYTHING.
Look carefully for stains, pilings, or any damage. Unless you are planning to re-create the piece, skip the acquisition.
Isabel Marant sweater from The Real Real
THINK ABOUT ALTERATIONS.
Depending on what you acquire, you might need to pay a visit to your local tailor. Remember: your clothes should fit you very well. Otherwise, it will be just one more forgotten piece in the back of your wardrobe.
IT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT USED OBJECTS
The Real Real - Soho, NY
Did you know that you can find brand new clothes with tags at thrift stores? This is exactly the case with my gray sweater. Someone might have gotten it as a gift or bought it but regretted it later. Now it's all mine!
ARE YOU ALL ABOUT VINTAGE?
If you're interested in retro clothing, my advice is to study first. For instance, it's important to know that we would never find a zipper in the back of a dress decades ago - or know when the plastic zipper was created, for that matter. Additionally, bear in mind that the sizing we know now is completely different from the past.
I highly advise you to take a look at your closet frequently. See what works for you, what doesn't, and think about what you really need. Declutter, donate, or sell first. Then, go shopping.
Try mixing and matching pre-loved clothing and accessories. It's so much fun and you can create unique outfits!
Do you like to visit thrift stores? Let me know your opinion in the comments.
Disclosure: Keep in mind that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience and professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.