How To Thrift Like A Pro: Everything You Should Know

Wish you could find stylish clothes without spending a bunch of money? Want to be more green with your clothing choices? Do you enjoy repurposing old items? Follow this guide to learn how to thrift and add some new elements to your wardrobe.

Thrifting has become the go-to way to recreate trends on a budget and the focus of hundreds of do-it-yourself tutorials. Before you start cropping your own shirts or hemming jeans you need to learn how to thrift.

Research The Store You’re Going To

There are a ton of different types of thrift stores out there, so before you go shopping check out the location you’re heading to. Large stores like Value Village or Goodwill have a huge variety in what you can get, and it’ll all be relatively cheap. Other stores have more curated collections so if you’re looking for trendier options these will be a better, but also pricer.

Look For Some Inspo

Get some ideas of what you can find by checking out YouTube videos of thrift hauls and Pinterest boards. You can find hundreds of ways to turn basic items into fashionable pieces you have to have.

Have A Plan

The easiest way to feel overwhelmed is to go rummaging through a store without any idea of what you’re looking for. How to thrift like a pro is to go in with an idea of the pieces you need, but also keeping an open mind to unexpected finds.

Donate First

A how-to thrift pro tip: take unwanted clothes to the thrift store before you go shopping. Some places will offer you cash for your higher end pieces but even classic chain thrift stores have discounts you get for donating. Now you’re keeping your old clothes out of landfills and getting paid for it.

Check Out The Men’s Section

The hidden treasure of thrift stores is the men’s section. They tend to be less picked over and large men’s shirts are easy to repurpose into everything from dresses and crop tops. Also, who doesn’t love an oversized men’s hoodie?

Be Ready To Try Stuff On

The biggest difference in how to thrift versus regular shopping is standardized sizes. One medium shirt fitting does not mean the next one will when you’re dealing with 10 different brands and cuts so everything you want to buy needs to be tried on.

Double / Triple Check The Items

Make sure there’s no lingering smell, strange stains or unraveling seams. Turn items inside out, check every seam, and empty pockets just to be sure. An extra pro tip: bring a stain pen with you to test if the items can be saved.

Set A Limit

You can easily find yourself filling up an entire shopping cart of just tank tops if you’re not careful. While five dollars a shirt seems like a good deal there’s no need to spend $50 on one type of item. Be sure that you really love what you’re about to buy as opposed to grabbing everything you see.

Be Patient And Take Your Time

Whether it’s your first time in a thrift store or your four-hundredth, you can find yourself overwhelmed. Set yourself up for success by giving yourself enough time to search the store and remember to stay patient. Some days will be more successful than others, and there is nothing wrong with that. Don’t buy the first thing you find; instead, wait, look around, and maybe come back another day. The beauty of thrift stores is that every time you go you’ll find something new.